Abstract: A fixture for supporting a double-sided surface mount printed circuit board during installation of components on a second side of the board. After components have been installed on one side of the board, a slab of controllably shapable material such as thermally compliant foam is shaped by pressing it against the board under heat and pressure to conform to the shape of the board and its components. When the material cools, it is used to support the board during the installation of components on the other side. In an alternate embodiment, a viscous substance is used as the shapable material and is conformed to the shape of the board while the substance is being hardened. A board on which components are being installed may be held in place on the fixture by a vacuum which is supplied from a manifold through holes in the fixture to the board.