Does anyone know what size fir tree clips are used in the quarter panel trim behind the seat? It's an 8mm hole and I have the length, but I'm not sure about the head size. This is the clip that is embedded in the panel and you can't see the head. I'm assuming it's possible to replace it by cutting out the old one and twisting in a new one, but aren't positive. Would be pretty stupid if you can't replace it. I may just get a bag of some with bigger heads and cut it down till it fits, but figured I'd ask if anybody knew the actual size and if anybody had replaced it before.

I had to take out the trim and would like to use a new clip instead of the old one that is now mangled.

 

I guess I stumped everyone. Thought I'd post a follow-up in case anyone else tries to find these things.

I was able to get the clip out of the panel and take measurements. Pic of the clip attached and of the hole where it goes in the panel. The clip is overall about 30mm long and the stem (the part that grips in the hole) is about 25mm long and a little over 9mm in diameter. The hole size is 8mm and the stem is 9mm so that it will grip the hole. The panel does not go flush to the body of the car so the clip has to be long enough to bridge the gap to the body and still have enough length to grip in the hole. The clip is double headed so that it will stay in place in the panel and then be pressed into the hole. The top head is about 13mm and the lower head is about 18mm.

I could not find an Aston part to match the clip. I have the parts catalog and it only shows the entire panel and all the parts places on the Internet show the same thing. I scoured the Internet looking at every site I could find with interior clips, but never found an exact match. There are many clips out there with a stem diameter of 5/16", but that is too small. I found some clips that had 11/32" stem diameter, which is just under 9mm, and decided to give that a try. I found a clip that had a stem length of 3/4", top head diameter 1/2", and bottom head diameter 3/4".

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CJP3X5H?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1

I wasn't sure if 3/4" stem length would be enough, but that was the longest I found - 1" would have been ideal. In order to get the top head to go into the hole in the panel I had to shave it down little by litte with a utility knife until I could get it to squeeze into the hole. I trimmed one side straight until I could twist the head into the hole. You don't want to shave off too much or it won't hold the panel in place.

Turns out 3/4" stem length is just enough for the clip to grip in the hole. Any shorter and I don't think it would hold. I now have a lifetime supply of clips LOL. I did not go to the Aston dealer to see if they had any clips and that would have been my last resort. They may have some or they may tell you that you have to buy the whole panel.

I was having a hell of time trying to remove the panel until I found a PDF someone had done on replacing their seatbelts. In it they show the panel and how to remove it. I've attached that as well in case someone finds it helpful. One of the posts that holds the lower panel to the middle panel had broken off and I had to JBweld it back on. The nuts holding the panels together were loose so when I put it back together I used some thread sealant (not locker) to hopefully keep the bolts from vibrating loose.

I was taking the panels off because some of the carpet had come loose and I wanted to glue that back down. So now the panel has glued down carpet, tightened nuts, and a new clip. Was something of a pain, but glad I took it off.