Any New info, Gen3 Headliner Removal?

Saw the old Gen 2 thread but haven’t found anything specific to Gen 3.

Thanks for any leads.

Gen 2 thread here:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/removing-your-headliner-and-insulating-sound-deadening.394469/

 

I removed mine a couple of weeks ago, and it is basically the same process as the 2nd gen, and isn't too bad as long as you take your time. The most difficult part during the removal for me was getting the plastic screw covers on the rear handles off. Don't know why that was so difficult. You also need to be mindful of the wires glued to the headliner. IIRC, there is a plug in each corner (except for the rear driver side) that will need to be disconnected. I believe there was a couple of cable stays in the A-pillars that I had to snip to release the wires, and I just re-zip tied them after. You don't have to remove the trim from the B-pillars, but it makes things a bit easier (especially for re-installation), as does removing the weather stripping from the tops of the doors. You will need to pull at least the top part of the passenger C-pillar trim to unplug one of the wires. Also, I don't think you will be able to remove the headliner from the truck unless you take your seats out as well. The liner didn't seem flexible enough to me, and I didn't want to crease it.

Again, the whole process really isn't too bad, just take your time. Also, your truck may be a little different from mine, so that may change things. I don't have a sunroof, but I do have the sliding rear window, which is why there was a plug on the rear passenger side. Let me know if you have any questions. This is all from memory, but I am happy to answer anything I can.

 

Bump.

I need this also.

I have a sunroof, which leads me to believe it's even more challenging.

 

Just took down my headliner today on my '16 Taco. I used various resources including the thread for the gen2 and this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIdhPrb06t8; also that guy's article here: http://www.booyagadget.com/2011/02/how-to-remove-your-headliner-toyota-tacoma-2006.html

Some important things to note:

-the overhead console is not like the 2nd gen, there are no "finger hooks" on the back side of it, and no screw in the sunglasses bay (though that's obvious), you remove by pulling on it with even firm pressure.

-the little nibs that hold the headliner (in the other threads it says it has "airbag" written on it) do NOT have any screws/bolts, it's just metal clips and also it is a MASSIVE pain in the rear to remove the cover for.

-dome light is not like the 2nd Gen, but can also be removed by just pulling on it/

-the shark fin antenna is wired to the passenger rear portion. This was why I had to take mine down (damn garage doors!) The antenna screws onto some sort of nut that has a few teeth that I assume bites into the underside of the metal roof. I don't know how this is possible as the part that plugs into the rest of the wiring is bigger than the hole of that nut.

-you will most likely need to take down C and B pillars too if you want to completely remove the headliner for sound deadening.

-a LOT of wiring is fixed onto the headliner so be careful!

-it's supposed to be 10mm bolts, but the socket wrench set I had needed the next size up. Also you may need a torx bit like I did if you have an access cab.

I took some videos but I don't have any editing software so it may take a while for me to upload.

All in all it took me about 60-90mins to take down, considering I don't know anything about doing this sort of thing and using borrowed tools, and constantly going back on my phone to watch the video again. It's not a bad go. Hardest part (other than those headliner clips) was taking down the rear pillars. Ugh that made me want to die, it took about 45mins on its own to just figure out myself, the rest was relatively easy.

ETA: I have a '16 AC TRD-OR MT Inferno

 

removed mine a couple days ago, like bestinmexico said, the hardest part was removing the covers on the rear handles

 

Some of the 3rd gen people mentioned in the threads I read said they had issues removing some of the "headliner clips / caps" and in some cases damaged them. I took mine off (2018 Access Cab) with out too much problem. I have attached some photos below to give you a better idea what I found. The clip removal tool in the image was immensely helpful.

 

good info here:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/my-silver-gsu-build.460083/page-4#post-15503347

 

I referenced these 2 threads combined and they helped helped a lot. Its worth saving the 800 dollars to have a shop do it. Adding sound deadening to the ceiling really made a difference.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...and-insulating-sound-deadening.394469/page-11
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/gopro-mount-repurposing.439331/

I took the rear pillar trims off to make it easier to fully remove the headliner. With an extra set of hands it was possible to remove the headliner from the cab without taking out the seats.

Here are some photos of the rear trim that holds the headliner up, on my 17 access cab. You need to grab little clips with a set of pliers while separating the upper and lower portions. PITA.

 

What's the name of that tool and where can we get it? Thanks.

 

It is just a plastic fastener removal tool. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...FjAMegQIAxAB&usg=AOvVaw3d6XSjT5edpMf40zTXuUWs

You can get them pretty cheap at harbor freight as well.

 

I got mine on Amazon. Something like the link below.

$9 MICTUNING 8PCS Auto Trim Removal Tool Set for Car Audio Dash Door Panel Window Molding Fastener Remover Tool Kit

https://www.amazon.com/MICTUNING-Re...rds=body+panel+removal&qid=1581744867&sr=8-11

 

Thanks.

 

I need to replace the 3rd brake light on my Gen3 because it's cracked. Do I need to remove the entire headliner to do this job?

 

Has anyone with a double cab actually managed to remove the headliner from the cab entirely?

 

I think a lot of people have. Mostly audio guys maybe?

 

i keep hearing it’s doable “with the seats out” but no one has really confirmed that I’ve seen.

I’m planning a full sound deading project including the roof and I really don’t want to work around the headliner just hanging down.

I’m probably going to have my roof wrapped at the same time and if the headliner is out then the shark fin and third brake light (and possibly the sunroof assembly) can be taken out to make the installers job much easier.

 

You're the hero we need. Do a write-up! I feel like someone had details pulling the headliner all the way out. You should get the thin fin if you pull the shark fin. Save yourself the hassle latter, if it comes to that

 

I found a write up where the guy completely dropped the headliner, but I don’t wanna work around it, I want the thing completely out of the cab where I don’t have to kill my back trying to do everything from the door openings.

I mean worse case scenario the headliner creases and then comes out pretty easily

 

Someone said they pulled it out through the rear doors or something. I know when Toyota replaced mine, they removed the windshield to do it.

I dropped mine less than a year ago to line the roof with butyl and foam. Believe there was a video on YouTube that I followed, but just take your time and don't pull too hard on anything. I also had a trim fastener kit and trim removal kit handy, as well as a hot glue gun to reattach the wiring to the top of the headliner. I would've been pissed if I had heard that wiring flopping around after going through all that trouble.

I think it did make a significant difference and would do it again, but it really sucked bending over the dropped headliner. My truck is not my daily so I let the whole process take a couple weekends.