Is there a better way to attach panel to hatch on a 1991 740 SW?Or change the panel for that matter?

 

Yes...

 

need after market or self engineered way to better secure rear panel on 1991 sw.thanks in advance, Tubaczar

 

Specific model is 740 SW and it does already have the metal brackets for the plastic pins to slide into.Oh and that damn rear light cover, Jeez.

 

You have TOP and BOTTOM attachments on the panel. The top has plastic clips which slide into the gate (METAL), and on the panel side they fit into the plastic which is usually broken. IPD sells a kit, metal clips which attach over the broken plastic into whict then the clips fit-it works ok... The botom of the panel has plastic 'ears' which if broken are hard to repair, and in such case you may drive a couple of screws to hold the bottom in place-ugly but effective... OR, get a new panel from a junkyard.
The light cover should stay on once the panel is attached securely... There are clips on it and it goes on just so, so don't force it-these clips rarely break...