Headliner Adhesive

[SRU1436]

I need some help, I’m trying to remove the factory headliner adhesive. I’ve tried goo gone and 3M adhesive remover and I am having no luck. The 3M adhesive remover was recommended and was told it was really good, no such luck.

Do any of you have any recommendations? I don’t want to grind on them and want to keep the original paint if at all possible. See attached photo.

Thank you, Matt.

 

[The Cobbler]

try acetone with goood ventilation

 

[SRU1436]

Won’t the acetone remove the paint?

 

[The Cobbler]

don't think so , but try a corner just to be sure

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Steamer?

Tommy

 

[SRU1436]

Steamer?

Tommy

Like an automotive steamer? I don’t have one, do you recommend one. I’m always looking for an excuse for new tools too.

 

[MattVette89]

I don't have experience with headliner glue specifically. But I've removed other adhesives. Have you tried a heat gun with a plastic razor blade? Or a pinstripe remover wheel?

 

[SRU1436]

I haven’t tried the heat gun and plastic razor blade, or pin stripe remover. Good ideas, thanks.

 

[CTyankee]

I didn't know headliners were ever glued directly to metal. I do the know the stuff is sticky and a mess to try and clean up.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

I have not done this on headliner adhesive.
Get a cotton towel (or rag), and a clothing iron. Press the towel to the adhesive with the iron. Hold long enough to soften the adhesive enough for the cloth to "absorb" it. Let cool slightly then peal it off.
(Wax paper between the iron and towel if you want to keep the iron clean).

 

[unslow1]

Won’t the acetone remove the paint?

That is what I use to take off overspray on windows and chrome when I paint a car.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Like an automotive steamer? I don’t have one, do you recommend one. I’m always looking for an excuse for new tools too.

Actually, Mrs. LS6 recently picked up this little guy up as part of a package with a steam mop:

https://www.thesmartlivingmop.com/collections/all-products/products/smart-living-steam-jr

I was dubious, but it really works well.

Tommy

 

[SGKent]

3M spray is a slow process to remove. You will lose paint if you try any chemical strippers. I know one fellow who used a DA with finer and finer paper so he didn't lose the paint. Most people give up and glue back over it, or scrape and sand it off if they want it gone then repaint. I won't vote on the steam method because I haven't tried it but typically 3M rubber adhesive used in upholstery work is not a thermal glue.

 

[Bill Bowman]

Typically, they used a "hardboard" or "doorcard" which was either covered with a vinyl material, or simply colored to compliment the interior. Personally, I would replace with my choice of board/material and simply leave the old adhesive. Adding adhesive should not really affect the end result. Perhaps an interior guy will chime in with a better idea.

Sometimes, we over think things, when simple solutions can actually be to our overall advantage.

 

[NYBODYMAN]

Ditto what Bill Bowman said. Where is the headliner itself?

 

[SRU1436]

3M spray is a slow process to remove. You will lose paint if you try any chemical strippers. I know one fellow who used a DA with finer and finer paper so he didn't lose the paint. Most people give up and glue back over it, or scrape and sand it off if they want it gone then repaint. I won't vote on the steam method because I haven't tried it but typically 3M rubber adhesive used in upholstery work is not a thermal glue.

Thank, I might try one of the pinstripe remover wheel.

Typically, they used a "hardboard" or "doorcard" which was either covered with a vinyl material, or simply colored to compliment the interior. Personally, I would replace with my choice of board/material and simply leave the old adhesive. Adding adhesive should not really affect the end result. Perhaps an interior guy will chime in with a better idea.

Sometimes, we over think things, when simple solutions can actually be to our overall advantage.

Thanks, I’ve gotten some good ideas so far.

Ditto what Bill Bowman said. Where is the headliner itself?

I still have the headliner, which i could still reuse if needed.

Actually, Mrs. LS6 recently picked up this little guy up as part of a package with a steam mop:

https://www.thesmartlivingmop.com/collections/all-products/products/smart-living-steam-jr

I was dubious, but it really works well.

Tommy

Thanks for the information.

 

[HotrodHR]

That looks like a '60s or '70s truck cab... acetone or lacquer thinner will probably remove some of the original paint.

Not sure why you're concerned about removing some paint... just sand and spot paint and install your new headliner...

 

[like2wheel]

Since he mentioned in the op that he would like to keep the original paint, seems obvious to me that he doesn't want to run a headliner at all.
Maybe the truck has a little rat rod flavor.

 

[SRU1436]

Thanks for the input everyone. It’s an all original 1972 Chevrolet C10. Worse cause is I remove some paint and then I’ll have to touch it up, however, if I can avoid that I’d like to. The original headliner, which I still have is an option too.

 

[DC_Gearhead]

Heat gun and plastic scraper like they said above. If it’s gummy you could use one of those rubber wheels they use to remove sticker adhesive.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[CraigStu]

Just be careful w/ the rubber wheels. They are not 100% safe to paint.