How do I apply the new headliner fabric to the headliner board?

[barrys]

I got the new fabric and plan to use the Permatex headliner adhesive unless someone recommends otherwise.

Thanks to the forum, I now know I can get the freakin thing out of the truck...

So, since the surface of the headliner board is contoured so much, anyone have any good tips on how to apply the new fabric?

When I've done foam backed upolstering in the past (all of one time ever...) I spray both surfaces -- board and fabric foam backing in this case --and let them get tacky then put them together. But, since this surface has deep contours running in every direction, that process is likely to make a mess of bumps, bubbles, and torn fabric.

So, more specifically:
Should I apply adhesive to both surfaces or just the back of the board?
Should I:
1. Start on an edge and work across?
2. Start at the center and work out?
3. Drape it over the entire board at once and mush it into the contours?

I'll try to do a writeup with pics on this when I actually do it.

 

[TheNicky]

I would personally go from one side to the other just becuase all the contour...
And yea go with the permatex im sure you will be better off then me lol!
I used elmers spray on adhesive! on a foam backed! Working fine!
If you have help just have 1 person drop the fabric and 1 person press! IMO

 

[triumphrider-1]

As far as the spray and method (one or both sides) not sure.

For laying it I would lay the fabric over the entire piece, center it, fold half over. Then spray that half and work the fabric from center to the edge. Just my two cents.

 

[Fast Doc]

I used special headliner spray on adhesive and did it alone. Could have used help but it turned out OK. I started at the back and worked up to the front. Getting the old foam backing off evenly without hurting the cardboard was the hard part. I'm glad I did it and I like the result but hope I don't have to do it again, quite the PIA.

 

[TheNicky]

Agreed^^^

 

[barrys]

How did you get the old foam off? My board is made of a hard foam. Cardboard might sound not as good as hard foam, but perhaps it's a friend when removing that backing foam.

 

[RobbieD]

The hard backing used in your '94 headliner is pressed fiberglass (which smells pretty bad). On mine, I used a stiff-bristled scrub brush to knock of the rotted soft foam rubber which pads the bottom of the liner. It's OK to leave the good, unrotted foam.

My technique to apply the cloth was to center the cloth, then fold it back and spray the glue onto both peices as a center strip a couple of inches wide. I glued the peices together on the center strip, and then went back and sprayed and set the remaining sides one side at a time.

Pay attention that you're centered, because with a Super Cab headliner your replacement cloth is likely just barely wide enough to fit.

Keep the loose cloth folded back, and work toward the edges, taking time to work the cloth to the contours. Selecting a fuzzy, non-directional replacement cloth, like a felt fabric, works and looks the best.

 

[barrys]

That's good info on how to apply. Thanks for that.

In response to this:
> The hard backing used in your '94 headliner is pressed fiberglass (which smells pretty bad).

Mine's definitely made of foam, not fiberglass. It creases very easily and seems to have not aged so well in the sun out here on the West Coast. I think a wire brush will tear it to shreds. But, you suggestion of a plastic dish brush might be gentle enough. I'll try a little bit and see. I don't think I'll be able to clean it up like as well as the people with cardboard boards can. But, it should be OK.

 

[barrys]

That's good info on how to apply. Thanks for that.

In response to this:
> The hard backing used in your '94 headliner is pressed fiberglass (which smells pretty bad).

Mine's definitely made of foam, not fiberglass.

I'm not sure if either of us were correct on this one. I just did the headliner yesterday and it seemed like it was laminated layers of incredibly thin paper. Trying to pull the foam wanted to tear it apart. So, we ended up just laminating over the old fabric. It also wants to kink if you just look at it the wrong way. I guess Ford didn't want me to replace that fabric just like when they plastic welded those fabric covered panels on the doors...

 

[HRTKD]

'91 owner here with a slightly different perspective that might help out the next guy. The backer board for my headliner is made out of pressed fiberglass. The fabric did not come off easily. I spent two hours with a razor blade carefully scraping off the foam that goes on between the fabric and the board. Some fiberglass came off with the foam. If I had a choice I would have just bought a new board. But they aren't available for the '91 any more. I asked around at a couple of the web sites that sell replacement boards.

 

[barrys]

My new fabric that I put over the old fabric is starting to come off already after less than a year. I don't recommend that. But, I had the same scary, disintegrating board. I can get an ABS board from the online suplliers. I'll probably do that when I have an extra 200.00+ around. For now, the only one who will notice the issue is me...

 

[4x4junkie]

Part of the problem might be that Permatex adhesive.

I just did the headliner on my BII (pressed fiberglass board). Cleaned dang near all the old foam and crap off it, sprayed it and the fabric with what I thought was a pretty liberal amount of Permatex adhesive (I used two big cans for the large BII headliner), and less than two months later I can see the fabric has pulled away just a hair in the recesses for the sun visors.

Dunno what's a good adhesive, but Permatex doesn't seem to be it.
Would be nice to know what Ford uses.

 

[barrys]

On mine, we used the special stuff only the upholsterers can get. But, since we put new fabric over old, that's probably why it's coming off. I think the expensive 3M stuff will work as far as I heard -- #76 in the greenish can. But, I don't know for sure.

 

[shane96ranger]

On mine, we used the special stuff only the upholsterers can get. But, since we put new fabric over old, that's probably why it's coming off. I think the expensive 3M stuff will work as far as I heard -- #76 in the greenish can. But, I don't know for sure.

I've used "3M Super 77 Classic" to do some stuff in the past. Never done a headliner, but would use that if I were doing one. I just went and looked at the can and it specifically says it bonds to foam with a low soak in. Here's a link:

http://www.interplas.com/3m-super-77-multipurpose-spray-adhesive-24oz-p-3mad-77

There are more than one formula, Classic is what I've used. Impressive stuff! It's made by 3M it says you can't use it in California, so you know it's good stuff

 

[HRTKD]

When I asked StockInteriors.com today about this here was their response: Some people wipe down the board with Mineral spirits or spray with a light coat of spray paint to help the adhesive stick better

I don't see how mineral spirits would help. Spray paint? Maybe. I'm going to use a roller to make sure the fabric is firmly attached to the board. What a PITA.