How do I remove the old fabric from a foam headliner board?

[barrys]

I have the foam headliner board -- not the cardboard/fiber one -- in my 94 Ranger. In all the posts I read everyone seems to be using metal scrapers or wire brushes. This truck has been parked outside for 15 years and the foam feels a little "crunchy" as it is. I'm thinking that the wire brush or putty knife will just tear it to shreds.

Anyone have any kinder, gentler suggestions?

 

[graff104]

This is just me thinking off of the top of my head, but would a really stiff paint brush do any good?

 

[barrys]

It does look like a dish brush or bathroom scrub brush seem to be common for this. Let's see what others say.

 

[RobbieD]

Yes, a dish brush or bathroom scrub brush should work fine. You shouldn't need to remove every last speck of the old foam rubber; just scrub off what has dry-rotted.

 

[barrys]

Well... As it turns out, removing the headliner fabric from the board in my vintage of Ranger is basically not possible. I just did the headliner board yesterday with the help of a very good upholsterer who's been in business for 46 years.

The board is made of a paper laminate with very (tissue) thin layers. As you try to pull the foam up the paper starts to shred. He said he's only seen this type of board on that vintage of Ford truck. So, we just glued over the existing fabric with no small amount of glue. If that doesn't hold up, I'll get one of those spendy ABS boards.