We all know how huge these monster trucks are, and any labor needed due to their size will most likely take up a large amount of your time, but let’s be serious, everyone likes to make sure their prized possessions are well taken care of despite how long it may take. So, we get the job done.
The best part is that you only really need two tools to get the job done. plastic fastener rivets clip pliers, which you can probably use a fork to get the job done just in case you didn’t have access to the pliers, that’s good to keep in mind, also a screwdriver can be used for popping certain corners out and unscrewing.
Remove Sun Visors
Sun visors are the flaps that hang right above your head over the driver and passenger’s seat. Normally one side can unhook so that you are able to swivel it back and forth. Unhook it, and you can use a screwdriver to pop the sun visor cover off so that you can access the screws and unscrew it in order to take the whole piece off.
Remove Overhead Lighting
The overhead consoles are typically in the center of the vehicle’s ceiling, between the driver and passenger’s seats. Remove any visible screws.
- Grab a screwdriver
- Place it right between the console and the headliner
- Pop it up
Once you have popped one side up and have enough room to work your fingers in between pull slowly until it is disconnected from the area. Don’t forget to unhook the light wires.
Remove CB Radio
The CB radio is usually in the center of the ceiling between the driver and passenger’s seats. It can also be located and mounted near the dash. But if it is on the ceiling it is probably attached to the sub dash in the center console and is sitting tightly in a tray. Unscrew all screws and you can pop it right out.
Remove the Grab Handle
The grab handles are the overhead handles you see in vehicles, you know, the handle that people use for extra safety when the driver is making a quick or fast turn. Or the handle that your friends make fun of you for using because you, “can’t handle the thrill.”
That handle. Yes, it actually has a name and it is called the grab handle. There are a couple of plastic pieces on each end. You can use a screwdriver to pop them right off in order to access the screws. Unscrew, then gently remove the handle.
Remove all Fasteners
Take a second to look around the corners and edges of the headliner. You will notice that there are a bunch of plastic screws with a very wide circular head, those are called plastic fastener rivets clips, they are used to keep the headliner flushed to the ceiling. You can use fastener rivets clip pliers to get those right off. Be gentle, so as to not stress the clips too much in the process.
Remove all Interior Trim
In order to remove the trim you can use a screwdriver, but if you want to be sure to keep it super clean and safe, a trim tool will be best in order to stay cautious. Trim is usually along the outer areas of the headliner.
Make Sure to Disconnect all Wires
It is very important to make sure that you disconnect all wires before you try and remove anything including the headliner. It allows you to take off all the equipment and move it away from its designated area, which then allows the headliner to be removed smoothly.
Remove the Headliner
Once you have removed everything on the ceiling now you can reach in and under the headliner from all ends and usually there is Velcro holding it to the ceiling, release the Velcro and pull down gently on the headliner. Continue all around and try not to bend any part of the headliner or it will get ruined.
Conclusion
Although, it may seem as if removing the headliner is a quick and easy job, guess again. It is time consuming and you must be sure to be very cautious when removing each and every screw, and piece with the proper tools in order to ensure that you do not ruin any of the screws, clips, wires, etc.
Be sure to move slowly when going through each step. If anything cracks that is going to be a whole other job, especially since that piece will no longer sit flushed in its designated area. Be cautious.