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Preformed ABS Headliner Board Installation Instructions

May 14, 2025

Applicable for most preformed ABS plastic replacement headliner boards.

Please read all instructions completely before beginning installation.

Before You Begin

Factory Interiors ABS headliner boards are vacuum-formed to match the original factory contours of your vehicle’s roof structure.

These preformed headliners are designed to:

  • Restore sagging or damaged factory headliners
  • Replace warped or deteriorated original fiberboard panels
  • Provide a more durable and moisture-resistant alternative to OEM boards

Most ABS headliners arrive covered in factory-style headliner material, though some applications may be paintable or available unfinished depending on the vehicle.

For best results:

  • Allow the headliner to relax at room temperature before installation.
  • Test fit all panels before final assembly.
  • Professional installation is recommended for show-quality restorations.

Recommended Tools

The following tools are recommended for installation:

  • Phillips screwdriver
  • Thin flat-blade screwdriver
  • Pliers
  • Razor knife or safety knife
  • Trim removal tools
  • Adhesive or masking tape
  • Flashlight

Important Installation Notes

Pre-Cut Openings

All ABS headliner boards include pre-cut openings in the board for factory features such as:

  • Dome lights
  • Sun visor brackets
  • Coat hooks
  • Overhead consoles
  • Trim attachments

The upholstery material will typically cover these openings.

To expose an opening:

  1. Locate the opening from the backside or visible outline.
  2. Use a razor knife to cut a small “X” in the center.
  3. Fold the material flaps toward the backside of the board.
  4. Secure material using tape or adhesive.

This method provides a cleaner finished appearance than cutting full circles or squares.

Vehicle Variations

Due to factory production tolerances and age-related differences:

  • Some openings may require slight enlargement.
  • Minor trimming may be necessary.
  • Test fit components before final tightening.

Included Hook & Loop Fastener

Some ABS headliner kits include adhesive-backed hook-and-loop fastener (Velcro).

This may be used:

  • In areas where additional support is needed.
  • To improve contact between the headliner and roof structure.
  • To stabilize loose sections during installation.

Removing the Original Headliner

1. Remove Sun Visors

Using a Phillips screwdriver:

  • Remove both sun visors.
  • Retain all mounting hardware.

Important:

If new replacement sun visors were purchased separately, original mounting brackets may still need to be reused.

2. Remove Upper Interior Moldings

Remove all upper trim moldings surrounding the headliner.

Typical trim includes:

  • Windshield trim
  • Door opening trim
  • Rear window trim
  • Sail panels
  • Side moldings

To remove:

  1. Remove lower fasteners or screws.
  2. Carefully rock moldings using pliers or trim tools.
  3. Release retaining clips gently.

Most factory clips can be reused if removed carefully.

3. Remove Seat Belt Covers & Anchors

If applicable:

  • Carefully pry off plastic seat belt anchor covers.
  • Remove anchor hardware as needed.

Additional disassembly may vary depending on vehicle design.

4. Remove Dome Light & Electrical Components

Caution: Dome light bulbs may be hot.

To remove:

  1. Carefully squeeze or pry the dome light lens free.
  2. Remove the bulb.
  3. Remove retaining clips using pliers.
  4. Disconnect wiring harnesses.

Repeat for any additional overhead electrical accessories.

5. Remove Original Headliner Board

The factory headliner may be retained using:

  • Hidden support clips
  • Trim pressure
  • Adhesive sections

To remove:

  • Carefully shift the headliner toward one side of the vehicle.
  • Release any hidden retaining clips.
  • Lower the board carefully to avoid cracking.

Note:

Original fiberboard headliners are often brittle due to age and moisture exposure.

Because the new ABS board is rigid, many factory support clips are no longer required.

Installing the New ABS Headliner

6. Prepare Cutouts

Before installation:

  • Identify all openings being used.
  • Cut small “X” openings through the material.
  • Fold excess material behind the board.
  • Secure material using tape or adhesive.

Do not fully cut out large openings unless necessary.

7. Position the Headliner in the Vehicle

Carefully place the new ABS headliner into the vehicle interior.

Align:

  • Seat belt openings
  • Sun visor mounting holes
  • Dome light openings
  • Trim edges

Avoid forcing or sharply bending the board.

8. Install Sun Visor Brackets

Install the sun visor mounting brackets loosely first.

Do not fully tighten screws until:

  • The headliner is centered.
  • All openings align properly.
  • Trim pieces have been test fitted.

At this stage, the headliner should appear symmetrical inside the vehicle.

Minor repositioning may still be required.

9. Reinstall Trim Moldings

Reinstall all upper trim moldings and panels.

As trim is tightened:

  • The headliner edges will become secured.
  • Alignment will finalize.
  • The board will tighten against the roof structure.

Once satisfied with fitment:

  • Fully tighten visor brackets and trim fasteners.

10. Reconnect Electrical Components

Feed all wiring through the corresponding openings.

Reconnect:

  • Dome lights
  • Map lights
  • Overhead consoles
  • Other electrical accessories

Reinstall:

  • Light housings
  • Bulbs
  • Lenses
  • Seat belt covers
  • Remaining trim components

Installation is now complete.

Helpful Installation Tips

Test Fit Everything First

Before fully tightening trim:

  • Verify all openings align correctly.
  • Check visor fitment.
  • Confirm dome light positioning.
  • Ensure trim panels sit flush.

Warm Temperatures Help

Installing the headliner in a warm environment allows the material to relax and conform more naturally.

Avoid Over-Trimming

Only enlarge openings when absolutely necessary.

Small adjustments are easier to make than repairing oversized cuts.

Handle Carefully During Installation

Although ABS is far more durable than original fiberboard:

  • Avoid excessive twisting.
  • Do not sharply fold the board.
  • Use two people for larger applications whenever possible.

Advantages of ABS Headliners

Compared to original factory fiberboard headliners, ABS headliner boards offer:

  • Increased durability
  • Better resistance to moisture and sagging
  • Improved dimensional stability
  • Easier long-term maintenance
  • More consistent fitment over time

ABS headliners are commonly preferred for restorations, daily drivers, and vehicles exposed to heat or humidity.

Additional Notes

  • Minor variations between vehicles may require small adjustments.
  • Reusing original hardware and trim clips is common.
  • Some vehicles may require additional trimming depending on previous repairs or production variations.

For questions regarding fitment, materials, or installation assistance, contact Factory Interiors customer support at 1-888-269-6287 (MATS).