Select Your Vehicle

Back To All Articles

Pressboard Headliner Installation Instructions

May 14, 2025

Applicable for most preformed pressboard-style replacement headliner boards.

Please read all instructions completely before beginning installation.

Before You Begin

Factory Interiors pressboard headliner boards are designed to replicate the original factory-style headliner construction used in many classic and vintage vehicles.

These replacement headliners are manufactured with:

  • Preformed pressboard backing
  • OEM-style contours
  • Factory-style headliner material covering
  • Pre-cut openings for common accessories

Because pressboard headliners are more rigid and delicate than ABS plastic headliners, extra care should be used during handling and installation.

For best results:

  • Install in a clean, dry environment.
  • Handle the board carefully to avoid cracking or creasing.
  • Test fit all trim components before final tightening.

Professional installation is recommended for show-quality restorations.

Recommended Tools

The following tools are recommended for installation:

  • Phillips screwdriver
  • Flat-blade screwdriver
  • Razor knife or safety knife
  • Trim removal tools
  • Adhesive or masking tape
  • Flashlight
  • Clean work surface

Important Installation Notes

Pre-Cut Openings

All pressboard headliner boards include pre-cut openings for factory accessories such as:

  • Dome lights
  • Sun visor brackets
  • Coat hooks
  • Trim fasteners
  • Overhead accessories

The upholstery material will cover these openings.

To expose an opening:

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

This provides a cleaner finished appearance than cutting full openings immediately.

Vehicle Variations

Due to production tolerances and age-related differences:

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

Folded Headliner Boards

Some larger applications may arrive folded for shipping.

If your headliner includes:

  • A cardboard reinforcement strip
  • Special bonding tape

follow these steps before installation:

  1. Carefully unfold the headliner.
  2. Lay the board material-side down on a clean surface.
  3. Apply the included reinforcement strip along the fold line on the backside.
  4. Press firmly into place.
  5. Allow the bond to cure for 24 hours before installation.

Do not attempt installation before the reinforcement has fully bonded.

Two-Piece Headliners

Some vehicles, such as certain Jeep Wagoneer applications, use a two-piece headliner design.

These applications typically reuse a factory center molding that:

  • Covers the seam between sections
  • Secures the front and rear panels together

Retain and reuse this molding during installation.

Score Lines and Forming

Some pressboard headliners include score lines to assist with contouring around:

  • Rear corners
  • Roof edges
  • Side contours

Before installation:

  • Carefully bend along the score lines little by little.
  • Avoid aggressive bending or sharp folding.
  • Gradual shaping helps prevent cracking.

Removing the Original Headliner

1. Remove Interior Components

Remove all components attached to or surrounding the headliner, including:

  • Sun visors
  • Dome lights
  • Coat hooks
  • Trim moldings
  • Upper interior trim panels

Retain all factory hardware for reuse.

2. Remove the Original Headliner

Carefully remove the original headliner board from the vehicle.

Original factory pressboard headliners are often brittle from age, heat, and moisture exposure.

The original headliner can be useful as a reference for:

  • Accessory opening locations
  • Trim alignment
  • Mounting point verification
  • Minor fitment adjustments

Discard the original board once installation is complete.

Installing the New Pressboard Headliner

3. Prepare Accessory Openings

Before placing the headliner into the vehicle:

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

Avoid fully trimming openings until final alignment is confirmed.

4. Pre-Shape the Headliner if Necessary

If your application includes score lines:

  • Carefully begin forming the board to match the roof contours.
  • Work slowly and evenly.
  • Do not sharply bend the board.

Pressboard material can crack if forced too aggressively.

5. Position the Headliner in the Vehicle

Carefully position the headliner inside the vehicle.

Align:

  • Sun visor openings
  • Dome light openings
  • Trim edges
  • Roof contours

Support the board evenly during installation.

Using a second person may help on larger applications.

6. Loosely Install Sun Visors

Install the sun visor brackets loosely first.

This helps:

  • Hold the headliner in position
  • Allow minor adjustments
  • Keep the board centered during trim installation

Do not fully tighten the visor brackets yet.

7. Reinstall Dome Lights & Trim Moldings

Reinstall:

  • Dome lights
  • Trim moldings
  • Coat hooks
  • Upper trim panels
  • Center moldings (for two-piece applications)

As the trim is installed:

  • The headliner edges become secured.
  • Final alignment is established.

Once satisfied with fitment:

  • Fully tighten the visor brackets and remaining hardware.

Installation is now complete.

Helpful Installation Tips

Work Slowly and Evenly

Pressboard headliners are less flexible than ABS plastic headliners.

Avoid:

  • Twisting the board
  • Sharp bends
  • Excessive force

Test Fit Everything First

Before fully tightening trim:

  • Verify all openings align properly.
  • Confirm visor bracket placement.
  • Ensure dome light openings are centered.
  • Check trim panel fitment.

Use the Original Headliner as a Reference

The original headliner can help identify:

  • Accessory locations
  • Factory trim positioning
  • Areas requiring minor trimming

Warm Temperatures Can Help

Installing in moderate temperatures may help the material relax slightly and improve fitment.

Advantages of Replacement Pressboard Headliners

Replacement pressboard headliners help restore:

  • Original factory appearance
  • Proper interior contours
  • Clean roof lines
  • Sagging or deteriorated factory interiors

These headliners are commonly used in:

  • Classic restorations
  • OEM-style interior rebuilds
  • Vintage truck and SUV restorations

Additional Notes

  • Minor trimming or opening enlargement may occasionally be required.
  • Factory hardware and trim clips are commonly reused.
  • Two-person installation may help with larger boards.
  • Handle carefully during installation to prevent cracking.

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