Hope I'm not posting in the wrong place, did not see recent posts on similar issue so started new thread. I had to replace LF door speaker, (base audio system). Removed left front door panel rather easily and reinstalled without issues. Then came the right front where a pin ripped it's mounting bracket loose from the plastic door panel. This was the top pin on the rear of the panel above the push pin. After checking, this was the thinnest bracket on the panel, no wonder it broke. Both pieces of the pin remained locked together and had to removed by force from the door. I tried JB Weld to reattach the bracket to door panel, even used 3 hand-fabricated plastic reinforcements epoxied in place. Seemed sturdy till I reinstalled panel. Whole bracket snapped like glass. Does anyone have a solution (other than new door panel) to this predicament. Sorry for being so wordy, just wanted to give complete information. Thanks in advance for any advice. Rettech

 

I think this is one of those threads that should really have some pictures to accompany your question.
I understand your problem but without detailed pics it's kind of hard to tell you what to try.

 

FiremanGeorge, sorry but it was late this evening when the repair broke as I was putting the panel back on and I just put it back on as is for now. Unfortunately I didn't think to take pictures while attempting repair. I searched the forum for over a week before attempting panel removal, and looked after repair was attempted but didn't see anything that would help me reattach a molded pin socket/bracket. Problem is I do not know an effective way to reattach it to the door panel or if it can be done. The thickness of the plastic on the bracket is so thin about 1/16 inch. Thought about using to heat, like they attached parts of the panel such as the door handle. But I'm afraid I will ruin the panel. The gap between the door and panel where it is broken is about 1/8 inch or slightly larger at the greatest. May just have to live with it for now. Thank you for your reply, Rettch

 

Take the old parts to your local NAPA store. They have an entire set of drawers in the back full of those parts.

 

One thought I had was a heavy duty Velcro strip so that it can be removed again. You can get them at any auto parts store or Hardware store.

 

Wasn't trying to berate you for not posting pics. Just thought it would be easier to see the actual damage.
I have repaired plastic door panel parts before. Everything from 2 part epoxy to small trim screws strategically placed. Just depends on exactly what and how it is damaged.
Sometimes panel replacement is needed but if it can be repaired successfully appearance wise, then I would usually make an attempt.

 

Fireman George, no offense taken. I just didn't think to take pix when panel was off. The 2part epoxy I used, JB Weld has worked well on door panel parts on other vehicles so I tried it on this panel. This HHR door panel has a softer more flexible, almost oily texture to it--seems very different than most other automotive plastics I have worked on. Some type of mechanical repair using metal is something I am considering. Thanks for the suggestion. Rettch

 

Donbrew, I'm sorry but the part broken is not the retainer pin but the molded-in socket in the plastic panel where the pin slides into. I should have made it clearer in my orig post but I was losing light outside where I was working and I had just seen 2 hours wk over 3 days cutting and fitting reinforcement plastic break in 2 seconds. Was disappointed to say the least. I really appreciate your response, thank you for trying. Rettch

 

HHR11, thanks for the suggestion, I believe it would work if I could get industrial strength Velcro like upholstery/trim shops use on headliners. I just don't know how I could press the Velcro to get it to stick in the closed in location the broken part is located. Thanks again for your offer of help. Rettch

 

If the part can be removed it can be purchased. There are two halves of connectors. Do you mean you broke the door panel?