Abstract: A fastening system for a vehicle is provided. The fastening system includes a metal clip which is easily inserted and removed from a polymeric doghouse. The doghouse is integrally molded with a vehicle interior trim component. After the clip is inserted into the doghouse, the trim component may be snapped into place over a structural pillar by inserting the clip into an aperture and the pillar. The fastening system is designed such that it will not fail, and the trim component will remain in place, when an air bag adjacent to the trim component is deployed. If desired, the trim component can be easily removed from the support pillar by sliding the trim component, and the attached doghouse, away from the clip. The clip can then be removed from the pillar, a new one inserted into the doghouse, and the trim component can be reused.