Headliner Repair & Replacement in San Diego
A sagging, stained or torn headliner is one of the most common interior problems we see in San Diego. Heat breaks down the foam behind the fabric, the glue lets go, and the roof lining starts to droop onto your head. Arroyo Brothers Auto Upholstery has been repairing and replacing car and truck headliners at our National City shop since 1971, for everything from classic Mustangs to late-model daily drivers.
Headliner Repair and Replacement Services
- Sagging headliner repair: we remove the headliner board, strip the old foam and adhesive, and recover it with new foam-backed headliner fabric so it stays put.
- Full headliner replacement: for torn, stained, water-damaged or cracked headliners, we rebuild or replace the complete roof lining.
- Sunroof and moonroof headliners: we work around sunroof openings, sliding shades and trim. See our sunroof repair page for other sunroof issues.
- Custom headliners: upgrade to suede, a new color or a custom material to match a restored or customized interior.
- Trucks, SUVs, vans and classics: including older vehicles with bow-style or one-piece headliners. See classic and project car interior restoration.
Why Headliners Sag in San Diego
Most headliners are a thin layer of fabric bonded to foam, glued to a molded board. Over time, heat and sun break that foam down into powder, and the fabric separates from the board. San Diego’s sunny weather and hot parked cars speed this up, which is why sagging headliners are so common here. Water leaks from sunroof drains, windshields or roof racks can also stain the fabric and dissolve the adhesive.
Ford Mustang with custom suede headliner by Arroyo Brothers
Repair Kit or Professional Repair?
Spray glue, pins and twist fasteners can hold up a sagging headliner for a while, but they don’t fix the cause. Glue soaks through the fabric and leaves dark spots, and the crumbling foam underneath keeps letting go. A lasting repair means taking the headliner board out, removing all the old foam, and covering it with new material. That’s the repair we do.
How Much Does Headliner Replacement Cost?
The price depends on a few things:
- Vehicle size: a coupe or sedan headliner costs less than a full-size SUV or van.
- Sunroof or moonroof: openings, shades and extra trim add time.
- Material: standard OEM-style fabric costs less than suede or custom materials.
- Condition of the board: a cracked or water-damaged board may need repair or replacement.
Call (619) 474-4684 or stop by the shop for a free estimate on your vehicle.
Why San Diego Drivers Choose Arroyo Brothers
- Serving San Diego since 1971, with a team that does upholstery every day.
- A wide range of headliner fabrics and colors to match your original interior, or upgrade it.
- Fair pricing and free estimates.
- Flexible scheduling to keep your car off the road as little as possible.
- Hablamos español.
A clean, tight headliner also helps when you sell: buyers notice a sagging roof lining right away. See our resale repair guide and our project gallery.
Headliner Repair FAQ
Can you fix a sagging headliner without replacing it?
Yes. In most cases we keep the original headliner board, remove the failed foam and recover it with new material. The board only needs replacing if it’s cracked, warped or water-damaged.
How long does headliner repair take?
Most headliner repairs are finished in 2 to 4 days. Call ahead and we’ll give you a time for your vehicle.
Can I change the color or material?
Yes. Choose a factory-style fabric to match your interior, or upgrade to suede or a custom color.
Do you repair headliners in cars with a sunroof?
Yes. We regularly repair and replace headliners in cars with sunroofs and moonroofs, including the trim around the opening.
Do you work on trucks, SUVs and classic cars?
Yes. We handle cars, trucks, SUVs and vans, as well as classic and vintage vehicles that need a period-correct headliner.
Get a Free Headliner Estimate
Bring your car to Arroyo Brothers Auto Upholstery at 128 National City Blvd, National City, CA 91950, a few minutes from downtown San Diego and Chula Vista. We’re open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Call (619) 474-4684, email sales@arroyoautoupholstery.com or contact us online.
