GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Buick 🢒 2003 🢒 LeSabre 🢒 Body and Accessories 🢒 Collision Repair 🢒 Rear Outer Wheelhouse Replacement

Removal Procedure
  1. Remove all panels and components as necessary for access, including the quarter panel.
  2. Restore as much of the damage to factory specifications as possible.
  3. Remove the following as necessary:
    4. • The sealers
    • The sound deadeners
    • The anti-corrosion materials
  4. After the quarter panel is removed, locate, mark, and drill out the spot-welds attaching the reinforcement panel to the outer wheelhouse and the inner reinforcements.

    5. Object Number: 240724 Size: SH
  5. Cut the wheelhouse along the corner of the bend.
  6. If necessary, apply a strip of masking tape and cut along the inboard edge.
  7. Remove the damaged section of the wheelhouse.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 261165 Size: SH
  1. Trim the service part to leave approximately 25 mm (1 in) vertical flange (1).
  2. Drill 8 mm (5/16 in) plug weld holes every 40 mm (1 ½ in) along the vertical flange.

    3. Object Number: 240722 Size: SH
  3. Prepare all mating surfaces for welding as necessary.
  4. Apply 3M Weld-Thru Coating P/N 05916 or equivalent to all mating surfaces.
  5. Check for proper fit and plug weld accordingly. Take care not to warp or distort the metal.
  6. Repair or replace the outer wheelhouse reinforcement as necessary.
  7. Position the reinforcement panel as noted from the original panel location.
  8. Plug weld accordingly.
  9. Clean and prepare all bare metal surfaces.

    10. Important: Prior to refinishing, refer to GM 4901MD-99 Refinish Manual for recommended products. Do not combine paint systems. Refer to paint manufacturer's recommendations.

  10. Apply the following as necessary:
    11. • The sealers
    • The anti-corrosion materials
    • The two-part catalyzed primer
    • The top-coat
    • Install all of the panels and the components previously removed for access