[Dodge City]

Has anyone repaired the headliner in a Dakota. My is dropping down on the front edge. The sagging looks like the glue has deteriorates over time? It's a small area right now. Not sure what headlining adhesive in a spray can be used for it.
I really don't want to remove the headliner to repair it. The fabric is separate from its backing board.
Thank you any help.

 

[oldmarine]

I tried replacing my headliner myself right after I first bought my Dakota. It was only 7 years old, but the headliner was completely separated from the backing board. When I finished, it looked okay, but you could see where I didn't get the adhesive applied evenly. A couple years later, it started developing sags again and looked bad. So I had it professionally done for less than I would have guessed. 10 years later, it still looks like new! So I obviously recommend having a pro shop do it. I'd guess at today's prices you should be able to get it done for $250-$300. Save up for it if you have to!

 

[immattj]

I tried replacing my headliner myself right after I first bought my Dakota. It was only 7 years old, but the headliner was completely separated from the backing board. When I finished, it looked okay, but you could see where I didn't get the adhesive applied evenly. A couple years later, it started developing sags again and looked bad. So I had it professionally done for less than I would have guessed. 10 years later, it still looks like new! So I obviously recommend having a pro shop do it. I'd guess at today's prices you should be able to get it done for $250-$300. Save up for it if you have to!

When I got my '03 Dak in '14 that sagging headliner was one of the issues with it. I remember driving back from where I bought it on the interstae with the window open & the incoming air was blowing up the headliner like a balloon & blowing filler all over the place like confetti. At the time, I thought mine might be due to the PO being a heavy smoker (heavy is an understatement) & the cigarette smoke drying the glue out, but I've read quite a few sagging Dakota headliner posts . . . I wonder what it is with them? I've got a couple of GM pickups, a '02 & a '97, & those original headliners are perfect.

Anyway, I first used a staple gun to secure mine, but then in '16, I think it was, I took it to a retired upholstery guy & he redid it. That was $80 well spent.

 

[Richard D]

Like others have commented, I bought an 03 about 3 years ago and had to fix the roof lining. I think you'll ultimately agree that removing and repairing is a better option. I removed mine, scrapped all the foam backing and liner, I used heavy brushes and alcohol. Then I primed and painted the hard shell with interior paint and reinstalled. I found it to be an easy weekend job. I'm happy with it and no chance of liner sagging anymore.