DIY Headliner and DIY Sound Murderers - Under $100

[slattt]

I've been looking all over for a post about DIY headliners that actually explains it well. THANK YOUU

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[Sector281411]

I've been looking all over for a post about DIY headliners that actually explains it well. THANK YOUU

Thanks, I plan on doing a video soon.

greg

 

[Boondoggler]

@Sector281411 Thanks for sharing. Any advise on method to template out the base shape of the headliner pieces? Or is there a template that can be purchased?

 

[CMTAZ]

... the Hotheads bug me that you have to sand the top. Doesn't sound like much fun honestly...

Just Installed the HotHeads headliner. I had a ton of noico mat lying around my garage, so I made my own "sound assassin" strips. Aside from cutting the strips the entire install was less than three hours.

Easy peasy. Follow Mark's video. Wipe down with acetone. LIGHTLY sand / scuff, blow the Jeep out with compressed air, wipe down again with acetone. Stick up the headliner.

Yes, these are not cheap, but you CAN tell the quality from the fit to using radiant barrier, these really are a great product. (No, I was not given this, but I did use the holiday sale )

 

[Bergerboy]

Mega Props to Sector281411 for this great idea and project plan!!
I followed this for my own hardtop, starting with the front removable panels first.
Finished and installed them last night and they look great!
Can't say for sure yet how much road noise it dampens, but the interior is much less harsh sounding and more "soft sounding" just sitting and talking at idle or in off mode.
And I expect a quieter environment during a hard rain.

I made a couple of my own modifications:
- I used double strips of the mastic deadener strips since they fit down into the troughs of the top panels.
- I used 3/4" foil backed foam board from Menards - used about 1/4th of the sheet for both removable panels. $18 for the full 4x8 sheet!
- I made great use of my bench-top belt sander to smooth the foam edges, and then to create an angle at the edges to make a better fit into the tapered insets of the panels.
- I was very nervous about the folding and tucking steps of the headliner material around the foam panels. Thought I'd have a tougher time getting the wrap-around more smooth on the back sides. But it really was a moot point, since you really can't see any of that ugliness from the show side, and the edges still look crisp and smooth. (No one will ever know!)
The whole operation went quicker and smoother than I was expecting.
I'll probably wait for the spring to remove the main top and complete the headliners for the rear areas. It will be much easier to do with the top off and flipped over.
Thanks again for the great sharing of ideas on this Forum!!

 

[Kilroy1941]

Mega Props to Sector281411 for this great idea and project plan!!
I followed this for my own hardtop, starting with the front removable panels first.
Finished and installed them last night and they look great!
Can't say for sure yet how much road noise it dampens, but the interior is much less harsh sounding and more "soft sounding" just sitting and talking at idle or in off mode.
And I expect a quieter environment during a hard rain.

I made a couple of my own modifications:
- I used double strips of the mastic deadener strips since they fit down into the troughs of the top panels.
- I used 3/4" foil backed foam board from Menards - used about 1/4th of the sheet for both removable panels. $18 for the full 4x8 sheet!
- I made great use of my bench-top belt sander to smooth the foam edges, and then to create an angle at the edges to make a better fit into the tapered insets of the panels.
- I was very nervous about the folding and tucking steps of the headliner material around the foam panels. Thought I'd have a tougher time getting the wrap-around more smooth on the back sides. But it really was a moot point, since you really can't see any of that ugliness from the show side, and the edges still look crisp and smooth. (No one will ever know!)
The whole operation went quicker and smoother than I was expecting.
I'll probably wait for the spring to remove the main top and complete the headliners for the rear areas. It will be much easier to do with the top off and flipped over.
Thanks again for the great sharing of ideas on this Forum!!

Any noticeable difference in cabin temperature? Living in frigid winter county I am looking to do this to my JT if it helps with keeping heat in

 

[T4STE]

great job but is that the TARDIS in your garage?!

 

[Bergerboy]

Any noticeable difference in cabin temperature? Living in frigid winter county I am looking to do this to my JT if it helps with keeping heat in

Hasn't been all that cold yet here in Michigan.
But I will say that it just "seems" warmer and quieter. The soft material above your head gives a "cozier" environment feel.

 

[bajanut]

I plan on redoing the ones I already did with a different adhesive that brushes on to make the folds of the headliner fabric cleaner and give me a little more working time. I am going to start making the templates for the rest of the top once all this rain goes away.

I used black neoprene fabric (I think is 1/8-inch thick), found it by luck in a fabric store to cover 1/4-inch insulation board, used Sound Deadener Heat Insulation mat on the very top, as well as sound/heat deadener strips that I cut from the mat, in the roof channels, it definitely helps with heat and cold and I think it absorbs some of the sound too. Very happy how they turned out.
I measured the heat on the roof of the Jeep at a sunny 85 degree weather in California and the top was a balmy 165 degrees!! and in the inside it was 152 degrees!! right on top of your head.

 

[Bergerboy]

Summer Update:
Finished all the rear panels in May, but having trouble keeping them stuck to the roof!
Seems the solar heat on the black top doesn't agree with the adhesives.
Tried several different alternatives, including the industrial velcro (hook & hook), 3M contact spray adhesive, etc.
Seems they seems to want to sag under their own (very light) weight after sitting in the sun.
Anyone have any better options??

 

[Gmanjeeper]

I plan on redoing the ones I already did with a different adhesive that brushes on to make the folds of the headliner fabric cleaner and give me a little more working time. I am going to start making the templates for the rest of the top once all this rain goes away.

How have your DIY headliners worked long term? Has the Velcro held them securely over time?

 

[DEdney1775]

I plan on doing something like this sooner than later!!

 

[DEdney1775]

Anybody know how many yards of fabric is needed for the top & freedom panels? Ball Park? Wanting to start this asap.

 

[Fatboy97]

Definitely subscribed for any updates, like how well they remain sticking up there without falling down. Aside from the obvious and insane cost, the Hotheads bug me that you have to sand the top. Doesn't sound like much fun honestly...

You really don’t need to sand the top for install. I just cleaned the surface with alcohol wipes and the install was super easy. No problems at all. They were one of the first things I did 3 years ago. 2019 JLR Hotheads are a great product.

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