After finishing off a lot of niggling jobs on the 240 Estate I backed it down the drive and looking in the rear-view mirror saw this at the back of the vehicle:




Absolutely gobsmacked as I had had the car parked with battery out for 2-3 weeks and the headlining prior to this was in perfect condition. I haven't used any heat-producing processes like grinding anywhere near the vehicle, don't smoke and have zero idea how this could have happened. The scorching along the edges of the damaged area is really obvious so it isn't just a rip, what I would like to know is how easy is it going to be to fix this (and I'm not talking some white cloth tape)!?!
Yeah my vote is on something like a mirror or lens in or near the car. @Spac you have some experience with this sort of thing don't you?
Ohhh shite! I had to resort to using one of those round shaving mirrors (taken off its extending frame) to locate the bolt for the coolant pipe bracket and I left it in the back of the estate along with all the tools I was using at the time. One of the sides is a magnifying mirror-damn! I can't believe that I could be so stupid but in my defence I was tackling numerous issues mechanically and innocently didn't think about the consequences (I had to resort to using it quite a few times during the various jobs I was doing).
I guess now the damage is done I would like to restore things but I have a feeling that changing over the headlining (might be able to source one locally from another Estate) is going to be a difficult operation, any thoughts chaps?
Nah it's actually pretty easy. Easier than sedans that's for sure. You just remove the Jesus handles and the dome lights and rear view mirror and I think a couple of clips here and there and it drops out.
Nice to hear, will have to have a word with another local 240 aficionado who might have a defunct estate with a pristine interior so I can make it good, still kicking myself for letting it happen but on the upside the car is going better than it ever has and thoroughly enjoyed taking it for a run today, very smooth!
Yep... This is my S40 headlining. The glass from the exterior rear view mirror dropped out, and I picked it up and put it on the driver's seat.

Ended up with a sort of time lapse photo over a few hot days.
Bet you felt just as silly as I did once you worked out what happened! The headlining in the 240 although grubby (interior spruce-up next on the list now the mechanicals are sorted) was still really pliant considering its 33 years and would have gone on for a lot longer, just hope I can track one down that's in as good condition. Did you replace yours or just live with it?
The headlining in 240s never seems to die, you should be okay
Thanks James, it's one of those extra jobs I'd prefer not to have to put on my list but it's taught me a valuable lesson....
Mine is being ignored for the time being. Have a replacement, but there's plenty of other things that take priority... In reality, the sagging part at the back is what's likely to prompt me to fix it.
Yes time is of the essence, mine is visible every time I turn my head to reverse down the drive and like you that's what's going to force me to get it done....
@Porkchop are you the porkchop on Porsche forums aus?
I wish I could say it was! (only because I've never got behind the wheel of something seriously sporty like a Porsche)...Our second car is an 08' Outback.
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