Headliner Removal

[1traildriver]

I need to drop the rear of my headliner and install a replacement clip for the driver's side, rear, roof-rack mount. When removing the rack the inside clip with white plastic threaded bolt mounts (best way for me to describe them) snapped off and dropped down inside the roof/headliner area. The dealer wants $400 to install a $6 part because they have to drop the headliner so I was wondering if anyone has been able to get up under the rear of the headliner when doing any light mods or interior mods?

I have searched the forum but didn't see anything specific that would help. Harper had all of the interior removed during his sound deadening modification but looks like the headliner was never touched. His pics didn't quite show the area I am looking to get into. So if anyone can let me know how difficult it will be and how they were able to accomplish this repair I would greatly appreciate it.

 

[SeattleMike]

It can be done. But I would read the manual first, see nashman's thread, and invest in some panel removal tools. You can access it without removing everything, but to do it by the book would be an very long process.

Short version, pop the three tabs holding the headliner in place in the back, then working your way up from the bottom, loosen the panels along the back pillar until you can lower the headliner without creasing it, replace the part, and then snap everything back together. Might take an hour.

 

[nashman69g]

check out the FSM and you can figure out the clip location and anything else you want to know. As SeattleMike suggested, take a shortcut and save some time. see sig...

 

[harper7]

Which one broke??Hopefully one of the back ones.
The problem being that the headliner went in first. Then all the panels overlap from the bottom up and are pretty stiff as they have clips near the top . You can probably get away with just taking the side panels down near where you have to replace the nut plate. Just be careful as the side curtain airbags are up there too.It's all in the Repair Manual from Nashman.

Again,the thing to keep in mind about the headliner is they msrp at $1500. They will crease and look like crap if you bend them too much.

 

[1000MPH]

Can you try fishing it out with a magnet? It's not all plastic.

 

[Will733]

Just turn the 4Runner upside down and shake it until the part falls back out.

 

[1traildriver]

Thanks guys for all the great advice. I will check out the manual and use the short-cut techniques suggested here. It's the rear driver's side plate and it snapped when removing the bolts from above. All the other 3 came out with no problems at all.

Harper, I will def keep that price in mind!!

Maybe a few more tough-guy shakes and a few more hours at the gym before I can shake it out....

I gotta wait for some better weather here in NY before I tackle this one, but I will let ya know how I made out.

Later.