Proper way to fix sagging Headliner

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KilgoreTrout

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You want to get that old stuff off.
A stiff nylon brush will be very helpful, and then gently with a wire brush or a scraping device for the remainder.
Well that doesn't sound like much fun. Haha....
 

thecantaloupeman

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If it's not cracked or broken.
Well I looked underneath and it's not bad. But how do I restick it? I don't know if that's possible.

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If you think you can remove the pressboard backing without cracking or breaking it, do so.

Be very careful. Its age has made it brittle. Then you can use green ScotchBrite or a nylon brush to get the remainder of the backing foam removed.

Lay your new material over it allowing about 2 inches overlap and trim it there. Just make a small 'X' where you have any holes for coat hangers, visors; etc.

Spray both the foam and backing with 3M Super 77.
If you're using 3M Super 90 just spray the backing.

This is best a 2 person job, unless you like to curse a lot.

I've done it once but if / when I have to do it again, I'm doing like Blue Ox says.
 

thecantaloupeman

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If you think you can remove the pressboard backing without cracking or breaking it, do so.

Be very careful. Its age has made it brittle. Then you can use green ScotchBrite or a nylon brush to get the remainder of the backing foam removed.

Lay your new material over it allowing about 2 inches overlap and trim it there. Just make a small 'X' where you have any holes for coat hangers, visors; etc.

Spray both the foam and backing with 3M Super 77.
If you're using 3M Super 90 just spray the backing.

This is best a 2 person job, unless you like to curse a lot.

I've done it once but if / when I have to do it again, I'm doing like Blue Ox says.
Here's a picture of my backing board. Does it look to be in decent shape? It's not cracked or anything. The vinyl however does seem to have some foam residue left over on the back and some of the glue.
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All depends on the quality of what you want to do.
It looks like the backing is in good shape, but remember that glue will cause your vinyl to sort of melt, so probably if you want a good job, you want to pull everything out and do it right.
 

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Here's a picture of my backing board. Does it look to be in decent shape? It's not cracked or anything. The vinyl however does seem to have some foam residue left over on the back and some of the glue.
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That does appear to be in very good shape.
Is your intention to remove the backing board for the replacement or clean it and replace the cover 'in-place'?
It will be an easier job if it is removed but the trick is to remove the backing without causing damage to it.
Give yourself plenty of time and don't be in a rush to do any of this.
 

thecantaloupeman

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That does appear to be in very good shape.
Is your intention to remove the backing board for the replacement or clean it and replace the cover 'in-place'?
It will be an easier job if it is removed but the trick is to remove the backing without causing damage to it.
Give yourself plenty of time and don't be in a rush to do any of this.
Anyone have any ideas how to remove it safely? Is it stuck on with adhesion or is it just held up by the trim pieces?

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Snoots

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That, I can't answer. But I believe it's only held up by the trim.
 

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Just the trim.
 

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Take your time removing the left over foam on the backer board as well. Once you have it clean, then you can spray the adhesive on it and headliner material and attach together.

On a side note, before removing the headliner, look at all your hole it needs, i.e. visors, cab light. This way you can trim them before installing the headliner. Cut the holes smaller then enlarge as needed when you install the pieces for a clean/tight look.
 

thecantaloupeman

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Take your time removing the left over foam on the backer board as well. Once you have it clean, then you can spray the adhesive on it and headliner material and attach together.

On a side note, before removing the headliner, look at all your hole it needs, i.e. visors, cab light. This way you can trim them before installing the headliner. Cut the holes smaller then enlarge as needed when you install the pieces for a clean/tight look.
Now once I do get the backer board off, can I reuse the old fabric? I don't know if there is a way to clean the foam off the vinyl or not, but if there is, the Vinyl looks nearly brand new. Also what is a good way to clean off that foam backing board? I found a few videos saying to use steel wool and just put very light pressure, but I was curious if anyone else had some ideas.
 

dvdswan

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Steel wool with light pressure, hard bristle brush with light pressure. The key is remembering that the backer board is old and frail. Be gentle with it.

As far as the vinyl, if its still in good shape, then maybe mild soap and water or a soft brush. Again its old and frail too. I really don't know of a good way to remove the old glue. It will be some testing in a corner to find out.

If you can get the vinyl clean you can get 1/4" foam by itself and apply it to the vinyl, then after it dries a day or two, then apply it to the backer board.
 

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See if you have a Jo Ann's in your area. They will likely have the fabric/foam you need.
 

thecantaloupeman

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Steel wool with light pressure, hard bristle brush with light pressure. The key is remembering that the backer board is old and frail. Be gentle with it.

As far as the vinyl, if its still in good shape, then maybe mild soap and water or a soft brush. Again its old and frail too. I really don't know of a good way to remove the old glue. It will be some testing in a corner to find out.

If you can get the vinyl clean you can get 1/4" foam by itself and apply it to the vinyl, then after it dries a day or two, then apply it to the backer board.
I am gonna buy a cheap angle grinder from harbor freight and try this with the steel wool. If thats a bit too rough I can use it for other things like sanding. I could also just use a drill. Thanks for the info though. I'm gonna go take out the backer board tomorrow but I just need to wait until I have a few more hands to help me out so it doesn't crack.
 

thecantaloupeman

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See if you have a Jo Ann's in your area. They will likely have the fabric/foam you need.
I do have a joann's near me thats a good idea! Thank you!
 

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