Coupe Headliner Replacement w/Alcantara

3

3gGT01

Member
 Austin, Texas
Has anyone successfully installed alcantara on the coupe headliner?
I tried with the non-foam backed and I couldn't get the wrinkles out.
I've ordered alcantara with the foam backing, but it seems like it would wrinkle too.
I've checked with upholstery shops and none of them do it with that material.

Thanks in advance!
 
I haven't, but it sounds like a great idea. I reckon an Imola Red headlining in Alcantara would really lift my interior, so I hope you manage to do it and post some photos. :thumbsup:
 
Very interested in this as I was thinking of doing exactly the same. I've got some droop in the headlining so it needs doing and I'm a big fan of alcantara. I didn't really want to put the standard stuff in even though I expected it to be a bit easier to install 'cos of the stretch.

So no, I can't actually help but keen to learn from your mistakes! ;)
 
I keep gathering more information on how to do this project. The one upholster shop said to get rid of the Alcantara and get a different type material, that it would never work. Another shop might attempt it, but has quite doing any headliners with Alcantara because it was an issue installing it. They might would do it if they could look at the headliner substrate and Alcantara, but the lady estimated 2, 3 or 4 hours of labor at I believe $186/hr... She stated that it probably wouldn't come out perfect. I'm using AI and other sources to trying and get as much information as possible on how to do it. But I haven't found any videos on someone actually doing an E86 coupe. I checked the original fabric from the Z4 and it stretches side to side, but very little from font to back. Same with the Alcantara. I've seen enough information saying don't even bother trying to use a spray can it will not hold up. Professionals use the Weldwood in a bulk container (e.g. 1 gallon can) with a 1.8mm or 2.0mm spray gun tip to spray it, according to AI regarding the tip size. I previously tried the 3M headliner spray can and that was a mess and I wouldn't recommend that product for this project. Under recommendation from the fabric shop I originally tried to cover the headliner with Alcantara without the foam backing, it was impossible and was wrinkling in the corner with too much fabric. So now I have the Alcantara with the foam backing from Italy. It is suppose to be much more forgiving. I have the spray cans of Weldwood landau top and trim adhesive, but I won't attempt it with this product. I'll buy the 1 gallon Weldwood Landau Top & Trim HHR Solvent Type Spray Grade Contact Adhesive and a gun with a bottom canister with multiple tips 1.8 and 2.0mm tips on Amazon.

I just wanted to pass on my research to others who would like to do this same project. :driving:
 
I’m sure I read somewhere that there’s an alternative to Alcantara that has a bit of stretch in it but regardless, seems quite an ordeal
 
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