2019 Transit by the Bay

Done! 

Yes!, it's true they are attached by 5 bolts per rail and the entire headliner MUST be exposed. This involves removing the front seat belt mounts and the coat hooks in the 2nd row (*Tip... the button in the center of the seat belt mounts are very fragile, so be careful when you pull them back to expose the bolt)

The 12" front curved or contoured plastic section is also held in place by plastic tree nuts (and yes, they will break when you pull them up unless you have the specific tool that will grab them in place).

Full disclosure... I did not do the job myself, I had a Ford service tech do it!

Why? because I knew that if I attempted this that I would probably end up breaking or at least deforming plastic clips that hold everything in place since I don't have all the specific tools to release the clips. Little alone, not knowing exactly where every clip is located.

When I first called the dealership, I was able to speak directly to a tech that knew Transits very well. He was honest and told me that he had only removed a headliner once. So, I asked him if he had estimated labor hours as they do for every job performed. He told me 1-2 hours. This dealerships shop labor was charging $180 per hour, they might differ from city to city.

So, I was comfortable at 1.5 hours. Which the service advisor said would be the case.

OMG, the tech ended up spending closer to 3.5+ hours. But they honored the 1.5 hr quote. So, I was super happy! And, I would have ended up super frustrated if I spent 3-5 hrs doing it myself and potentially deforming the headliner, damaging clips or the fabric itself.

In the end... TOTALLY worth it!

NEXT... any buyers for OEM Roof Rails? They cost $1,200. (at least from Ford dealerships in Cali)