Headliner replacement help...

[Blt2Lst]

Hey Folks

I am going to replace the headliner material in my 89 wagon.
I was wondering how do you remove all the old foam that is stuck to the backing board? I have heard that a wire brush will do the trick but was wondering if there are other ways.
As always, I welcome your () input.

Thanks

Al

[CD Smalley]

I used a wire brush on mine. It takes a while. Anything powered would probably ruin the backer board.

[silicon212]

Originally Posted by CD Smalley

I used a wire brush on mine. It takes a while. Anything powered would probably ruin the backer board.

I just rolled my hands over it ... after a while it all came off but it helps to have the patience of Job when you do this.

[Blt2Lst]

Thanks for the tips guys.
Will let you know how i make out.

al

[PeteA216]

I agree with silicon, the foam in mine was so deteriorated that running my hand across did the trick.
***I HAVE TO STRESS ONE THING!!!!! When applying the headliner material to the backer, do it loosely. DO NOT pull the material, especially where the ceiling curves. The glue will come undone from the tension. I've seen it happen twice on two different vehicles. Third time's the charm I guess lol.

[deesandvees]

How'd you pull your headliner out?

[silicon212]

Originally Posted by deesandvees

How'd you pull your headliner out?

If you want to do it right, you do it by removing the windshield or backscreen. If you do it like I did, you saw it into two pieces and tape it back together before you put the lining on it.

[PeteA216]

I successfully got it out and back in through the rear, driver's side door in one solid piece. All other doors were open as well to allow room for me to move the headliner shell around while I worked it out the door. It actually wasn't bad with two people.

[Blt2Lst]

Originally Posted by PeteA216

I agree with silicon, the foam in mine was so deteriorated that running my hand across did the trick.
***I HAVE TO STRESS ONE THING!!!!! When applying the headliner material to the backer, do it loosely. DO NOT pull the material, especially where the ceiling curves. The glue will come undone from the tension. I've seen it happen twice on two different vehicles. Third time's the charm I guess lol.

Thats good to know.
Thanks, i hate doing things twice or more.

al

[Blt2Lst]

Originally Posted by PeteA216

I successfully got it out and back in through the rear, driver's side door in one solid piece. All other doors were open as well to allow room for me to move the headliner shell around while I worked it out the door. It actually wasn't bad with two people.

I am doing this in my wagon, i think i can remove both pieces thru the rear tail gate.

al

[PeteA216]

That should work perfect.

[Blt2Lst]

I know you folks are dying to find out how I made out with the headliner replacement so I thought I would post my results. lol

The job went fairly smooth with no real problems encountered.
I even got my 12 year old son to help me by removeing the screws holding interior parts on and also a second pair of hands to help with the removal of the headliner panels.

I found a plastic scraper followed up with brushing with a nylon brush did the trick for removing the old foam.

Once that was done, applying the new material required the help of another person (my wife) to get it on without any wrinkles. That went smoothly also.

Next was reinstalling the 2 piece headliner back into the car (it's a wagon, remember) and securing it in place. It was a windy day at the beach and the wind wanted to turn the headiner panels into flying projectiles, that was the tricky part.

After getting all the interior parts back in place, I was amazed how good it looked, I should have done it sooner.

All said and done, it cost $60 in materials and my labor to get a pro looking job.

A local shop wanted $250 to do the job, question now is, what will i do with all the cash I saved??

Thanks again for the help.

Al

[lil_reece1800]

HI.
I'm now tryin to replace my headliner but i need to know how much fabric i will need? Does anyone have an estimate?

Originally Posted by PeteA216

I successfully got it out and back in through the rear, driver's side door in one solid piece. All other doors were open as well to allow room for me to move the headliner shell around while I worked it out the door. It actually wasn't bad with two people.

[Blt2Lst]

The material is sold by the yard (3 feet)and comes 60" wide.
Just measure the length of the panel and round up to the nearest yard.
I got 4 yds (12 feet)to do my wagon and had enough extra material to do the sun visors also. It also took 2 big cans of spray glue. Total material cost for the job was $60.
Take a small swatch of the old fabric with you when you go to the upholstery shop to match it.

It also helps to have an extra pair of hands around for the job.
Now the fun part, getting the old stuff off

Good luck with the project

al

[lil_reece1800]

Thanks for the help!!!

Originally Posted by Blt2Lst

The material is sold by the yard (3 feet)and comes 60" wide.
Just measure the length of the panel and round up to the nearest yard.
I got 4 yds (12 feet)to do my wagon and had enough extra material to do the sun visors also. It also took 2 big cans of spray glue. Total material cost for the job was $60.
Take a small swatch of the old fabric with you when you go to the upholstery shop to match it.

It also helps to have an extra pair of hands around for the job.
Now the fun part, getting the old stuff off

Good luck with the project

al