GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Holden 🢒 2008 🢒 VE Ute 🢒 Body Repair 🢒 Collision Repair 🢒 Side Door Opening Frame Replacement

Removal Procedure

    Caution: Refer to Approved Equipment for Collision Repair Caution in the Preface section.

    Caution: Refer to Safety Glasses Caution in the Preface section.

    Caution: Refer to Foam Sound Deadeners Caution in the Preface section.

  1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling .

    2. Caution: Refer to Battery Disconnect Caution in the Preface section.

  2. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection .
  3. Remove the engine assembly. Refer to Engine Replacement for the 3.6L Engine or Engine Replacement for the 6.0L Engine.
  4. Remove the ABS unit. Refer to Brake Pressure Modulator Valve Assembly Replacement .
  5. Remove the brake master cylinder. Refer to Master Cylinder Replacement .
  6. Remove the vacuum brake booster. Refer to Power Vacuum Brake Booster Replacement .
  7. Remove the engine control module. Refer to Engine Control Module Replacement for the 3.6L Engine or Engine Control Module Replacement for the 6.0L Engine.
  8. Remove the underhood electrical centre. Refer to Underhood Electrical Center or Junction Block Replacement .
  9. Remove the negative battery cable from the engine bay. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Replacement .
  10. Remove the positive battery cable from the engine bay. Refer to Battery Positive Cable Replacement .
  11. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  12. Remove the air inlet grille. Refer to Air Inlet Grille Panel Replacement .
  13. Remove the front wheelhouse liner. Refer to Front Wheelhouse Liner Replacement .
  14. Remove the coolant reservoir. Refer to Coolant Recovery Reservoir Replacement .
  15. Remove the front bumper fascia. Refer to Front Bumper Fascia Replacement .
  16. Remove the front end module. Refer to Front End Panel Module Carrier Assembly Replacement .
  17. Remove the front fender assembly. Refer to Front Fender Replacement .
  18. Remove the front wheel hub assembly. Refer to Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement .
  19. Remove the front strut assembly. Refer to Strut Assembly Replacement .
  20. Remove the cargo liner. Refer to Cargo Box Liner Replacement .
  21. Remove the rear wheelhouse liner. Refer to Rear Wheelhouse Panel Liner Replacement .
  22. Remove the rear frame assembly. Refer to Rear Frame Replacement .
  23. Remove the filler tube. Refer to Filler Tube Replacement .
  24. Remove the fuel filler door. Refer to Fuel Tank Filler Door Replacement .
  25. Remove the fuel filler door release actuator. Refer to Fuel Tank Filler Door Lock Actuator Replacement .
  26. Remove the fuel lines. Refer to Fuel Hose/Pipes Replacement - Chassis for the 3.6L Engine or Fuel Hose/Pipes Replacement - Chassis for the 6.0L Engine.
  27. Remove the fuel tank. Refer to Fuel Tank Replacement .
  28. Remove the brake lines. Refer to Brake Pipe Replacement .
  29. Remove the rear bumper fascia. Refer to Rear Bumper Fascia Replacement .
  30. Remove the plenum chamber. Refer to Air Inlet Assembly Replacement .
  31. Remove the front doors. Refer to Front Side Door Replacement .
  32. Remove the front seats. Refer to Front Seat Replacement - Bucket .
  33. Remove the front seat belts. Refer to Front Seat Belt Replacement .
  34. Remove the instrument panel carrier. Refer to Instrument Panel Carrier Replacement .
  35. Remove the HVAC module assembly. Refer to HVAC Module Assembly Replacement .
  36. Remove the headliner. Refer to Headlining Trim Panel Replacement .
  37. Remove the remote function actuator. Refer to Remote Control Door Lock Receiver and Theft Deterrent Module Replacement .
  38. Remove the positive battery cable from the vehicle. Refer to Battery Positive Cable Replacement .
  39. Remove the roof outer panel. Refer to Roof Outer Replacement .
  40. Remove the roof weld joint reveal moulding. Refer to Roof Weld Joint Reveal Molding Replacement .
  41. Remove the rocker panel moulding. Refer to Rocker Panel Molding Replacement .
  42. Remove the windshield pillar garnish moulding. Refer to Windshield Pillar Garnish Molding Replacement .
  43. Remove the rear header trim. Refer to Roof Rear Header Panel Replacement .
  44. Remove the body side roof drip moulding. Refer to Body Side Roof Drip Molding Replacement .
  45. Remove the body lock pillar trim. Refer to Body Lock Pillar Applique Replacement .
  46. Remove the endgate. Refer to Endgate Replacement .
  47. Note the location and remove the sealers and anti-corrosion materials from the repair area, as necessary. Refer to Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair .

    48. Object Number: 1937317 Size: SH
  48. Remove the body side panel to upper dash panel body sealer (1).

    49. Object Number: 1937505 Size: SH
  49. Locate, mark and drill out the factory welds attaching the upper wheelhouse brace to the front wheelhouse assembly (1).

    50. Object Number: 2018542 Size: SH
  50. Locate, mark and drill out the factory welds attaching the upper wheelhouse brace to the front hinge pillar (1).

    51. Object Number: 2018543 Size: SH
  51. Locate, mark and remove the factory seam welds attaching the body side panel assembly to the front hinge pillar (1).
  52. Remove the upper wheelhouse brace from the front wheelhouse assembly.

    53. Object Number: 2018544 Size: SH
  53. Locate, mark and drill out the factory welds attaching the upper wheelhouse brace to the front hinge pillar (1).

    54. Object Number: 1937508 Size: SH
  54. Locate, mark and drill out the factory welds attaching the body side panel assembly to the front hinge pillar (1).

    55. Object Number: 2018545 Size: SH
  55. Locate, mark and drill out the factory welds attaching the body side panel assembly to the vehicle (1).

    56. Object Number: 2018546 Size: SH
  56. Locate, mark and remove the factory welds attaching the body side panel assembly to the vehicle (1).

    57. Object Number: 2018547 Size: SH
  57. Locate, mark and drill out the factory welds attaching the body side panel assembly to both roof header panels (1).

    58. Object Number: 2024384 Size: SH
  58. Remove the rear window panel drain tube (1) from the rear window panel reinforcement.

    59. Object Number: 2018548 Size: SH
  59. Remove the rear body side panel support brace (1) from the body side.

    60. Object Number: 2024386 Size: SH
  60. Locate, mark and drill out the factory welds attaching the body side panel assembly to the seat back panel assembly and the underbody assembly (1).

    61. Object Number: 2018549 Size: SH
  61. Locate, mark and remove the structural adhesive (1) attaching the body side panel assembly to the inner guard assembly.

    62. Object Number: 2018550 Size: SH
  62. Locate, mark and drill out the factory welds attaching the body side panel assembly to the vehicle (1).

    63. Object Number: 2018551 Size: SH
  63. Locate, mark and drill out the factory welds attaching the body side panel assembly to the vehicle (1).

    64. Object Number: 2018552 Size: SH
  64. Locate, mark and drill out the factory welds attaching the body side panel assembly to the body side (1). Locate, mark and remove the factory welds attaching the body side panel assembly to the body side (2).

    65. Object Number: 2018553 Size: SH
  65. Locate, mark and drill out the factory welds attaching the body side panel assembly to the inner rear wheelhouse (1).

    66. Object Number: 2018554 Size: SH
  66. Locate, mark and drill out the factory welds attaching the body side panel assembly to the rear end panel (1).

    67. Object Number: 2018555 Size: SH
  67. Locate, mark and drill out the factory welds attaching the body side panel assembly to the rear crossmember  (1).

    68. Object Number: 2024379 Size: SH
  68. Locate, mark and drill out the factory welds attaching the body side panel assembly to the rear floor panel (1).
  69. Remove the body side panel from the vehicle.

    70. Object Number: 1937359 Size: SH

    Important: Clean all adhesive mating surfaces in accordance with the adhesive manufacturer's specifications.

  70. Remove the sealer (1) from the front plenum panel.
  71. Remove the seam sealer (2) from the body side.

Installation Procedure

    Important: Spot welding is the preferred method for attaching panels and should be used whenever possible. A plug weld should only be performed where spot welding is not possible.

    Important: If the location of the original plug weld holes cannot be determined, or if structural weld-thru adhesive is present, space the plug weld holes every 32 mm (1¼ in).

    Important: Follow the adhesive manufacturer's instructions during the assembly process. Heat must be applied as per the manufacturer's specifications to cure the adhesives and to expand the sealing baffles.

  1. Drill 8 mm (5/16 in) plug weld holes as necessary in the locations noted when disassembling.
  2. Clean and prepare the mating surfaces of both parts of the body side panel assembly.

    3. Important: Secondary sealer must be applied to the perimeter of all flanges. Secondary sealer must be applied to all welds/joints that were originally covered by secondary sealer.


    Object Number: 1937405 Size: SH
  3. Install the un-expanded noise baffle (1) to the body side panel assembly.

    4. Object Number: 2018556 Size: SH
  4. Apply an approved structural adhesive to the top edge of the inner hinge pillar (1).

    5. Object Number: 2018557 Size: SH
  5. Apply an approved structural adhesive to the body side (1).

    6. Object Number: 2024387 Size: SH
  6. Apply an approved structural adhesive to the seat back panel assembly and the underbody assembly (1).

    7. Object Number: 1937370 Size: SH
  7. Apply the primary sealer along the lower hinge pillar (1).

    8. Object Number: 2018549 Size: SH
  8. Apply an approved structural adhesive to the inner wheelhouse (1).

    9. Object Number: 2018558 Size: SH
  9. Align the body side panel assembly centre pillar to the indented flange on the inner rocker panel (1).

    10. Object Number: 2018559 Size: SH
  10. Align the body side panel hinge pillar (1) to the inner lower hinge pillar (2).

    11. Object Number: 2018560 Size: SH
  11. Weld the body side panel assembly to the front hinge pillar (1).

    12. Object Number: 2018561 Size: SH
  12. Seam weld the inner lower hinge pillar to inner upper hinge pillar (1) 60 mm (2.36 in) using a metal inert gas (MIG) welder.

    13. Object Number: 2018562 Size: SH
  13. Apply an approved structural adhesive to the bottom edge of roof header panels (1).

    14. Object Number: 2018563 Size: SH
  14. Weld the body side panel assembly to both roof header panels (1).

    15. Object Number: 1937332 Size: SH
  15. Weld the body side panel assembly to the front hinge pillar (1).

    16. Object Number: 2018564 Size: SH
  16. Weld the body side panel assembly to the rear floor panel (1).

    17. Object Number: 2018565 Size: SH
  17. Weld the body side panel assembly to the rear crossmember (1).

    18. Object Number: 2018567 Size: SH
  18. Weld the body side panel assembly to the rear end panel (1).

    19. Object Number: 2018566 Size: SH
  19. Weld the body side panel assembly to the inner rear wheelhouse (1).

    20. Object Number: 2018568 Size: SH
  20. Puddle weld the body side panel assembly to the body side (1).

    21. Object Number: 2018569 Size: SH
  21. Weld the body side panel assembly to the body side (1).

    22. Object Number: 2018570 Size: SH
  22. Weld the body side panel assembly to the body side (1).

    23. Object Number: 2021924 Size: SH
  23. Weld the body side panel assembly to the body side (1).

    24. Object Number: 2018571 Size: SH
  24. Weld the body side panel assembly to the seat back panel assembly and the underbody assembly (1).

    25. Object Number: 2018572 Size: SH
  25. Weld the body side panel assembly to the seat back panel assembly and the underbody assembly (1).

    26. Object Number: 1937413 Size: SH
  26. Apply the primary sealer along the rear edge of the upper wheelhouse brace (1) .

    27. Object Number: 2018573 Size: SH
  27. Weld the upper wheelhouse brace to the front hinge pillar (1).

    28. Object Number: 2024388 Size: SH
  28. Weld the upper wheelhouse brace to the front hinge pillar (1).

    29. Object Number: 1937320 Size: SH
  29. Weld the upper wheelhouse brace to the front wheelhouse assembly (1).

    30. Object Number: 1937359 Size: SH
  30. Apply the secondary sealer (1) to the front plenum panel.
  31. Apply the secondary sealer (2) to the lower hinge pillar.

    32. Object Number: 1937393 Size: SH
  32. Apply an approved expanding foam sealer through the two access holes (1) in the rear wheelhouse assembly.

    33. Object Number: 2024384 Size: SH
  33. Install the rear window panel drain tube (1) to the rear window panel reinforcement.

    34. Object Number: 2018548 Size: SH
  34. Install the rear body side panel support brace (1) to the body side.

    35. Important: All joints and welds must be checked for water leaks before the vehicle is fully reassembled.

  35. Paint the repaired area. Refer to Basecoat/Clearcoat Paint Systems .
  36. Install the endgate. Refer to Endgate Replacement .
  37. Install the body lock pillar trim. Refer to Body Lock Pillar Applique Replacement .
  38. Install the body side roof drip moulding. Refer to Body Side Roof Drip Molding Replacement .
  39. Install the rear header trim. Refer to Roof Rear Header Panel Replacement .
  40. Install the windshield pillar garnish moulding. Refer to Windshield Pillar Garnish Molding Replacement .
  41. Install the rocker panel moulding. Refer to Rocker Panel Molding Replacement .
  42. Install the roof weld joint reveal moulding. Refer to Roof Weld Joint Reveal Molding Replacement .
  43. Install the roof outer panel. Refer to Roof Outer Replacement .
  44. Install the positive cable to the vehicle. Refer to Battery Positive Cable Replacement .
  45. Install the remote function actuator. Refer to Remote Control Door Lock Receiver and Theft Deterrent Module Replacement .
  46. Install the headliner. Refer to Headlining Trim Panel Replacement .
  47. Install the HVAC. Refer to HVAC Module Assembly Replacement .
  48. Install the instrument panel carrier. Refer to Instrument Panel Carrier Replacement .
  49. Install the front seat belts. Refer to Front Seat Belt Replacement .
  50. Install the front seats. Refer to Front Seat Replacement - Bucket .
  51. Install the front doors. Refer to Front Side Door Replacement .
  52. Install the plenum chamber. Refer to Air Inlet Assembly Replacement .
  53. Install the rear bumper fascia. Refer to Rear Bumper Fascia Replacement .
  54. Install the brake lines. Refer to Brake Pipe Replacement .
  55. Install the fuel tank. Refer to Fuel Tank Replacement for the 3.6L Engine or Fuel Filter Replacement for the 6.0L engine.
  56. Install the fuel lines. Refer to Fuel Hose/Pipes Replacement - Chassis for the 3.6L Engine or Fuel Hose/Pipes Replacement - Chassis for the 6.0L engine.
  57. Install the fuel filler door release actuator. Refer to Fuel Tank Filler Door Lock Actuator Replacement .
  58. Install the fuel filler door. Refer to Fuel Tank Filler Door Replacement .
  59. Install the filler tube. Refer to Filler Tube Replacement .
  60. Install the rear frame assembly. Refer to Rear Frame Replacement .
  61. Install the rear wheelhouse liner. Refer to Rear Wheelhouse Panel Liner Replacement .
  62. Install the cargo liner. Refer to Cargo Box Liner Replacement .
  63. Install the front strut assembly. Refer to Strut Assembly Replacement .
  64. Install the front wheel hub assembly. Refer to Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement .
  65. Install the front fender assembly. Refer to Front Fender Replacement .
  66. Install the front end module. Refer to Front End Panel Module Carrier Assembly Replacement .
  67. Install the front bumper fascia. Refer to Front Bumper Fascia Replacement .
  68. Install the coolant reservoir. Refer to Coolant Recovery Reservoir Replacement .
  69. Install the front wheelhouse liner. Refer to Front Wheelhouse Liner Replacement .
  70. Install the air inlet grille. Refer to Air Inlet Grille Panel Replacement .
  71. Install the positive battery cable to the engine bay. Refer to Battery Positive Cable Replacement .
  72. Install the negative battery cable to the engine bay. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Replacement .
  73. Install the underhood electrical centre. Refer to Underhood Electrical Center or Junction Block Replacement .
  74. Install the engine control module. Refer to Engine Control Module Replacement for the 3.6L engine or Engine Control Module Replacement for the 6.0L engine.
  75. Install the vacuum brake booster. Refer to Power Vacuum Brake Booster Replacement .
  76. Install the brake master cylinder. Refer to Master Cylinder Replacement .
  77. Install the ABS unit. Refer to Brake Pressure Modulator Valve Assembly Replacement .
  78. Install the engine assembly. Refer to Engine Replacement for the 3.6L engine or Engine Replacement for the 6.0L engine.
  79. Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection .
  80. Enable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling .
  81. If re-programming is required. Refer to Control Module References .