I have taken off the A pilar and roof trim in my convertible (replacing the latch cylinder). I decided to recover them as the foam has disintegrated and it also smells bad. They are made of a sort of compressed fibreboard. Has anyone managed to clean them off? I have tried scraping and light sanding bit its difficult to get off all the old foam and glue with damaging the fibreboard.

 

Have you tried using an agent to help dissolve the glue remnants (perhaps isopropyl alcohol or brake cleaner spray?

 

All mechanical methods up until now. I do have some iso so I could give that a try.

 

I used lacquer thinner

 

I also use lacquer thinner in small sections (about a 5"X 5") after scraping any foam off.

 

Thanks Guys. Thinner really does the trick. Lots of careful scraping and sanding but I have the A pillars done. Now the headliner. I am pleased its not a coupe! Not sure how many brain cells I would have left. My workshop is pretty well ventilated but thinner is powerful stuff!

 

Well done....

 

All done and very happy with the result. Looks like new.

 

Congratulations!

 

I think the best thing is the smell of the disintegrated foam has now gone from the car. It was really quite unpleasant and now everything smells fresh.