Craig's Auto Upholstery
Headliner Repair in San Jose
Sagging headliner? We repair or replace it in San Jose so it looks smooth again—with clean edges around lights, visors, and trim.
Auto Upholstery
Full interiors or targeted repairs with careful matching.
Car Seats
Tears, seams, bolsters, and foam rebuilds.
Headliners
Sagging headliner replacement that stays tight.
Convertible Tops
Leaks, wear, and repair vs replacement guidance.
Classic Cars
Consistent, detail-focused classic interiors.
Contact
Estimates, photo checklist, and next steps.
When a headliner starts to sag, it makes the whole cabin feel tired fast. In San Jose heat and sun, once the foam backing starts to fail it usually spreads, so the real question is whether a localized repair is worth it—or if it’s time for a replacement that actually lasts.
Why your headliner is sagging
Headliners usually fail because the foam backing and adhesive break down over time. The fabric is often fine — it’s what’s behind it that gives up.
Common causes:
- Heat exposure (especially through glass)
- Age and adhesive deterioration
- Moisture/humidity events that weaken the backing
- Previous “quick fixes” that add weight or leave uneven adhesion
Once sagging starts, it tends to spread.
Headliner repair vs headliner replacement
Most calls start with “headliner repair,” but when the backing is failing, replacement is usually the lasting fix.
| Your situation | What usually makes sense | Why |
|---|---|---|
| The headliner is coming loose at one edge or one small area | Start by evaluating a localized repair | If the backing is still solid, re-bonding can be clean and durable. |
| It’s sagging across large sections (front/back/center) or bubbling | Replacement | That pattern usually means the backing is failing, so “glue fixes” don’t hold. |
| It’s stained from water, smoke, or age | Replacement (and address the source if needed) | Even if the fabric sticks again, stains keep the interior looking unfinished. |
| Sunroof shade fabric is peeling near the handle/trim | Depends — can be a localized fix | Some shade issues are isolated; others are the start of full backing failure. |
A repair might make sense when
- The issue is small and isolated (often an edge or a single seam area).
- The backing still feels solid and isn’t crumbling.
- You want a clean result without turning it into a bigger project.
Replacement is usually the right move when
- The fabric is sagging across a wide area or you see bubbling.
- The foam backing is degraded (dusty/crumbling) so adhesives won’t hold.
- Stains or discoloration are part of the problem, not just sagging.
Quick signs you need replacement
If you want the quick read before you call, look for:
- More than one sagging spot (front + back, or spreading over time)
- Bubbling / waves that won’t lay flat
- Foam dust or residue when you touch the area
- Stains that keep the headliner looking unfinished even if it’s reattached
If you’re not sure, don’t overthink it — a quick inspection makes it obvious.
Why pins and spray glue usually disappoint
Pins and spray glue don’t rebuild backing. They can hold the fabric up temporarily, but they often:
- Leave visible dimples or waves
- Fail again when the cabin heats up
- Make replacement harder later because the surface is uneven
If you already tried a “quick fix,” you’re not alone. We’ll evaluate what’s underneath and recommend the next step that will actually hold.
Sunroof shades vs full headliners (common point of confusion)
Some people don’t have a failing full headliner — they have a sunroof shade fabric issue. The repair path depends on whether the backing is still solid and whether the problem is truly local.
If your shade is peeling at the front edge near the handle/trim, call and tell us that detail. It helps us plan the inspection and the right fix.
What a proper headliner replacement includes
A headliner that looks factory-clean depends on fit and finishing.
Typical steps include:
- Inspect the headliner condition and identify trim/hardware challenges.
- Remove and protect interior trim as needed.
- Prep the backing so new material bonds cleanly.
- Install new material with smooth, even tension.
- Cut and finish around lights, visors, handles, and trim so lines look intentional.
Clean edges and consistent tension are what separate a professional headliner from a “looks okay from ten feet away” job.
Material and color matching
Most people want one thing: the headliner should look like it belongs in the car.
Matching involves:
- Color tone under daylight
- Texture and finish (some materials look out of place quickly)
- Consistency with the rest of the interior
If your interior has faded over time, we can guide options that look natural rather than introducing a stark “brand new bright panel” above everything else.
Headliner issues we commonly see
- Fabric sagging or hanging down
- Bubbling around the edges
- Stains and discoloration
- Loose or frayed edges near lights and visors
If you tried pins or adhesive spray already, don’t worry — it’s common. The best next step is a proper replacement.
What affects headliner cost (so estimates aren’t random)
Cost depends on:
- Vehicle size and roof complexity
- Amount of trim and hardware involved
- Material choice
- Condition of the backing and how much prep is required
We provide clear options after inspection.
Timeline: what to expect
Headliner work varies by vehicle and complexity. After inspection, we’ll give a realistic timeline so you can plan around the vehicle.
How to get a fast quote (headliner-specific)
When you call, be ready to share:
- How much of the headliner is sagging (front, back, entire roof)
- Whether there are stains or water damage
- Whether the vehicle has additional roof features (e.g., lots of overhead trim)
Photos in good light help.
Photo checklist: /en/contact/
Call: (408) 379-3820
Headliner FAQs
Can you fix a headliner without replacing it?
Sometimes. If the issue is small and the backing is still solid, a localized repair may work. If the foam backing is breaking down, replacement is usually what lasts.
My headliner is only coming loose near the sunroof shade — do I need full replacement?
Not always. Some sunroof-shade issues are localized. We inspect the area and the condition of the backing to recommend the right fix.
Will it look smooth?
A proper headliner should look smooth and tight with clean edges around trim and hardware.
Do pins or spray glue work?
They can hold temporarily, but they don’t restore failing backing and often lead to waves, sagging, or visible dimples. For a clean result that lasts, replacement is usually the right move when the backing is degraded.
Can you match the original color?
We aim to match tone and texture closely and confirm options before work begins.
What do you need for a quote?
Year/make/model and a couple photos in daylight showing how much is sagging (and whether there’s a sunroof). The full checklist is on the contact page.
Related:
- Auto upholstery: /en/auto-upholstery/
- Contact and estimates: /en/contact/