I have done the search on headliners, what years do NOT have the foam backing? I have a '96 with foam, looked at a '95 and'97 yesterday both with foam. Can a foam be recovered? Are the others made of masonite type material?

 

I think the foam goes back pretty far. Ive got an 88 with the foam headliner under the cloth. Just ripped it out though.

 

Yes did it myself.

 

My 95 had foam. Did mine myself. First time doing one.

 

I don't know about headliner composition on very latest years but the foam backed cloth made for this purpose was used starting in '84. The foam backing is an integral part of the cloth and cannot be recovered after it starts to sag or otherwise deteriorate. This cloth can be found at fabric stores -- Joanne's is one nationwide chain.

This cloth is glued to the actual board that is made of fiberglass, not masonite. To do a quality re-cover the board, it is necessary to remove it from the Jeep and brush/scrape off the remaining cloth and adhesive. The new cloth (foam backed, un-backed or whatever) is glued with special purpose adhesive onto the cleaned board.

 

Just had a new headliner put in my 99 and the foam is on about all the material backing. The important thing is getting all the old foam off the board and making sure it is clean. When I had mine replaced it was only $115 not worth the trouble of doing it at home and finding the right material.

 

Just curious, where'd you have it done for $115?

 

I did automotive upholstery for 20+ years, and I think you're getting the right advice. Make sure you use a High temp glue, or on some hot sunny summer day, you'll get in your jeep and the material will be hanging down in front of your face. We always ordered ours from an upholstery supplier, but I've found "head liner" spray glue at most of the auto parts stores. Whatever you do, DON'T use the normal foam or fabric adhesives that you'll find in craft and fabric stores. They will not hold up long in high temps.

Also, once you scrape all the old foam off, its a good idea to use a wax and grease remover before spraying the new glue on the board.

They aren't that hard to recover yourself. Just need a large work area and having a second pair of hands helps a lot too...

If you decide to tackle this project on your own, shoot me a PM if you need anymore help than what you're getting on the thread.