I removed the outer door skin, and I must have lost the door lock clip, the metal clip that holds the door lock rod to the lock cylinder.
I bought a replacement clip, Dorman part 75453 from autozone.
It appears to be similar to the part The Fiero Store sells.

I can't figure out how it's supposed to secure the rod though.

I see that the rod has a groove right at the tip that I assume the clip would catch on, but it just doesn't hold it in place.

I found someone else's image online LOCK1.jpg

The image (circled and labeled as #1) shows the clip slid up onto the tab, and the clip's retainer falls into the hole just like it's supposed to..
My clip fits like that just fine, but when I put the rod in, there's nothing to actually hold it there. the clip doesn't grab the groove at all.

I'm wondering if anyone has any insight on this, maybe there's another piece I'm not aware of?

I've also uploaded a photo of my rod and tab. I realize the rod is in the wrong hole

Best I can do. Your rod goes through the lower hole and the clip slide over the grove that is cut in the rod as seen by the pink circle.
The clip holds itself on the lock mechanism by the indent in the green circle which clips into the top hole of the lock plate.


Compare my photo to your image 1 above. You can't see the backside of the clip but it looks like the one in my photo.

Edit, here's the backside from the factory manual:

[This message has been edited by IMSA GT (edited 08-23-2021).]

Well thanks, IMSA GT,
That was a very detailed response complete with pictures I was unable to find myself.

It turned out that the problem I was facing was with the clip I bought.
The clip has the folded over piece of metal which creates the "Slot" for the rod groove.
The folded over pieces were touching/painted together.
I got them to spread a little, but then snapped the clip.

At least now I know what to look for when I buy a new clip!

I will consider this case SOLVED.
Thanks again, IMSA GT.

-==-
Nick