Dropping Headliner 2021 Ford Explorer

[Sfd295]

Hi all,

Going to be installing two NMO antennas in a 2021 Ford Explorer. It has the large glass moonroof so my locations are limited but I've scouted out a few near the factory antenna. I've never dropped a headliner in a newer vehicle, and I'm scared to death quite honestly. It was a nightmare in the past on a 06 F350 and I'm sure it hasn't gotten any better.

I was looking for some pointers on how to drop the headliner in the rear of the vehicle to access the roof near the oem antenna. I don't need to drop it fully thankfully. It's a new vehicle so I don't want to damage anything. It's not a PIU but I can't imagine the headliner mounting design would be much different. Anyone have any experience and some suggestions on how to do it without damaging the headliner?

Thanks!

Dave

 

[NoLimitSquads]

Ive dropped a ton of the headliners in the PIUs. Start in the back. The D pillar uppers pop off first, no screws. Then remove the big lower side panels. The C-pillar uppers come off next. You need to remove an 8mm bolt on each side. Then remove the little hooks near the top of the rear doors. There is a little cover that pops out, hiding a T20 screw. In the very back near the hatch opening, there are two plastic clip fasteners that you will want to use a panel popping tool to remove. If you rip the plastic off of the headliner, no worries, a little hot glue, and it will be good as new. Then just pull the headliner down a bit. You might get a little bit of creasing where the headliner bends, but you wont be able to see it once the headliner is straightened back out. If this is a light colored interior, wear gloves to avoid getting the headliner dirty. When running the antenna cable, make sure that you run it around the top side of the curtain airbag. Do you have a holesaw made for drilling antennas? Or are you just using a regular holesaw?

 

[Sfd295]

Thanks for the reply, your instructions are very helpful. I have an Antenex hole saw specifically for drilling antennas. I've done quite a few just never in a new vehicle.

 

[NoLimitSquads]

Another tip specific to these explorers; to get the big panel off in the back, there is a little hook in the back that is a screw that holds the panel on. To get that out without damaging it, use an 18 or 19mm 12 point socket. It took me a few cars before I figured that one out.