R3 Headliner Sunroof Aperture Plastic Trim Problem

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Topcat Tomcat
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Location: Worcestershire

R3 Headliner Sunroof Aperture Plastic Trim Problem

Post by Topcat Tomcat »

I've just replaced the headling material on my 200 iS.

When I tried to refit the sunroof aperture trim, it appears to have shrunk. 😱

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After a bit of a faff, I managed to fit all 6 clips, although one subsequently pulled away from the headliner board. 🙄

Unfortunately, it's clearly not gripping at the sides. Does anyone know what I'm doing wrong?
Topcat Tomcat (aka Conductorwomble)

1990 216 GSi Auto 5 Door
1995 214 Si 3 Door - White Gold
1998 VVC Coupe - Tahiti Blue/Red Piccadilly & Leather
2001 1.8 Connie 45 4 Door - Wedgewood Blue
2004 75 CDTi Connie - Firefrost
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220 GSi turbo
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Location: The National Forest

Re: R3 Headliner Sunroof Aperture Plastic Trim Problem

Post by 220 GSi turbo »

Was the original headlining material wrapped over the edges of the aperture? (Effectively making the hole smaller)
1995 220GSi Turbo: owned for 24 years
1994 216SLi
2000 25GTi

Daily: Honda Civic Type R GT

Previously: 216 Sprint (1988-91)216 Coupe(1993-95) 214SLi(1995-96) 420GSi Turbo L955UKV(1997-2004) 214SEi M884BMR(2004-11) 420GSi Tourer (2005-6) 214 SEi M103BCW(2011-12)
Topcat Tomcat
Club Member
Posts: 927
Joined: Mon Apr 11, 2016 10:36 am
Location: Worcestershire

Re: R3 Headliner Sunroof Aperture Plastic Trim Problem

Post by Topcat Tomcat »

220 GSi turbo wrote: Fri Dec 06, 2024 6:33 pm Was the original headlining material wrapped over the edges of the aperture? (Effectively making the hole smaller)

I couldn't remember that, so I did wonder.......then I realised that there was no evidence of old glue or foam in the upper surface!
Topcat Tomcat (aka Conductorwomble)

1990 216 GSi Auto 5 Door
1995 214 Si 3 Door - White Gold
1998 VVC Coupe - Tahiti Blue/Red Piccadilly & Leather
2001 1.8 Connie 45 4 Door - Wedgewood Blue
2004 75 CDTi Connie - Firefrost
Topcat Tomcat
Club Member
Posts: 927
Joined: Mon Apr 11, 2016 10:36 am
Location: Worcestershire

Re: R3 Headliner Sunroof Aperture Plastic Trim Problem

Post by Topcat Tomcat »

Hi all. After a lousy past 8 months and my energy levels apparently beginning to improve (🤞), I've started to look at this problem again.

I've had to glue two of the clips to the headlining to keep them in position.

Has anyone experienced similar problems and come up with a neat, strong and lasting solution?

And ideas will be gratefully received, as until I can put it back in the car, I can't really start rebuilding the interior. Thanks.
Topcat Tomcat (aka Conductorwomble)

1990 216 GSi Auto 5 Door
1995 214 Si 3 Door - White Gold
1998 VVC Coupe - Tahiti Blue/Red Piccadilly & Leather
2001 1.8 Connie 45 4 Door - Wedgewood Blue
2004 75 CDTi Connie - Firefrost
User avatar
220 GSi turbo
Club Member
Posts: 3009
Joined: Thu Sep 20, 2007 6:48 pm
Location: The National Forest

Re: R3 Headliner Sunroof Aperture Plastic Trim Problem

Post by 220 GSi turbo »

I think I have found a solution, after looking at the headlining in my 25 Impression S3.

The clips actually retain the plastic trim to the sunroof tray, not to the headlining material. The material and backing board is merely sandwiched between the two.

I hope that helps :)
1995 220GSi Turbo: owned for 24 years
1994 216SLi
2000 25GTi

Daily: Honda Civic Type R GT

Previously: 216 Sprint (1988-91)216 Coupe(1993-95) 214SLi(1995-96) 420GSi Turbo L955UKV(1997-2004) 214SEi M884BMR(2004-11) 420GSi Tourer (2005-6) 214 SEi M103BCW(2011-12)
Topcat Tomcat
Club Member
Posts: 927
Joined: Mon Apr 11, 2016 10:36 am
Location: Worcestershire

Re: R3 Headliner Sunroof Aperture Plastic Trim Problem

Post by Topcat Tomcat »

Blimey, I would never have thought of that. I will have a look.

Thank you so much for taking the trouble to investigate.
Topcat Tomcat (aka Conductorwomble)

1990 216 GSi Auto 5 Door
1995 214 Si 3 Door - White Gold
1998 VVC Coupe - Tahiti Blue/Red Piccadilly & Leather
2001 1.8 Connie 45 4 Door - Wedgewood Blue
2004 75 CDTi Connie - Firefrost
Topcat Tomcat
Club Member
Posts: 927
Joined: Mon Apr 11, 2016 10:36 am
Location: Worcestershire

Re: R3 Headliner Sunroof Aperture Plastic Trim Problem

Post by Topcat Tomcat »

220 GSi turbo wrote: Sun Aug 17, 2025 8:50 pm I think I have found a solution, after looking at the headlining in my 25 Impression S3.

The clips actually retain the plastic trim to the sunroof tray, not to the headlining material. The material and backing board is merely sandwiched between the two.

I hope that helps :)
Sir, you are an absolute Genius! I've just had a look and sure enough, there are marks both on the leading and trailing edges of the sunroof frame.

I can not make a proper start on putting it all back together.

Once again, thank you so much for solving the mystery!
Topcat Tomcat (aka Conductorwomble)

1990 216 GSi Auto 5 Door
1995 214 Si 3 Door - White Gold
1998 VVC Coupe - Tahiti Blue/Red Piccadilly & Leather
2001 1.8 Connie 45 4 Door - Wedgewood Blue
2004 75 CDTi Connie - Firefrost
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