Headliner
The fabric-covered panel that forms the interior ceiling of your Mustang, hiding the metal roof and providing insulation and finished appearance. Also: the single most frustrating interior component to install—a 6-foot sheet of fabric-backed foam that fights you like a wet sail in a windstorm while spray adhesive makes everything permanently sticky.
What 'Headliner' Actually Means
A headliner is the interior roof covering, typically consisting of fabric laminated to foam backing, supported by metal bows (ribs) that span the roof opening.
Construction:
- Fabric face (vinyl or cloth)
- Foam backing (1/8"-1/4" thick)
- Metal bows (3-5 bows spanning width of roof)
- Listing rods (thin wires in sewn pockets)
- Tack strips (cardboard or plastic mounting strips)
How it's installed:
- Bows install first (mount to roof framework)
- Headliner material lays across bows
- Listing rods slide into sewn pockets (align with bows)
- Material wraps around windshield frame, rear window, side rails
- Spray adhesive holds everything permanently in place
What it does:
- Hides bare metal roof
- Provides thermal insulation
- Absorbs sound
- Gives finished, upholstered appearance
- Keeps you from staring at roof structure while driving
What goes wrong:
- Fabric sags (adhesive fails, foam deteriorates)
- Stains (water leaks through rusty roof)
- Tears (age, rough handling during windshield work)
- Discoloration (sun fade, smoke)
My headliner looked like a saggy hammock for 2 years. Hung down 3-4 inches in the middle. I kept meaning to fix it. Then a friend sat in the back seat and the headliner draped over his head like a veil. He said "Dude." That weekend I had it replaced. Professional install: $650. Should have done it 2 years earlier.
Why It Matters for Your Mustang
A sagging or stained headliner makes the entire interior look terrible, even if everything else is perfect.
Original headliner (50+ years old):
- Sagging (adhesive failed, foam deteriorated)
- Stained (water leaks, smoke, age)
- Torn or missing sections
- Faded color
- Makes whole car feel run-down
New headliner:
- Tight, smooth appearance
- Fresh color
- Insulates heat and sound
- Makes interior feel finished
- Cost: $200-$800 (parts + install)
The visual impact:
Headliner is one of the largest visible interior surfaces. Sagging headliner = "neglected project car." Tight new headliner = "cared-for classic." Huge visual difference for relatively small investment.
Cost Impact
| Repair Type | Typical Cost (LA) | Labor Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-sewn headliner (DIY) | $150-$250 | $0 (DIY) - 8-16 hours, high failure risk |
| Pre-sewn headliner (shop) | $550-$850 | $150-$250 parts + $400-$600 labor |
| ABS headliner board | $600-$1,000 | $300-$500 parts + $300-$500 labor |
| Custom fabric (shop) | $700-$1,200 | $200-$400 parts + $500-$800 labor |
*LA labor rates: $90-$140/hour for upholstery work. Professional installation highly recommended - DIY failure rate is high and requires buying another headliner.
Ask me how I know these numbers.
Common Issues
Sagging
Adhesive fails over time, foam deteriorates, headliner hangs down in center
Water Stains
Roof rust allows water intrusion, causing brown stains and moldy smell
Installation Difficulty
Large floppy material, spray adhesive is permanent, wrinkles are impossible to fix
Windshield Removal
Some installations require windshield removal, adding $200-$400 and risk of cracking glass
Torn or Missing Sections
Age, rough handling, or windshield work can tear headliner - cannot be repaired
See This in Action
- Mustang Interior Restoration Cost Guide
Headliner replacement costs as part of complete interior builds
Want to Learn More?
Download the Mustang Restoration Starter Kit (LA Edition) for:
- Complete terminology reference guide
- Cost estimation worksheets
- Pre-purchase inspection checklist
- Shop interview questions
- Project timeline planning tools
No upsells. No bait-and-switch. Just the information Dorian wishes he'd had before he bought his first project car.