Thanks guys. That is a cool story Brew!
Here is another method that can be used for repair, but mostly for PREVENTION.
You can find old sources of plastic/silicone coated wire from just about anywhere. I found these old headphones in a box at a yard sale for 25 cents. I have collected a lot of this in different diameters to match the project I am doing.
Once you trim this, it is easily formed to fit the contour of your model.
You can use the cheapest Super Glue you can find at the local dollar mart.
Why? Because most any Super Glue will deteriorate from the moment you open the bottle. Some lasts longer than others, but I have not bought a high end product for years because they are not worth it to me.
In any event, this coated wire serves a good purpose. FIRST it simply helps strengthen the area. With the wire inside, it will keep this area reasonably strong.
It also helps keep the outside of the area secure even if it takes a hard hit and cracks. So instead of searching for that pillar somewhere, most often it will still be stuck to the wire. Now you can just glue it back, sand and repaint.
The final thing it does is that it can help add detail. If you place it just right, it can simulate roll bar material and the effect works for my eye. So this little mod can pay you dividends over time.
If you are working in areas that may not have a lot of material, or you simply do not want or need to add any bar detail, try this:
This craft wire comes in many sizes and can be found at just about any craft department.
It is also fairly easy to form to match the contour of your area. Use the same cheap Super Glue to secure. I like to coat mine with Hansens Hard as Nails as well. This smaller wire will also serve the same purpose as the larger and possibly assist in keeping these fragile pillars in your car a little longer.
Hope this helps some of you.