Warning: Refer to Approved Equipment for Collision Repair Warning 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.




Warning: 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. Restore 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 the location of the structural adhesive.




Note: Do not damage any inner panels or reinforcements.

7. Locate the horizontal wheel housing top flat area in the upper quarter area (1).
8. Measure up 25 mm (1 in). Scribe a cut line (2).
9. On the vehicle rocker area, locate and scribe a vertical cut line in the recommended section area (3).



10. Cut the panel to be sectioned.




Note: Note the number and location of the factory welds for installation of the inner quarter panel.

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



12. Remove the damaged wheelhouse section.

1. Cut the service part in the corresponding locations to the sectioning cuts. Allow for a 50 mm (2 in) overlap at the wheelhouse (a) and the rocker panel (b).



2. At the cut edge of the service rocker panel, measure rearward 50 mm (2 in) (a). Notch out the rocker panel flange to allow an overlap to the rocker.



3. Drill 8 mm (5/16 in) plug weld holes along the sectioning cut on the original reinforcement. Locate these holes 25 mm (1 in) from the edge and spaced 40 mm (1½ in) apart.

Note: If the location of the original plug weld holes can not be determined, space the plug weld holes every 40 mm (1 1/2 in) apart.

4. Drill 8 mm (5/16 in) plug weld holes in the service reinforcement as necessary in the locations noted from the original panel.
5. Prepare all mating surfaces as necessary.
6. Apply GM-approved Weld-Thru Coating or equivalent to all mating surfaces. Refer to Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair.



7. Align the service part on the vehicle using 3-dimensional measuring equipment.



8. Plug weld accordingly.
9. 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.
10. Clean and prepare all of the welded surfaces.
11. Apply the sealers and anti-corrosion materials to the repair area, as necessary. Refer to Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair.
12. Paint the repaired area. Refer to Basecoat/Clearcoat Paint Systems.
13. Install all of the related panels and components.
14. Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection.
15. Enable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling.