How To: Fix a Rear Window Leak

13 Diagonally snip the ends of the sleeves so the bows can move freely inside the headliner; this eases fitting and adjustment.

14 Next, spray the edges of the headliner with upholstery adhesive in preparation for installation.

15 The edges of the car's roof are also coated with adhesive. Use a piece of cardboard to keep adhesive from getting on the windshield and other areas.

16 The roof channel is where the headliner is attached to the car at the rear. Note the piece of cardboard that's used with the adhesive air gun to keep adhesive from getting onto surfaces such as the back seat.

17 Sitting in the backseat, start the headliner installation by attaching the back bow. Keep track of where the bows were located so they can go back into the same holes.

18 These headliner bow-retaining wires attach to the back bow. They keep the bow properly positioned and hold the bows in place while the headliner is pulled taut.

19 Install the remaining bows. Note the piece of insulation material that is glued to the roof with spray adhesive. This piece of carpet padding replaces the crusty, original fiberglass insulation.

20 Glue the rear portion of the headliner to the window channel. Allow the spray adhesive to dry for about 5-10 minutes. It will get tacky and stick better once the headliner is pressed to the car's body.

21 Trim the areas above the side windows; fit the headliner into position; reinstall the sunvisors, coat hooks, windshield trim, and other items. Use a hair dryer or heat gun to remove wrinkles. If using a heat gun, keep it far enough from the headliner to avoid damage. For more details on headliner installation procedures, see the Jan. '06 issue.

22 Cut the edges of the headliner into fingers so the material wraps smoothly around the curve at the top of the rear window channel.

23 One reason we remove the rear window is for proper installation of these rear quarter-pillar trim panels, available from NPD. With the window out, install the panels with the excess material wrapping around the window channel, keeping them in place. Above is a new package tray that was also installed, as well as a new pair of interior courtesy-lights for the trim panels.

24 This is how the trim panels should be installed. Apply a strip of adhesive to the window channel. The excess panel material is pressed into place separate from the cardboard backing. Then, place the window and seal directly over it for a snug and uniform fit.