Donbrew, yes I did break the door panel, or rather the bracket that is molded into the door panel that is formed in such a way to serve as an attachment point for the pin. The pin was so tight in its plastic socket it would not snap out of its socket. In order to get the pin out so I could replace it (I had replacements on hand from GM before I removed the first panel) it after prying on the pin, not socket, it took a long metal trim removal tool with force to remove it; when it came, it snapped the socket out of the door panel with the pin/socket still intact. I tried JB Weld with hand-fashioned l-shaped plastic from old GM seat trim. Looked good till I started carefully replacing the panel, the repair snapped like glass with mild to moderate pressure. Now I'm looking for a new way to repair the door panel w/o getting a new one. Thanks Donbrew, Rettch

 

I still cannot visualize it.

 

Donbrew, Will try to locate a picture and post it in next few days. Should have taken pix when I had it apart. Not going to open it up again until I'm ready to try to repair it again--don't want to risk breaking anything else if I don't have to. Thanks, Rettech

 

Hello everyone, I want to thank each of you who replied to my past of this past Saturday. I was having problems trying to repair my RF door panel which had broken when removing the panel. I did not think to take pictures and have attempted to find a representative picture and post it. Then, I just kept looking at the gap between the door and the door panel--it seemed to be increasing. Out of frustration I looked locally for a panel and found one that a nearby yard was going to have shipped in. Hope it turns out to be as good as it was represented. Will be here in a few days.. Will try to post again when the issue is resolved. Thanks again, I appreciate all your responses.
Rettch

 

Thanks to all who attempted to help me regarding my door panel problems with broken brackets that held retainer pins in place. I wasn't able to get a good replacement panel so far and have not attempted any more repairs. For now I am still looking but not in a hurry to replace with one that isn't at least as good as what I have. Thanks again, Happy Motoring Retch