Lower Splash Guard retention clips

Jo & Joey · Feb 8, 2009, 08:45 PM

Hello all,

I've tried my best to search on this and it's possible it doesn't exist or I'm asking the wrong questions in the search.

The plastic screw type retention clips have come on and off a few times and are worn out and need to be replaced. Curious if anyone has come up with different solutions in replacing these clips or has found a better retention clip.
I'd rather replace them with something better than they stinkin' screw bastards :-)

My DSM's used to have a plain push in/pull out type clips in the wheel well area that worked really well all over the car and lasted a long time - just needed to use a flat tip screwdriver - however they aren't sold anymore by Mits (hell good luck on getting some parts from Mits for my 90)

Thanks in advance for all the suggestions, tips and help.

Joey

**EDIT**

Well - I have found an answer that works great! Not only will I never dread again taking the lower splash shield off anymore, but I don't have to spend a ****e ton of time in taking the damned thing off

Just a couple of seconds and each clip pops right out.

The clip that works so great is the one located on you front bumper -

I went to a couple of different places in looking for the right clip to use - auto stores, hardware stores, etc. Nothing really worked until I used this bad boy.
The part number is MU488006 - this little common screw driver below is all you will need to pop these clips. Beautiful thing here is no trying to pull them out with a set of pliers (destroying the clip in the process), stripping them (again destroying it), trying to unscrew them and the entire thing spins in place, etc.

Cost is about $1.22 from Norco Mits (DSM discount) or whoever can give you a discounted rate at a Mits part shop.

In my eyes this is a problem solved - thought I would spread the word to anyone else that gives a rats @$$.

whoang40 · Feb 8, 2009, 09:51 PM

I've got some of those plastic screws at Autozone. They were pretty cheap, way cheaper than the stealership. It's been awhile, so I can't remember the prices.

Its a 7 · Feb 9, 2009, 07:53 AM

I ordered them from JNZ. I replaced all of the ones that were beat up. Hopefully now that they are new i will be able to keep after them and not have them destroyed.
JNZ hooked me up with some really good pricing on them and i saved a good chunk of changes over the stealership.

Jo & Joey · Feb 9, 2009, 06:25 PM

Has anyone replaced these with something better? Or maybe a different clip that lasts longer than one or two uses?

Its a 7 and whoang40 - you guys are just talking about replacing with the same yeah?

I figured maybe someone has replaced these with something other than what came stock (I mean really whoever thought of plastic screw should be shot!) - just want to get something that might be a little better/durable.

hellomynameis · Feb 9, 2009, 06:31 PM

Not sure if you could get this to work on the stock undertray, but it's worked well for my Beatrush undertray.

www.kurveygirl.com

I replaced all the fasteners, including the two in the wheel well that holds the bumper to the wheel well splash gaurds with DZus fasteners from Kurvey Girl.

Its a 7 · Feb 10, 2009, 08:24 AM

I understand what your saying about going with a nicer clip. With the limited amount of time my bumper should be coming on/off I figured if i buy new clips now and just take my time with them they shouldn't get all beat up.
I do agree though if you can find something nicer then go for it.

metal4all6 · Feb 10, 2009, 10:20 AM

I use zip ties on mine where the undertray attaches to the front bumper. I used my few good clips for the rest of the undertray

Jo & Joey · Feb 10, 2009, 11:50 AM

I hear you guys - and even the ones I've taken my time to slowly pull out have been a bear at times. And do I take the splash shield off a lot....no I don't. But I can tell you every time I've had to I dread and avoid doing it if I can.
I was hoping that someone might have come up with/found a better solution to a horribly designed way to keep something in place. Again even some of the plastic pop rivit type would be better than a plastic screw. Just need to find one that fits well enough and than - BLAMO - someone is getting a big order :-)

Jo & Joey · Jul 3, 2009, 12:28 AM

Bumpping for update of my first post on this.

barneyb · Jul 4, 2009, 10:36 AM

Ever now and then when at the auto parts store I pick up several packages of plastic clips. I find the clips labeled "Ford" work the best - go figure. So, with spares on hand, when I am pulling the old clips I don't worry much about damage.

Just keep some spares around in various sizes. It takes out a lot of the frustration of working on the plastic parts of these cars.

Jo & Joey · Jul 4, 2009, 11:00 AM

I thought about that too. But you don't want to keep replacing these do you or wrenching them out went they do decide to strip?
I know I sure didn't and was on that quest to make it easier and quicker. Plus these are a ton easier than those screw type. Just lift the hood up and try one or two right there on your bumper - you'll see what I'm talking about real fast. Quick pop and pull