Abstract: A process for forming a preform includes drawing a vacuum through a porous overform (16) from its outer surface toward its inner surface; providing retractable pins (32) that protrude through vertical extending sections (34) of the overform when in an extended position; depositing chopped fibers onto the outer surface of the overform such that the vertical extending sections of the overform have the fibers retained against sag by protruding sections (35) of the pins while said preform is formed; and retracting the pins from the vertical extending sections of the overflow in order to remove said preform from said overflow after cure. The invention is also directed to an apparatus for the use in manufacturing fibrous preforms that incorporates a porous overform (16) for receiving chopped fibers and binder material thereon and a plurality of pins (32) protruding through a vertically extending section (34) of the overform for engaging and supporting chopped fibers deposited onto the overform.