GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

Important: The Rear Compartment Panel is manufactured with section lines to indicate the proper sectioning location of the service part. Check all the bonding areas of the Rear Compartment Panel (tub). If adhesive is cracked or broken loose from the rails or the tub, complete tub replacement is recommended.


Object Number: 181204  Size: SH

Important: The frame rails and bumper impact bars must be serviced as required, and returned to three-dimensional coordinates before any SMC repairs are attempted.

  1. Visually inspect and restore as much of the damage as possible to specifications using three-dimensional measuring procedures.
  2. Important: Make sure the fuel inlet is sealed before proceeding with repair procedure.

  3. Remove all panels, components, and interior trim located in the rear compartment.Save any and all brackets, mounting studs, and accessories for transfer to the new rear compartment panel.
  4. Remove both rear quarter panels and Rear Compartment Panel Frame (rear surround).

  5. Object Number: 181206  Size: MH
  6. Identify the section line etched in the floor of the rear compartment panel.
  7. Important: The etched line is in the floor only, the line must be continued straight up both side-walls of the tub to complete the cuts.

  8. Remove or reposition components on the bottom side of the tub to avoid damage where sectioning procedures are being performed.
  9. Important: Take care not to damage the frame rails when sectioning the rear compartment panel.

  10. Cut along the section line and remove the damaged panel.

Installation Procedure

  1. Remove all remaining adhesive, and scuff all bonding surfaces to ensure proper adhesion.
  2. Clean and prepare all bonding surfaces as necessary.
  3. Prime all bare metal surfaces with an approved anti-corrosion primer per GM P/N 4901M-D refinish manual. Do not top-coat any bonding surface.

  4. Object Number: 181206  Size: MH
  5. Cut the replacement rear compartment panel along the section line to create service part.
  6. Create 50 mm (2 in) wide backing plates to be installed along the bottom side of the section joint.
  7. Important: Use US Chemical and Plastics 82006B System 2000 Structural Adhesive, a PLIOGRIP®; Adhesive manufactured by Ashland Chemical Company, or equivalent. Note the 3 minute working time and 15 minute cure time. Use this fast setup adhesive when working with backing plate strips.

  8. Apply structural adhesive to the backing plate strips and secure along the section joint using screws.
  9. Remove excess adhesive from the service part mounting area.
  10. Important: Use US Chemical and Plastics 7779/300B, a PLIOGRIP®; Adhesive manufactured by Ashland Chemical Company, or equivalent. Note the 10 minute working time and 1 hour cure time.

  11. Temporarily install the modified service panel and check for proper fit and alignment
  12. Remove service part.

  13. Object Number: 181207  Size: SH
  14. Apply adhesive to the extended portion of the mating flange created from the backing strips, and to the frame rails, and rear bumper impact bar as necessary.
  15. Install the modified service part and press down firmly to wet-out the adhesive.
  16. Important: Use fasteners no longer than 20 mm (¾ in) in length.

  17. Use two close-end rivets in areas indicated along the bond line to hold the tub to the rails while adhesive cures.
  18. Allow to cure according to adhesive manufacturer recommendations.
  19. After structural adhesive is fully cured, bevel butt-joint edges to prep for reinforcement and refinishing of the interior joint.
  20. Apply Goodwrench Structural Bonding Adhesive (GM P/N 12345726) to the entire joint area extending across the cut lines and across the backer, using tacky mesh tape or an equivalent reinforcement matting. Allow to cure as necessary.
  21. Prepare the repair areas as necessary to resemble OEM appearance.
  22. Refinish repair areas. Do not combine paint systems. Always refer to paint manufacturers recommendations.
  23. Install all related panels and components.