Center Reinforcement Pillar Replacement Convertible

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

1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling .
2. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection .




Caution: Sectioning should be performed only in the recommended areas. Failure to do so may compromise the structural integrity of the vehicle and cause personal injury if the vehicle is in a collision.

3. Remove all related panels and components.
4. Repair as much of the damage as possible.
5. Remove the sealers and anti-corrosion materials from the repair area, as necessary. Refer to Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair .
6. Note structural adhesive locations.




Important: Do not damage any inner panels or reinforcements.

7. Measure from the rear edge of the rocker inner (a) forward 400 mm (15 5/8 in) to (b). This is the cut line.



8. Cut the panel where sectioning is to be performed.




Important: Note the number and location of the factory welds for installation.

9. Locate, mark, and drill out all the necessary factory welds.



10. Remove the inner rocker (1). Save the rocker for installation after the replacement of the center reinforcement.




Important: Removal of this part of the inner rocker will allow full panel replacement to the verticle reinforcement.

11. Drill off the verticle reinforcement (1). Remove as an inner and outer assembly.

1. Prepare the surfaces.
2. Install the reinforcement.



3. Weld the reinforcement in place.
4. Install the inner rocker reinforcement that was saved from the first cut. Weld into place.
5. Align the service part on the vehicle using 3-dimensional measuring equipment.
6. Plug weld accordingly.
7. To create a solid weld with minimum heat distortion, make 25 mm (1 in) stitch welds along the seam with 25 mm (1 in) gaps between them. Go back and complete the stitch weld.
8. Clean and prepare all of the welded surfaces.
9. Apply the sealers and anti-corrosion materials to the repair area, as necessary. Refer to Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair .
10. Paint the repaired area. Refer to Basecoat/Clearcoat Paint Systems .
11. Install all of the related panels and components.
12. Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection .
13. Enable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling .