Headliner foam disintegrating - clean it out?

[BHap]

The foam(?) material in my hardtop's headliner is deteriorating and covers the interior in "dust".  I don't use the hardtop enough to justify a full restoration (removing all the glass and seals), but I'm thinking I could drop the front half of the headliner and "vacuum" out the old foam, and not replace it with anything.  Has anyone else tried this approach?  Any ideas or suggestions are appreciated.

Bob Happe
Pittsburgh, Pa
1970 280SL

[merrill]

Bob,
i have the same problem with my hard top.  It's never on the car so I don't worry about it.

your approach is interesting,  seems like it would resolve the issue of deteriorating foam dusting you and the car.

unfortunately deteriorating foam is an issue in modern cars as well.  when it fails the headliner material ends up sagging.
I have this issue with my 98 c230 and 99 c230. 

let us know how it works out
Matt