A method and apparatus for implanting acetabular components into an acetabulum utilizing a minimally invasive incision. The method and apparatus utilize a subatmospheric pressure formed in a hollow passage of an elongate body to secure an acetabular shell to a shell-engaging head removably attached to a coupler end of the elongate body. Liner-engaging heads may also be removably attached to the coupler end to install socket liners into an implanted acetabular shell. The elongate body may comprise a bent portion to allow access to the acetabulum through a minimally invasive incision.