Challenger Headliner Replacement and Sagging Fix

Why Headliners Sag

The headliner is fabric bonded to a foam-backed fiberglass or cardboard substrate. The adhesive fails due to:

• Heat cycling over many years
• UV exposure through the sunroof
• Humidity degrading the foam backing

Once the foam begins separating, the fabric follows and droops from the ceiling.

Quick Fix: Re-Adhesion

For early-stage sagging, you can re-bond the headliner without full removal:

1. Push the headliner back into position
2. Use a trim pry tool to access the edge
3. Apply 3M Super 77 spray adhesive or headliner adhesive behind the drooping section
4. Press and hold for 60 seconds

Limitation: This is a temporary fix if the foam substrate has fully deteriorated. The adhesive has nothing solid to bond to.

Full Headliner Replacement

For a permanent fix on a badly sagging headliner:

Removal:

1. Remove all interior trim around the headliner perimeter (A, B, C pillar trim, dome light, sun visors, seatbelt anchors at the roof)
2. Slide the headliner board out through the door opening (the Challenger's large doors help here)
3. Strip all old fabric and foam from the board

Preparation:

1. Clean the board surface — remove all adhesive residue
2. Apply new foam padding if the original is deteriorated (available in rolls)

Re-covering:

1. Cut new headliner fabric 4–6 inches larger than the board
2. Apply headliner adhesive to the board in sections, stretching the fabric tight and smooth as you go
3. Work from center outward — no wrinkles

Reinstallation:

1. Reverse removal steps — trim clips back in, lights and visors reinstalled

Headliner fabric options: Match OEM texture (typically a gray or tan suede-like fabric) or upgrade to Alcantara for a luxury/performance look.