GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Buick 🢒 2003 🢒 Rendezvous - FWD 🢒 Body and Accessories 🢒 Collision Repair 🢒 Center Pillar Replacement

Removal Procedure

    Object Number: 686636 Size: SH
  1. Remove all related panels and components.
  2. Restore as much of the damage as possible to factory specifications.
  3. Note the location and remove the following as necessary:
    4. • Anti-corrosion materials
    • Sound deadeners (1)
    • Sealers

    Object Number: 686641 Size: SH

    Important: Do not damage any inner panels or reinforcements.

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

    5. Object Number: 686644 Size: SH
  5. Locate and drill out all factory welds. Note the number and location of welds for installation of the service part.

    6. Object Number: 686646 Size: SH
  6. Remove the damaged center pillar.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 686653 Size: SH
  1. Cut the replacement center pillar in corresponding locations to fit the remaining original panel. The sectioning joint should be trimmed to allow a gap of one-and-one-half times the metal (1) thickness at the sectioning joint.

    2. Object Number: 686656 Size: SH
  2. In the center pillar, create a 50 mm (2 in) backing plate (1) from the unused portion of the door frame opening. Trim the backing plate as necessary to fit behind the sectioning joint.
  3. In the rocker locations, create a 100 mm (4 in) backing plate (2) from the unused portion of the door frame opening. Trim the backing plate as necessary to fit behind the sectioning joint.

    4. Object Number: 686661 Size: SH
  4. Drill 8 mm (5/16 in) plug weld holes along the sectioning cut on the remaining original part.

    5. Important: In any area damaged beyond recognition, space plug weld holes every 40 mm (1 ½ in) apart.

  5. Drill 8 mm (5/16) plug weld holes as necessary in locations noted from the original panel.

    6. Object Number: 686666 Size: SH
  6. Prepare all attachment surfaces as necessary.
  7. Apply weld-thru primer to all bare-metal surfaces.
  8. Fit the backing plate (1) halfway into the sectioning joint (2) clamp and plug weld to the vehicle (3).
  9. Align the center pillar using three-dimensional measuring equipment.
  10. Plug weld accordingly.

    11. Object Number: 686667 Size: SH
  11. 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. Then go back and complete the stitch weld.

    12. Important: Prior to refinishing, refer to publication GM 4901M-D-2000 GM Approved Refinish Materials for recommended products. Do not combine paint systems. Refer to paint manufacturer's recommendations.

  12. Clean and prepare all welded surfaces.

    13. Object Number: 686636 Size: SH
  13. Apply the following as necessary:
    14. • Anti-corrosion materials
    • Sound deadeners (1)
    • Sealers
  14. Install all related panels and components.