quote Originally posted by smmilke: The one in the picture does look in tact there's no fracture surface that I can see. If you're talking about using one of the ones from the door pillar with the stair steps on the end and just bending it up, that might do the trick if it doesn't break or continue to bend after install.

No, I'm not suggesting you break a clip to use for the headliner. I'm just suggesting that, while you might not be able to see a rough break, your clip for the headliner is indeed already broken. I really doubt anybody would ever design a clip like the one you have shown in your picture as it would be incredibly weak and would give quite a bit (both during installation and use). Chances are, actually, it would likely break every time you tried to even install one as the plastic would have to bend nearly ninety degrees as you inserted it through the mounting slots. Go take a look at the mounting holes on the car if you are still skeptical.

[This message has been edited by GraterFang (edited 06-08-2012).]

Also, you are right that the clips aren't exactly the same. I alluded to it above but couldn't comment on whether or not that was because the FieroStore's clips were molded slightly different or not because I didn't have a stock a-pillar clip to compare the headliner clip to. Yet, If both clips in your picture were stock than we can probably agree that there are indeed some small differences. Regardless, the clips that I have show the same differences yours do and, teeth aside, side by side they appear that they should be compatible even though the middle "tongue" is slightly different. The a-pillar clip will probably be a slightly tighter fit and will even hold better (perhaps a redesign?). My guess is that the clip originally lacked the teeth so that the headliner could easily be popped down without breaking the clip (or the headliner). I would be happy to test it for you but unfortunately I don't have any cars to test it on right now.



You can see how they would easily be compatible in this picture. You'll have to account for the fact that I obviously wasn't able to hold them exactly side by side.

Also, here's another idea for you. Even if you are convinced your "hook" clip is stock, try using the clip that I'm suggesting is stock. You have the slim slot to install it in and they are available for purchase so you won't have to find some mystery fastener. Again, the only possible downside I can foresee with using the a-pillar clips is that they have the teeth which might make removing the headliner slightly more difficult. If you can find those clips without the teeth then that would be great, but otherwise, I would just be sure to reinforce the headliner where the clips attach. The clips will likely break when you try and remove them but that's what happens with the a-pillar trim pieces too. As with all plastic fasteners, they are meant to be replaceable so long as your headliner isn't what is breaking. If you can, you might even be able to slide them over to the larger slot to "release" them (perhaps that is what it was meant for) but I doubt that would be easy. More likely it was just meant to retrieve pieces of clips that already broke so they didn't rattle around your head while you are driving. How annoying would that be?

[This message has been edited by GraterFang (edited 06-09-2012).]