Picture?

 

Let's see what I can do....

Here are the two tabs and the slots on the A-pillar:

 

I just swung by the dealer to check in the parts department and they said I had actually broken the tabs and the entire part needed to be replaced. The fellow in the parts department suggested just using some cardboard to wedge the tabs in.

 

They may be right but to me it looks like a metal clip goes in there as opposed to breaking plastic tabs. Here is a parts diagram.

Interior Trim - Pillars for 2003 Toyota Camry | Toyota Parts Center

parts.olathetoyota.com

My 2008 Camry uses one plastic clip at the bottom towards the dash and a different type of plastic clip at the top.

 

I am inclined to agree with you, unfortunately the page you linked to was one of the pages that left me confused. Item #2, the "Cowl trim clip" is listed as being only for the models without airbags. When you click on it for more details the picture changes into something radically different.

 

The trim panel is fine, just needs new clips. Most likely when you removed the panel both the clips got stuck and fell into the car. They will likely rattle if they did fall in there, some odorless expanding foam can solve that.

Should use special clips that allow space for them to pop out just enough for the airbag to deploy properly but not so much it'll smack you in the face.

 

The trim panel is fine, just needs new clips. Most likely when you removed the panel both the clips got stuck and fell into the car. They will likely rattle if they did fall in there, some odorless expanding foam can solve that.

Should use special clips that allow space for them to pop out just enough for the airbag to deploy properly but not so much it'll smack you in the face.

That is what I am hoping. I think I am going to email one of the online parts places with my photos. If they maintain that the clips can not be replaced I will see if they can send me some actual photos of the back of the new part before I buy. My biggest concern is that it will turn out the tabs are not broken and there are metal clips BUT they are only available with the entire part.

The things I am willing to do for a car with 307,000 miles. I must be insane.

 

Wouldn't be surprised of they were. Best case, junkyard.

 

I just go to the dealership and ask for A-Pillar Clips and the guy goes back to a draw and get's them.

The shipping on them is stupid high for such small parts so I just make the 45 minute drive and pick them up.

That said any body shop should have them on hand they are fairly common industry wide. By part standards they are stupid cheap compared to the frustration of pushing them up constantly just to have them drop a 1/4 of an inch and annoy you!

So if you need them Right Now!!!! Try a large local well known and trusted body shop!

 

any update on what worked? have same issue...

 

I wound up ordering toyota part number 90467-09204. You will need two. It appears to have worked fine. I suppose I will not know for sure unless I get into an accident where I can determine if the airbag deployed properly. I would prefer not to find out.

 

Honestly, some double-sided 3M medium-duty tape will do the job.