A headliner doesn’t only improve the interior elegance of your Jeep Cherokee but also provides insulation. While various materials can be used, most are prone to wear and sag with time. Hence, replacement always seems like a better option, but some alternatives are affordable and stylish.
So what would be the headliner alternatives of a Jeep Cherokee? DIY alternatives like fabric or fiberglass resin are worth trying as your Jeep Cherokee headliner. Using wooden slats can also give your vehicle a vintage yet elegant look. Other alternatives include insulations and leather vinyl with a foam substrate.
Using alternatives saves you money and allows you to customize your Jeep Cherokee’s interior. Read on to learn more alternatives you can use as headliners and how to install them.
Table of Contents
What Is a Car Headliner?
A Headliner is a composite material that covers the vehicle’s ceiling. It provides insulation and covers some of the vehicle’s wirings for a decent aspect. Headliners have been used since the early 1900s when manufacturers used wood attachments to attach them.
Modern vehicles utilize glues and screws for fastening, allowing them to last up to 15 years. The headliners can be customized to owners’ preferences to improve the interior appearance. While it’s possible to drive with no or damaged headliners, it’s best to replace them as soon as possible.
What Materials Are Used in A Headliner?
Jeep Cherokee, first released in 1974, used various materials as headliners, especially fabric. Ever since most headliners are made of tricot knit fabrics and polyurethane foams. However, most materials nowadays are usable, including suede, Alcantara, and leather.
Leather vinyl, mostly in diamond shapes, and modern faux leather foam backed, are also common materials. The materials use polyurethane as the inner substrate that adheres to the roof. Most of the modern Jeep Cherokees use Nappa leather upholstery and headliners.
What Are the Alternatives of a Jeep Cherokee Headliner?
When the headliners sag and wear, most people prefer replacing them with new ones. However, various alternatives are cheaper and more customizable compared to store-bought headliners. Following are various headliner alternatives for a Jeep Cherokee.
- Suede fabric headliner
Suede headliners are affordable and available in several colors, including black and gray. This material is available in both local and online stores, for prices between $25 and $60. It uses a polymer foam as its adhesive spray.
- Wooden headliner
Headliners can also be created from wooden slats with a varnish coating. The slats can be made from mahogany or maple, among others.
This headliner might require some knowledge and experience in woodwork for installation.
- Leather vinyl headliner
This is available in various patterns to suit your jeep Cherokee. The common leather patterns are diamond and faux leather quilted, which are elegant. Leather Vinyl material is easy to install and uses a headliner glue like the 3M headliner adhesive.
- Insulators headliners
You can use a rubberized compound like Noico, Fatmat, and Dynamat. The materials are quality for sound deadening as well as for heat insulation. Use a headliner glue as the adhesive before applying the insulator.
- Fiberglass headliner
After removing the old headliner from your jeep, you can apply fiberglass resin on the remaining roof board. The fiberglass will improve the board quality for use as a headliner. While it might be less soundproof and heat resistant, it’s durable and easy to install.
How Do You Replace a Jeep Cherokee Headliner?
Most alternatives require unscrewing and removing most of the car parts to which the headliner attaches. This includes the door grab handles, sun visors, and speakers. You might need to remove more components depending on your vehicle’s model.
Below are the steps you should follow when replacing a headliner in a jeep Cherokee.
Step 1: Gather your tools, including fabric scrapper and bolt joiners.
Step 2: Unscrew and remove the components holding on the headliner board.
Step 3: Carefully remove the old headliner. You can optionally apply fiberglass resin to harden the roof board before use.
Step 4: Measure and cut material using the measurements from the roof board. Then mount the fabric or leather to the headliner board before securing it using a foam spray or glue.
Step 5: If you had dismounted the headliner board, mount it with help from a friend. You should then mount the other parts, including the door grab handles and some lighting instruments and voila!
Tip: Wooden slats should be coated with varnish for a classic shiny look.
Replacing a jeep headliner isn’t challenging and it’s often doable without hiring a professional. The only downside is that sometimes replacement can be time-consuming, depending on the design you intend to install.
In most cases, you can take up to 8 hours to remove, prepare, and install the fabric and the car parts.
What Causes a Headliner in a Jeep Cherokee to Sag?
Like with most cars, the headliner in a Jeep Cherokee sags with age as the substrate loses its adhesive power. Extreme heating can also affect the headliner by melting the substrate. Also, while the headliners are waterproof, too much water can affect the glue and loosen them.
Regular maintenance can improve your Jeep Cherokee headliner and prolong its lifespan. Therefore, it’s best to spot clean stains in the headliners and deep clean only as a last resort. Also, park under a shade to prevent heat from the direct sunlight from melting the headliner’s glue.
What Is the Cost of a Headliner Replacement in Jeep Cherokee?
Replacing a Jeep Cherokee headliner is often costly ranging between $300 and $600. The cost doesn’t include labor and can hike up to $400 and $700, but this depends on the generation and model of your vehicle.
Alternatives like suede headliner fabric cost between $25 and $60. Most alternative materials also cost less than $50, which is cheaper than replacements. However, the alternatives might cost up to $200 more if you hire a professional to install them.
Key Takeaways
Jeep Cherokees are preferable vehicles because of their outstanding fuel economy and off-road drivability. With time, the materials making the headliner wears out and sags. Although replacing is an option, it’s always best to explore alternatives.
Likewise, Jeep Cherokee alternatives for headliners include suede fabric and leather vinyl. After following the above steps, you can replace these materials and others effortlessly. Moreover, regularly maintain your new headliner for a longer service time.