This is not just a first gen Dodge issue.
I'm sure this is a problem for all the door clip vehicles out there.
My driver side door panel is only half hanging on at any moment.
The clips that hold the door panel, which is the thing that you use to close the door, don't hold in place because the holes have worn out.
Is there a brilliant way to fix this?


Driver side door clip retainer hole

 

I'll assume you have tried replacement clips which are available on the rack at auto parts stores but I put a long chrome plated sheet metal screw in mine.

Edwin

 

I buy clips all the time.
They get smashed flat as I try to push the **** thing back on constantly.

Tell me about this sheet metal screw technique.
I can't imagine how a screw would work.

 

Maybe a nutsert or even a pop rivet just to reinforce the affected area?......Ben

 

Get a #8 or #10 self drilling flathead sheet metal screw about 1-1/2 inch long and pit it through the carpet near the corner where it's lose into the metal of the door. Be careful not to snag the fibers of the carpet to much. The carpet will hide the head of the screw. If your door panels don't have the carpet covering then use a contoured washer to make it look smooth.

Edwin

 

Not sure what I'm looking at in the picture. Is that where a screw goes through under the arm rest?
As far as the clips go, make sure the two prongs are together and not crossed. If the goo isnt holding the clip in place, glue it again or tape it with gorilla tape.
Then, you gotta take time to make sure those prongs are lined up with the hole or you'll booger it up. A total PITA set-up if you ask me!

 

What you are seeing in the picture is the one of the holes the clips pushes into. Many look like that.
You can see where the clip has worn away the circle where the 2 cut outs are.
Because of the worn out spots the clips don't hold in place
I need bigger clips, clips that are 90°, or somehow to fill in those divits, or is there a round type clip?

 

I have had pretty good luck with this style of pin

 

you might be missing screws. Edwin was on the right track. There's 2 screws in that lower section, mine has carpet and there's a couple screws below armrest if I remember right. Those clips just hold the panel tight to the door, not take any weight or pull.
Maybe tack weld a washer over worn out holes.

 

There's only 1 screw on my 91.5 right at the armrest, and without that the whole thing would fall off every time I close the door!
Edwin is talking about adding a sheet metal screw THROUGH the carpeted door panel.
Honestly if I could weld I think this would be the best option.
A washer or even fill the wholes with some slag, and grind it down.
Alas I can not.

@nonrev Now We're getting somewhere. Do you have a link to where I can get some? I'd love to try these.

 

That's why I suggested the nutsert, a fender washer would make a sturdy backup......Ben

 

You can see where the three screws are, behind the door latch handle and the dark spots in the carpet panel