Headliner

Complete removal and replacement of the headliner fabric and backing board, including removal of all necessary trim panels, visors, grab handles, and roof-mounted components.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Headliner assembly (pre-formed board with fabric) × 1 — Use OEM specification or aftermarket equivalent for 2005 Viper coupe
• Headliner adhesive spray × 1 — 3M Super 77 or equivalent automotive-grade
• Trim panel clips (assorted) × 1 — Replace any broken during removal

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and ensure interior temperature is between 65-80°F for optimal adhesive performance.
2. Disconnect battery negative terminal and wait 2 minutes for airbag system capacitor discharge.
3. Remove both front seats to provide maximum working space and clearance for headliner removal (see separate seat removal procedure).
4. Protect all interior surfaces with clean towels or blankets to prevent scratches during headliner board manipulation.
5. Photograph or mark the position of all components before removal for proper reinstallation alignment.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove sun visors and mounting brackets
   Flip down both sun visors. Remove the visor mounting bracket covers by gently prying them off with a trim tool. Remove the Torx screws securing each visor bracket to the roof structure (typically 2-3 screws per bracket). Disconnect any wiring connectors for lighted vanity mirrors if equipped. Remove visors and brackets completely.
2. 2

   Remove dome light and map lights
   Using a trim tool, carefully pry down the dome light lens assembly from the headliner. Disconnect the electrical connector. Remove the mounting screws securing the light housing to the roof structure. Remove the complete light assembly. If equipped with separate map lights, repeat the process for each unit.
3. 3

   Remove grab handles
   Pry off the decorative end caps from each grab handle using a trim tool. If the vehicle is equipped with roof grab handles, remove the Torx screws securing each handle to the roof structure (verify fastener size and count against the service manual, typically 2 screws per handle). Remove all grab handles from the vehicle.
4. 4

   Remove A-pillar trim panels
   Carefully pull the A-pillar trim panels away from the pillar starting at the top and working downward. These are typically secured with retaining clips. Disconnect any electrical connectors for tweeter speakers if equipped. Remove both left and right A-pillar trims completely.
5. 5

   Remove B-pillar and C-pillar trim panels
   Remove the door weatherstrip seal where it contacts the B-pillar to access trim panel edges. Carefully pull the B-pillar trim panel away from the pillar body, releasing the retaining clips. Remove any seat belt trim covers and work around the seat belt mounting points (belt hardware remains attached to body structure). The Viper coupe does not have conventional B-pillar or C-pillar trim panels; instead, remove the rear quarter/roof-side trim panels behind the door openings by releasing their retaining clips. Work around the seat belt mounting points (belt hardware remains attached to body structure). Remove all rear side trims from vehicle.
6. 6

   Remove rear window trim and package shelf trim
   Remove the rear window upper trim panel by releasing the retaining clips along its perimeter. The Viper coupe uses a rear hatch/cargo area rather than a package shelf; if equipped with rear speaker or cargo-area trim that overlaps the headliner, remove the mounting screws or clips securing these components. Work carefully to avoid damaging the rear window seal. Remove all rear trim pieces that overlap or contact the headliner edges.
7. 7

   Detach headliner from windshield header
   Locate the windshield header trim (the panel that runs across the top of the windshield). This may be secured with clips or screws. Carefully release or remove fasteners and gently pull the header trim down to expose the front edge of the headliner. The headliner front edge typically tucks behind this trim rather than being glued.
8. 8

   Remove center high-mount stop lamp (if applicable)
   If a center high-mount stop lamp is present in the headliner/rear roof area, disconnect its electrical connector and remove the mounting fasteners securing it. Verify the CHMSL location for this Viper coupe, as it may be mounted on the rear hatch rather than the interior roof structure; only remove it if it interferes with headliner removal.
9. 9

   Remove headliner board from vehicle
   With a helper, carefully pull the headliner board down from the roof structure. The board is held primarily by friction and may have adhesive contact at certain points. Work the front edge down first, then angle the board to maneuver it through the door opening. Tilt and rotate as necessary to clear the door frame without bending the board excessively. The optimal removal angle is typically front-first with a downward tilt toward the passenger side. Remove board from vehicle and place in a clean, safe area.
   ⚠Do not force or bend the headliner board beyond 15-20 degrees of flex or it will crack. If resistance is encountered, reassess the removal angle.
10. 10

    Inspect and clean roof structure
    With the headliner removed, inspect the metal roof structure for rust, damage, or moisture entry points. Clean all mounting surfaces and adhesive contact points with a lint-free cloth and isopropyl alcohol. Allow to dry completely. Verify all mounting clips and brackets are in good condition and properly positioned for new headliner installation.
11. 11

    Prepare and install new headliner board
    Position the new headliner board outside the vehicle and apply headliner adhesive spray to the back of the board at key contact points (typically around light openings, edges, and center support areas). Follow adhesive manufacturer's instructions for tack time. With a helper, carefully maneuver the new headliner into the vehicle using the reverse of the removal path. Position the board against the roof structure, starting with the rear section and working forward. Press firmly at all adhesive contact points to ensure proper bonding.
    ⚠Work in a well-ventilated area when using spray adhesive. Avoid over-spray on windows and trim surfaces.
12. 12

    Reinstall windshield header trim
    Tuck the front edge of the headliner behind the windshield header area. Reinstall the windshield header trim panel, ensuring all clips or fasteners are properly secured. Verify the headliner edge is cleanly captured without wrinkles or gaps.
13. 13

    Reinstall all pillar trim panels
    Reinstall the C-pillar trim panels first, working around seat belt mounting points and ensuring all retaining clips engage properly. Reinstall B-pillar trims, reconnecting any seat belt trim covers. Reinstall A-pillar trims, reconnecting any speaker connectors if equipped. Reinstall door weatherstrip seals where they were removed. Verify all pillar trims are flush and fully seated.
14. 14

    Reinstall grab handles, visors, and lighting
    Reinstall all grab handles with T30 Torx screws and install decorative end caps. Reinstall sun visor brackets and visors, reconnecting any wiring for lighted mirrors. Secure with Torx screws and install bracket covers. Reinstall dome light and map light assemblies, reconnecting electrical connectors and securing with mounting screws. Reinstall center high-mount stop lamp if removed, reconnecting wiring and securing with mounting fasteners.
15. 15

    Reinstall rear window trim and final components
    Reinstall the rear window upper trim panel and any package shelf or speaker trim components, securing all clips and fasteners. Verify all trim pieces are properly aligned and fully seated. Reinstall front seats and torque the seat mounting bolts to the factory specification (verify exact value in the service manual before final tightening). Reconnect battery negative terminal.
    Torque spec

    Seat Mounting Bolts45 Nm (33 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked before testing components.
2. Verify all trim panel clips are fully engaged and panels are flush with no rattles.
3. After battery reconnection, verify all lighting functions operate correctly (dome light, map lights, visor lights, CHMSL).
4. Check that sun visors pivot smoothly and hold position without interference from the new headliner.

Verification

• Start vehicle and verify no airbag warning lights are illuminated on the instrument cluster.
• Test all interior lighting functions (dome light, map lights, visor vanity lights if equipped).
• Inspect headliner for proper fitment with no sagging, wrinkles, or gaps around edges and component openings.
• Open and close doors while observing headliner edges near pillar trims to ensure no interference or pull-away.
• Verify all trim panels are secure with no rattles during a brief test drive.

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