You might want skip the clips and try magnets. Look at this prior post:

Here is my way to hang PONY DOOR PANELS without...

I have been trying to install my pony door panels the right way with the hardware that you are supposed to use (not the standard ones) but after months of trial an error i gave up. I just put in power windows & power door locks and i am done with the doors, so now its time to seal them up...and...

www.vintage-mustang.com

. . . just a thought.

 

I used epoxy to secure the clips on my 1967 deluxe panels. Wes

 

Years ago I saw an episode of "Detroit Muscle" on PowerNation TV where they promoted magnetic door panel fasteners. So, apparently, someone out there makes such a thing.

 

Magnets? Who knew...

 

Of all the things in this world made of plastic, it seems like Mustang and other old car door panel "cards" and seat backs, maybe even package trays, would be made of plastic. Waterproof, harder to tear, mold resistant...

 

Or with the kind of folks that frequent this site and and their fabricating skills, aluminum?

 

It’s been a while since I had my door panels off, but why wouldn’t the later style plastic clips work instead of the metal clips?

 

...why wouldn’t the later style plastic clips work instead of the metal clips?

I assume you are asking about this style of panel retainer.

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You would need to cut a round hole in the cardboard panel for the head/upper flange of this retainer to fit through and then slide into place. And then the lower flange would hold the panel away from the door.

 

I’ve didn’t have to go there with magnets, but, I do know there are magnets with the strength of nails. My question, are they “inset” in place of the clips with a epoxy?

 

I had couple panels that were in good shape on the front but the back was broken out around the clips. I epoxied the clips in and held the epoxy with duct tape and left it after it set up. They held up pretty well, you just need to be careful when removing them - use a wide stiff putty knife or something.

 

Order some heavy duty velcro from amazon. I have it with the adhesive backing so it sticks to the door and the panel

 

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I was thinking this type, but like I said my panels have not been off in a long time. I like the Velcro idea too.

 

Velcro FTW in think