Headliner

Remove and replace the headliner fabric panel in a 2008 Dodge Viper, including removal of all trim pieces, sun visors, interior lighting, and pillar covers that retain the headliner board.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Headliner fabric material × 1 — Pre-formed to Viper dimensions or universal fabric with foam backing
• Headliner adhesive × 1 — 3M Super 77 or automotive headliner adhesive

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal to disable airbag system and interior electrical components
3. Wait 2 minutes after battery disconnect for airbag system capacitors to discharge
4. Remove both front seats by removing the seat mounting bolts (typically 4 bolts per seat at the seat track corners)
5. Organize removed fasteners by location using labeled containers or magnetic trays

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove sun visors and vanity mirror assemblies
   Remove the sun visor mounting screws at the pivot point and along the support arm. There are typically 3 screws per visor assembly. Disconnect any electrical connectors for vanity mirror lighting by gently pressing the release tab and pulling the connector apart. Remove both driver and passenger sun visors completely.
2. 2

   Remove dome light and map light assemblies
   Using a trim removal tool, carefully pry down the dome light lens cover. Remove the fasteners securing the light housing to the headliner board. Disconnect the electrical connector by pressing the release tab. Remove all overhead lighting assemblies from the headliner. Note the location of any grounding wires if present.
3. 3

   Remove A-pillar trim panels
   Pull the weather stripping away from the A-pillar trim where it overlaps. Remove the Torx fasteners securing the A-pillar trim (typically 2-3 per side). Carefully pull the A-pillar trim away from the body, starting at the bottom and working upward, releasing the retaining clips. The Viper A-pillar trim may have airbag warning labels; handle gently as airbag wiring may run behind these panels.
4. 4

   Remove B-pillar trim panels and seat belt anchors
   Remove the seat belt upper anchor bolt covers if present. Using the appropriate socket, remove the upper seat belt anchor bolts and carefully lower the seat belt assembly out of the way. Remove any Torx fasteners securing the B-pillar trim. Pull the B-pillar trim away from the body, starting at the bottom, to release the retaining clips. Remove both driver and passenger B-pillar trim panels.
5. 5

   Remove rear bulkhead trim panels
   The Viper has minimal rear cabin area but there are trim panels covering the transition from the headliner to the rear bulkhead. Locate and remove any visible fasteners securing these panels. Use a trim removal tool to release the retaining clips and remove the panels to expose the rear edge of the headliner board.
6. 6

   Remove windshield header trim and rear window trim
   Remove the windshield header trim piece that runs along the top edge of the windshield. This typically has clips and may have fasteners at the ends near the A-pillars. Similarly, remove any trim pieces along the rear window that overlap or secure the headliner edges. Work carefully to avoid breaking clips on these longer trim pieces.
7. 7

   Detach headliner board from roof structure
   With all perimeter trim removed, locate the fasteners or clips securing the headliner board to the roof structure. These are typically along the edges and may include push-pin style clips or small screws through mounting tabs on the headliner board. Remove all fasteners while supporting the headliner board to prevent it from falling.
8. 8

   Remove headliner board from vehicle
   With an assistant supporting the board, carefully lower the headliner board from the roof. Angle the front edge down first and rotate it toward the passenger side to maneuver it through the cabin opening. The board is rigid fiberglass and will not flex; removal requires patient maneuvering through the door opening. Expect this to be the most time-consuming step due to the Viper's tight interior.
9. 9

   Remove old headliner fabric from board
   Lay the headliner board on a clean, flat surface with the fabric side up. Peel away the old headliner fabric, working from one edge. Use a utility knife to cut away stubborn sections if needed. Remove all old adhesive and foam backing from the fiberglass board using a plastic scraper or adhesive remover. The board surface must be clean and smooth for proper adhesion of the new fabric.
10. 10

    Apply new headliner fabric
    Lay the new headliner fabric face-down on a clean surface. Place the cleaned headliner board face-down on the fabric, centering it carefully. Working from the center outward, spray headliner adhesive on a section of the board and corresponding fabric area. Press the fabric firmly onto the board, smoothing out wrinkles as you work toward the edges. Allow each section to set for 30-60 seconds before moving to the next area. Trim excess fabric at the edges using a utility knife, leaving approximately 1-2 inches to wrap around the board edges.
11. 11

    Wrap edges and cut openings
    Apply adhesive to the edges of the headliner board and wrap the excess fabric around to the back side, creating clean edges. Cut openings for sun visor mounts, dome lights, and any other hardware mounting points using a utility knife. Make cuts slightly smaller than needed, then enlarge carefully for a snug fit around mounting hardware.
12. 12

    Reinstall headliner board into vehicle
    With an assistant, carefully maneuver the headliner board back into the vehicle through the door opening. Angle it similarly to removal, rotating passenger side first, then raising it into position against the roof structure. Align all mounting points before securing any fasteners.
13. 13

    Secure headliner and reinstall all trim
    Install all fasteners securing the headliner board to the roof structure. Reinstall the windshield header trim and rear window trim, ensuring proper clip engagement. Reinstall B-pillar and A-pillar trim panels, ensuring all retaining clips engage fully. Reinstall seat belt upper anchors. Reinstall sun visors with their mounting screws. Reinstall dome light and map light assemblies, reconnecting all electrical connectors. Reinstall both front seats and torque mounting bolts to the manufacturer specification listed in the 2008 Viper service manual (verify exact value before final torque).
14. 14

    Reconnect battery and test
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Test all interior lighting functions to verify proper electrical connections. Check that sun visors operate smoothly and that all trim panels are secure with no rattles or gaps.

Reassembly

1. Installation follows removal in reverse order, but take extra care when maneuvering the headliner board back into the tight Viper cabin
2. Ensure all electrical connectors for lighting are fully seated before securing trim panels
3. Verify that all pillar trim clips are fully engaged to prevent wind noise and rattles
4. Torque seat mounting bolts to manufacturer specification (typically 35-40 ft-lbs, but verify for this platform)

Verification

• Test all interior lights to confirm proper electrical connections
• Inspect headliner for wrinkles, sagging, or areas where fabric is not properly adhered
• Check that all trim panels are flush and secure with no gaps or rattles
• Verify sun visors move smoothly and stay in position when deployed
• Confirm seat belt operation is normal and upper anchors are secure

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