Headliner

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the headliner in a 1992 Dodge Viper, including removal of necessary trim pieces, dome light, sun visors, and windshield pillar moldings.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Headliner assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Trim panel clips (assorted) × 1 — Mopar retainer assortment
• Sun visor clips (if damaged) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake.
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 2 minutes for airbag system capacitors to discharge.
3. Remove both targa roof panels and store in a safe location.
4. Clean interior thoroughly, especially areas around the headliner perimeter where dust accumulates.
5. Have a helper available for headliner board removal and installation to prevent bending or damage.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove sun visors and mounting brackets
   Lower each sun visor fully. Remove the Torx screws securing the visor bracket to the roof structure (typically 2 per visor). Disconnect the vanity mirror light wiring connector if equipped. Remove both sun visors and brackets completely. Set aside hardware for reinstallation. Note: Tighten sun visor mounting screws snugly by hand (approximately 2-3 Nm / 18-27 lb-in); do not overtighten into the roof structure. Verify OEM torque if available.
2. 2

   Remove dome light assembly
   Use a plastic trim tool to carefully pry the dome light lens down from the headliner. Disconnect the electrical connector. If equipped, remove the fasteners securing the dome light base to the roof structure (verify fastener type before removal). Remove the dome light assembly completely.
3. 3

   Remove rearview mirror mounting base
   Locate the set screw at the base of the rearview mirror stem (typically a small Allen or Torx screw). Loosen and slide the mirror assembly off the mounting button. If the adhesive mounting button must be removed from the windshield, carefully pry it off with a plastic tool, but note this is rarely necessary for headliner replacement.
4. 4

   Remove A-pillar trim panels
   Starting at the top, carefully pull the A-pillar trim panels away from the windshield frame. These are retained by plastic clips along the pillar. Work slowly to avoid breaking clips. The panels should release without fastener removal. Disconnect any speaker wiring if present. Remove both left and right A-pillar trims.
5. 5

   Remove B-pillar and rear side trim panels
   Remove the B-pillar trim panels by pulling firmly to release the retaining clips. These panels frame the targa top opening. Continue to the rear quarter trim panels that contact the headliner edge. Use a plastic trim tool to release clips without damaging the panels. Note the position of any wiring harness clips for reinstallation.
6. 6

   Release windshield header trim
   The windshield header molding runs across the top of the windshield and overlaps the headliner front edge. Carefully pry this trim piece down using a plastic tool. It is retained by clips along its length. Work from one end to the other to avoid breaking clips. Set aside for reinstallation.
7. 7

   Release rear window header trim
   Remove the trim piece that runs along the rear window upper edge. This may be retained by clips or a few Torx screws depending on configuration. Inspect for fasteners before prying. Once fasteners are removed, carefully pull the trim away from the body to release any remaining clips.
8. 8

   Remove headliner board assembly
   With all perimeter trim and attachments removed, carefully lower the headliner board from the roof structure. The board may be retained by a few screws or clips at strategic points along the roof frame. With the soft top removed and open, carefully maneuver the board out of the passenger compartment, working with a helper to avoid bending the board. Inspect the board for damage before recovering.
9. 9

   Remove old headliner fabric and prepare board
   Lay the headliner board on a clean, flat work surface. Carefully peel away the old headliner fabric and foam backing. Use a wire brush or scraper to remove all residual foam and adhesive from the board surface. Wipe clean with a lint-free cloth. Ensure the board is completely smooth and free of debris before applying new material.
10. 10

    Install new headliner fabric
    Lay the new headliner material face-down on a clean surface. Center the prepared headliner board on the fabric. Starting from the center and working outward, spray automotive headliner adhesive on a small section of the board. Fold the fabric over and smooth firmly to eliminate wrinkles, working toward the edges. Continue this process in sections, always working from center to edges. Wrap edges around the board and glue securely. Cut openings for dome light and visor mounts using the old material as a template or by feeling through the fabric for mounting holes.
11. 11

    Reinstall headliner board assembly
    With a helper, carefully angle the recovered headliner board back into position through the targa top opening. Align the board with the roof structure and press upward into place. Reinstall any screws or clips that secure the board to the roof frame at strategic points. Ensure all edges are properly seated before proceeding to trim installation.
12. 12

    Reinstall all trim panels and components
    Reinstall the windshield header trim, ensuring clips engage properly. Reinstall the rear window header trim. Reinstall B-pillar and rear quarter trim panels, pressing firmly to seat all clips. Reinstall A-pillar trim panels, reconnecting any speaker wiring. Reinstall the dome light assembly, connecting the electrical connector and securing with Torx screws. Reinstall the rearview mirror mounting. Reinstall both sun visors and brackets, torquing fasteners appropriately.
13. 13

    Reconnect battery and test electrical components
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Test the dome light operation to verify proper electrical connections. Check that all trim panels are secure and properly aligned. Inspect the headliner for any loose areas or imperfections.

Reassembly

1. Torque sun visor mounting screws to Cover Screws specification (11.0 Nm / 8.0 lb-ft).
2. Ensure all trim panel clips are fully seated. Replace any damaged clips using the Trim Panel Clips specification (2.0 Nm / 1.5 lb-ft) as a tightness reference for push-clips.
3. Verify all electrical connections are secure before reconnecting battery.
4. Allow headliner adhesive to cure for at least 24 hours before reinstalling targa roof panels or exposing to temperature extremes.

Verification

• Inspect headliner for wrinkles, sags, or loose areas. Material should be taut and smooth across entire surface.
• Verify dome light operates correctly when door is opened and when manually switched.
• Check that all trim panels are flush and properly seated with no gaps or loose clips.
• Confirm sun visors rotate smoothly and stay in position when flipped up or down.
• Verify rearview mirror is secure and properly positioned.
• Reinstall targa roof panels and verify proper fit with no interference from headliner edges.

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