OK, folks, I managed to successfully remove the interior door panels on my 98 F150 XLT and get the speakers swapped out. That's not a bad job, but going back together, I have a small problem.

Each panel is retained at the top by two plastic push-pin retainers. In theory, these should be reusable, but I guess Father Time was not kind to them, because 3 of the 4 broke when I pushed the pins in to release them.

No problem, I thought, I'll just pick some up at Ford dealer. Since the only remaining dealer somewhat close to me is not all that close, I called first. I explained what I needed to the parts guy, and he said they were $6+ each. Huh? So I made sure we were on the same page. Yep, he knew exactly what I needed. $6+ ... each.

OK, these probably cost no more than 3 cents to make. There are about a zillion different styles and sizes of these on the market, but I can't seem to find exactly what I need. The hole in the sheet metal is roughly 0.265" ... about 17/64" (and not close to anything "standard" metric). Flange dia. is about 9/16". Pin length is about 11/16". Color is black (although I'll take any color).

Has anybody replaced these before and have a lead on where to get them? Or does anybody have a Ford part number I can cross-reference?

Thanks,
dogfood

 

I bought a pack of them for 5 bucks at Autozone. Different sizes and lengths.

Check with your local parts store, they will have them.

 

Autozone or parts store, last time I was in the salvage yard I walked out with a hand full for $2.00. I am always using these on customers trucks.

 

I would take the one you have left, go to the auto parts store and see if you can match it up with what they have one the shelves, you should have no problem finding one there

 

I go to a local body shop. They have 100's in stock of various sizes. They have every possible plastic connector you can think of, on a vehicle. They charge me .50 cents a pc.
Instead of fighting and trying to save the little buggers, I yank em or clip em.
I always have to take one in to match it up. Works every time.

 

Thanks, folks. I hadn't thought of going to the regular ol' parts store. That's most convenient, so it's the first stop. If that doesn't pan out, I'll find a body shop.

And, yes, trying to save these things after 11+ years is nearly hopeless. If they aren't broken already, they almost always break coming out.

dogfood