Fox Body Mustang Headliner Install

Fox Body Mustang Headliner Install

Last Updated October 9, 2023 | Bill Tumas

If you're looking to spruce up the interior of your Fox Body Mustang, one option you may want to consider is installing a new Fox Body Mustang headliner. With the right tools, some patience, and our step-by-step guide, you can give your Fox Body's interior a fresh, new look in only a few hours.

Fox Body Headliner Install Instructions

For this installation, we chose the TMI headliner with ABS back board. It fits all 1979-1993 Mustang coupes and hatchbacks with a sunroof.

Your Fox Body headliner might be different from the one we chose, but the installation should be similar for all 1979-1993 Mustangs.

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Parts and Tools Needed:

  • Razorblade
  • Phillips-Head Screwdriver
  • Panel Removal Tool
  • Small Awl Tool

Step 1: Remove Old Visor

Using a Phillips-head screwdriver, remove the screws on the side of the old visor. Pull down on the visor and unplug the mirror lights to remove it.

Mechanic removing the visor from a fox body Mustang

Step 2: Remove Map Light

Remove the screws holding the map light trim in place.

Mechanic removing the map light from a fox body Mustang

Step 3: Remove Front Trim Panels

Grab the front trim panel with both hands and pull it towards the windshield. It should snap out of place for removal. If you're having trouble removing it with your hands, try using a panel removal tool.

Mechanic removing the front trim panels from a fox body Mustang

Step 4: Remove Side Trim Panels

Grab the front trim panel with both hands and pull it toward the cabin to snap it out of place.

Mechanic removing the side trim panels from a fox body Mustang

Step 5: Remove Dome Light

Grab the dome light lens and pop it off. Remove the screws around the dome light to detach it.

Mechanic removing the dome light from a fox body Mustang

Step 6: Remove A-Pillar Cover

Remove the two screws holding the cover in place. One screw is in the center of the pillar and the other is at the base near the speaker cover.

Mechanic removing the pillar trim cover from a fox body Mustang

Step 7: Remove Clips

Use a panel removal tool to remove the clips on the sides of the headliner. Next, remove the coat hanger hook using a Phillips-head screwdriver.

Mechanic removing trim clips from a fox body Mustang

Step 8: Remove Rear Trim Panel

Remove the four screws holding the panel in place. Pull down on the panel to loosen it, and use a panel removal tool to remove the clips attached to the inside of the panel.

Mechanic removing rear trim panel from a fox body Mustang

Step 9: Pull Out Old Fox Body Headliner

With all of the panels and clips removed, you should be able to pull down on the headliner to remove it from the cabin.

Mechanic removing old headliner from a fox body Mustang

Pro Tip: If you have a nice interior in your fox body, you'll want to cover the seats and trim of the interior when you remove the headliner. There may be a significant amount of residue. It is also a good idea to clean up the roof while the old headliner is out *of the cabin.

Step 10: Cut New Fox Body Headliner Holes

Grab your new Fox Body headliner and a razor blade. The holes for the dome light and map light are already pre-cut. Find each of these holes and use the blade to cut an “x” shape from corner to corner.

This will allow you to fold back the headliner and insert the map and dome lights through the hole without seeing edges on the headliner. Repeat this process for the visor holes.

Mechanic cutting holes in a new headliner for a fox body Mustang

Step 11: Insert New Fox Body Headliner Panel

Feed the headliner into the cabin through the back hatch. Tuck the headliner into the plastic panels in the back. Next, secure the headliner to the roof by reinstalling the map light. Slide the light and molding through the pre-cut hole and tighten down the screws to install it.

Mechanic installing a new headliner for a fox body Mustang

Pro Tip: Make sure your hands are clean while you're installing the headliner so you don't leave fingerprints on the roof.

Step 12: Reinstall Coat Hanger and Dome Light

Insert the coat hanger and dome light through the pre-cut holes in the headliner and reinstall the screws to secure them.

Mechanic reinstalling the dome light on a fox body Mustang

Step 13: Reinstall Clips and Side Panel

Insert the metal clips that hold the interior side panels into the pre-cut headliner holes. Reattach the side panel by snapping it into place. Repeat this process for the other side.

Mechanic reinstalling side panel clips on a fox body Mustang

Step 14: Reinstall A-Pillar Cover

Use an awl tool to line up the screw hole in the A-pillar cover with the hole in the frame. Tighten down the screw in the center and at the base of the cover.

Mechanic reinstalling pillar cover on a fox body Mustang

Step 15: Reinstall Front and Rear Trim Panel

For the back panel, line up the trim and snap in the clips on either side. Next, reinstall the screws. Repeat this process for the front panel.

Mechanic reinstalling front and rear trim panels on a fox body Mustang

Step 16: Reinstall Visor

The bracket for the visor will pop into the socket in the roof when positioned correctly. From there, insert the screws on both sides and tighten them down to secure the visor.

Mechanic reinstalling front visor on a fox body Mustang

Congratulations, you're all done!

Keep Your Fox Body Mustang Headliner in Top Condition

With your new Fox Body headliner installed, your Fox Body's interior will have a fresh, new look. Make the most of your new Fox Body Mustang headliner by getting the rest of your interior up to the same standard.

There are plenty of trim pieces and features you can replace, like molding, handles, seats, and dash clusters, that'll give your Mustang a brand-new look.

This article was researched, written, edited, and reviewed following the steps outlined in our editorial process. Learn more about our editorial standards and guidelines.