Abstract: An arrangement is provided for attaching an automotive surface component, such as a carpet and/or trim, to a primary surface on an automotive panel forming a wall of an automotive structural member, such as a rocker panel. The automotive panel has a space therebehind and holes therethrough. Plug portions of plug fastener assemblies having hollow bodies are pressed through the holes prior to filling the space behind the panel with foam. Fastener insert portions of the plug fastener assemblies for retaining carpet and/or other automotive surface components, such as trim strips, are inserted into the hollow bodies of the plug portions. Cooperating shoulders and flanges hold the plug portions in the panel and cooperating shoulders and flanges hold the fastener insert portions in the hollow bodies of the plug portions. While the use described is for rockers in automotive vehicles, the plug fastener arrangement is usable as fasteners for other purposes.