CAMPAIGN: MISSING WELDS IN LEFT WHEELHOUSE-OUTER PANEL

NOTE: GM OF CANADA CAMPAIGN 96068 IS LOCATED BELOW THE U.S. VERSION

FMVSS NON-COMPLIANCE CAMPAIGN

SUBJECT: 96068 - MISSING WELDS IN LEFT WHEELHOUSE-OUTER PANEL FLANGE -----------------------------------------------------------

MODELS: 1997 BUICK SKYLARK SEDANS -------------------------

IMPORTANT: This campaign bulletin lifts the "STOP DELIVERY" notice that occurred on October 10, 1996 on all included vehicles. Involved vehicles, a indicated in dealer listings, must be inspected and/or corrected before sale.

The Highway Safety Act, as amended, provides that each vehicle which is subject to a recall campaign of this type must be adequately repaired within a reasonable time after the customer has tendered it for repair. A failure to repair within sixty (60) days after tender of a vehicle is prima facie evidence of failure to repair within a reasonable time.

If the condition is not adequately repaired within a reasonable time, the customer may be entitled to an identical or reasonably equivalent vehicle at no charge or to refund of the purchase price less a reasonable allowance for depreciation.

To avoid having to provide these burdensome remedies, every effort must be mad to promptly schedule an appointment with each customer and to repair their vehicl as soon as possible. As you will see in reading the attached copy of the divisional letter that is being sent to customers, the customers are being instructed to contact the appropriate Customer Assistance Center if their dealer does not remedy the condition within five (5) days of the mutually agreed upon service date. If th condition is not remedied within a reasonable time, they are instructed on how to contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

DEFECT INVOLVED

General Motors has decided that certain 1997 Buick Skylark sedan vehicles may not comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 301, "Fuel System Integrity". During assembly of the left rear quarter panel, some welds may have been missed because of a faulty fixture.

In the event of a rear-end crash, the vehicle sheet metal structure may not perform as designed. This could result in unexpected damage to the fuel tank or fuel lines and leakage of fuel. If there is a fuel leak and an ignition source, a fire could occur.

To prevent this possibility, dealers are to inspect for the missing welds and, if necessary, place three welds between the involved panels and apply primer, sealer and anti-corrosion material.

VEHICLES INVOLVED

Involved are certain 1997 Buick Skylark Sedan model vehicles built within the following VIN breakpoints:

PLANT YEAR DIVISION MODEL PLANT CODE FROM THROUGH ---- -------- ------- ------- ----- -------- -------- 1997 Buick Skylark Lansing "C" VC410004 VC410579

NOTICE: Dealers should confirm vehicle eligibility through VISS (Vehicle Information Service System). Not all vehicles within the above breakpoints may be involved.

Involved vehicles have been identified by Vehicle Identification Number. Computer listings containing the complete Vehicle Identification Number, customer name and address data have been prepared, and are being furnished to involved dealers with the campaign bulletin. Customer name and address data furnished will enable dealers to follow-up with customers involved in this campaign. Any dealer not receiving a computer listing with the campaign bulletin has no involved vehicles currently assigned.

These dealer listings may contain customer names and addresses obtained from State Motor Vehicle Registration Records. The use of such motor vehicle registration data for any other purpose is a violation of law in several states. Accordingly, you are urged to limit the use of this listing to the follow-up necessary to complete this campaign.

PARTS INFORMATION

Materials required to complete this campaign are listed below:

- DP90 Two-Part Anticorrosion Primer or equivalent - 3M Rubberized Undercoating (P/N 08883) or equivalent - Kent High-Tech Clear Urethane Seam Sealer (P/N 10195) or equivalent - 3M Ultrapro Seam Sealer (P/N 08361-gray) or equivalent - 3M Roloc Clean 'N Strip Disc (P/N 07466, Roloc holder P/N 07500)

CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION

Customers will be notified of this campaign on their vehicles by General Motors (see copy of divisional customer letter included with this bulletin).

DEALER CAMPAIGN RESPONSIBILITY

All unsold new vehicles in dealers' possession and subject to this campaign must be held and inspected/repaired per the service procedure of this campaign bulletin before customers take possession of these vehicles.

Dealers are to service all vehicles subject to this campaign at no charge to customers, regardless of mileage, age of vehicle, or ownership, from this time forward.

Customers who have recently purchased vehicles sold from your vehicle inventory, and for which there is no customer information indicated on the dealer listing, are to be contacted by the dealer. Arrangements are to be made to make the required correction according to the instructions contained in this bulletin. This could be done by mailing to such customers a copy of the appropriate divisional customer letter accompanying this bulletin. Campaign follow-up cards should not be used for this purpose, since the customer may not as yet have received the notification letter.

In summary, whenever a vehicle subject to this campaign enters your vehicle inventory, or is in your dealership for service in the future, please take the steps necessary to be sure the campaign correction has been made before selling or releasing the vehicle.

This bulletin is notice to you that the new motor vehicles included in this campaign may not comply with the standard identified above. Under 41 U.S.C. section 30112 of the Highway Safety Act as amended, it is illegal for a dealer to sell a new motor vehicle which the dealer knows does not comply with an applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard. As a consequence, if you sell any of these motor vehicles without first performing the campaign correction, your dealership may be subject to a civil penalty up to $1,000 for each such sale.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

1. Disconnect battery.

2. Raise vehicle on hoist.

3. Remove LH rear wheel cover if present. Remove LH rear tire & wheel assembly.

4. Using a putty knife or other appropriate tool, carefully remove undercoating/ deadener material from the wheelhouse panel area as shown in figure 1. Do not remove paint or primer.

5. Measure the distance from the bottom of the wheelhouse outer panel flange to the bottom of the wheelhouse inner panel flange. See figure 1, view A.

- If this measurement is 1 0 MM (25 /64") or less, no repair is necessary.

* Apply two-part, anti-corrosion primer such as DP90 to any bare sheet metal. Follow paint manufacturer's recommendations for cure time.

* Apply 3M Underseal Rubberized Undercoating (P/N 08883) or equivalent to the area where undercoating/deadener material was removed.

* Lower vehicle and install tire and wheel assembly. Tighten wheel nuts to 120 Nm (89 Lbs.Ft). Install wheel cover if necessary.

* Proceed to step 31 of this procedure.

- If this measurement is more than 1 0 MM, (2 5/64") proceed to step 6 of this procedure.

6. Lower vehicle. Open trunk and remove the LH upper cargo net hook or carpet retainer and move the trunk carpet clear from the LH wheelhouse panel area.

NOTICE: MAKE SURE THAT TRUNK CARPET AND ALL OTHER POTENTIALLY FLAMMABLE MATERIAL IS MOVED AND RETAINED CLEAR OF THE WHEELHOUSE AREA. A WELDING BLANKET SHOULD BE PLACED IN THE TRUNK OVER THE WHEELHOUSE TO CONTAIN ANY WELDING SPARKS.

7. Raise vehicle.

NOTICE: TO AVOID ACCIDENTAL DAMAGE TO THE REAR COMPART- MENT (TRUNK) LID, MAKE SURE THERE IS SUFFICIENT OVERHEAD CLEARANCE TO RAISE THE VEHICLE WITH THE TRUNK OPEN. IF THERE IS NOT ENOUGH CLEARANCE, BE SURE TO CLOSE THE TRUNK BEFORE RAISING THE VEHICLE.

8. Using a rotary steel wire brush or equivalent, remove paint and primer (down to bare metal) from the wheel house panel flanges in the area to be welded as shown in figure 1.

9. Measure and mark the locations of the welds on the wheelhouse sheet metal as shown in figure 2.

10. To prevent weld contamination, remove seam sealer tape from between the wheel house panel flanges at the locations marked to be MIG-welded. Seam sealer tape should be removed for an additional 10 mm on each end of the weld locations.

11. Using vice grips or other appropriate clam g devices, clamp the flanges together, placing a small piece of 3 mm (/i.') thick mild steel behind the flanges to serve as a heat sink. See figure 2.

IMPORTANT: TO MINIMIZE THE CHANCE OF BURN-THRU, SOME SAMPLE WELDS SHOULD BE TRIED ON SOME SCRAP PIECES OF SIMILAR THICKNESS. ADJUST THE MIG WELDER TO THE LOWEST POSSIBLE HEAT SETTING THAT WILL ALLOW GOOD WELDS.

12. CAUTION: BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH WELDING, MAKE SURE THAT NO FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS OR VAPORS ARE PRESENT. ANY FUEL LEAKS MUST BE CORRECTED BEFORE ANY WELDING IS PERFORMED.

Weld the inner wheelhouse panel flange to the outer wheelhouse panel flange with three, twenty (20) mm (95/32") long MIG welds as shown in figure 2.

- Do not attempt to fill any gaps that may be present at the top of the die relief notches in the wheelhouse outer panel.

- First weld to be at the center, or top of the wheelhouse panels.

- Second and third welds to be placed 50 mm (2") forward and 50 mm (2") rearward of first weld as shown in figure 2.

13. Remove the clamps and steel heat sink from the flanges.

14. Lower vehicle.

15. Inspect wheelhouse flange area (inside trunk) for any blistered or peeling paint due to heat from welding. Remove any blistered or peeling paint and apply two-part, anti-corrosion primer such as DP90. Follow paint manufacturer's recommendations for cure time.

16. Apply a urethane caulk to the areas shown in figures 3 and 4. Use Kent High Tech Clear seam sealer (P/N 10195 - stock # CHT-C) or equivalent.

IMPORTANT: IT MAY BE NECESSARY TO ATTACH A LONG, THIN EXTENSION TUBE ON THE CAULKING TUBE TO APPLY ADEQUATE SEALER TO THE JOINT AREA COVERED BY THE QUARTER PANEL TOWING BRACE, AND TO THE JOINT AREA FORWARD OF THE TOWING BRACE. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT THIS JOINT BE PROPERLY SEALED WHERE INDICATED IN FIGURE 3.

17. Open LH rear door. Using a fine-tip marker, carefully trace around the rear door striker to clearly mark its location.

18. Remove the striker (two torx 40 bolts).

19. While shining a penlight type flashlight through one of the striker mounting holes, visually inspect the top of the wheelhouse flanges to be sure adequate sealer is applied at and forward of the towing brace.

20. Raise vehicle (close trunk if necessary due to insufficient overhead clearance).

21. To assure proper primer adhesion, clean and prepare all welded surfaces using 3M Roloc Clean 'N Strip Disc (disc P/N 07466, Roloc holder P/N 07500) or equivalent.

22. Apply two-part, anti-corrosion primer such as DP90 to bare sheet metal. Follow paint manufacturer's recommendations for cure time.

23. Apply 3M Ultrapro Seam Sealer (P/N 08361-gray) or equivalent full-bodied urethane caulk to the entire repaired area, duplicating original appearance and protection. Make sure the three die relief notches are fully sealed. Fully work sealer/caulk into any gaps between the flanges to assure proper joint sealing. Smooth sealer/caulk as required to leave a finished appearance. Let sealer/caulk dry until fully skinned over (at least 30 minutes) per manufacturer's instructions.

24. Lower vehicle part way to check for complete sealing of flanges.

25. Place a shop light (a tube-type fluorescent light will work best) in the trunk, behind the quarter inner panel and visually examine the flange from outside of the vehicle, looking for any areas that may not be completely sealed.

Position a shop light under the repaired area (outside the vehicle), and visually examine the inside of the flange, looking for any areas that may not be completely sealed.

Reseal any areas found to be not sealed.

26. Apply 3M Underseal Rubberized Undercoating (P/N 08883) or equivalent to the wheelhouse flanges.

27. Lower vehicle.

28. Install tire and wheel assembly. Tighten wheel nuts to 120 Nm (89 Lbs. Ft.). Install wheel covers if necessary.

29. Reposition trunk carpet and secure cargo net hook or carpet retainer.

30. Install LH rear door striker assembly to previously marked location. Tighten bolts to 22 Nm (16 Lbs.Ft). Check for proper door operation/striker alignment. Adjust as necessary. Clean up any marker or pencil marks from area around striker.

31. Connect battery.

32. Install the GM campaign identification label.

CAMPAIGN IDENTIFICATION LABEL

Each vehicle corrected in accordance with the instructions outlined in this Product Campaign Bulletin will require a "Campaign Identification Label". Each label provides a space to include the campaign number and the five (5) digit dealer code of the dealer performing the campaign service. This information may be inserted with a typewriter or a ball point pen.

Each "Campaign Identification Label" is to be located on the radiator core support in an area which will be visible when the vehicle is brought in by the customer for periodic servicing. When installing the Campaign Identification Label, be sure to install the clear protective covering. Additional Campaign Identification Labels can be obtained from VISPAC Incorporated by calling 1-800-269-5100 (Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST). Ask for Item Number S-1016 when ordering.

Apply the "Campaign Identification Label" only on a clean, dry surface.

CLAIM INFORMATION

Submit a Product Campaign Claim with the information indicated below:

* REPAIR PART FAILED PARTS LABOR LABOR NET PERFORMED COUNT PART ALLOW CC-FC 0P HOURS ITEM NO. ------------ ----- ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- INSPECT ONLY 0 - MA-96 V9979 0.7 ** FOR MISSING WELDS

INSPECT AND 0 MA-96 V9983 2.9 *** REPAIR MISSING WELDS

* For Campaign Administrative Allowance, add 0.1 hours to the "Labor Hours".

** The amount identified in the "Net Item" column should represent the sum total of the current retail price plus 40% for materials required to perform the required inspection (not to exceed $12.63, which includes the 40% mark-up).

*** The amount identified in the "Net Item" column should represent the sum total of the current retail price plus 40% for materials required to perform the required inspection and repair (not to exceed $54.63, which includes the 40% mark-up).

Refer to the General Motors Corporation Claims Processing Manual for details on Product Campaign Claim Submission.

November, 1996

Dear Buick Customer:

This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

Reason For This Recall: General Motors has decided that certain 1997 Buick Skylark sedan vehicles may not comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 301, "Fuel System Integrity". During assembly of the left rear quarter panel, some welds may have been missed because of a faulty fixture.

In the event of a rear-end crash, the vehicle sheet metal structure may not perform as designed. This could result in unexpected damage to the fuel tank or fuel lines and leakage of fuel. If there is a fuel leak and an ignition source, a fire could occur.

What Will Be Done: To prevent this possibility, dealers are to inspect for the missing welds and, if necessary, place three welds between the involved panels and apply primer, sealer and anti-corrosion material. This service will be performed for you at no charge.

How Long Will The Repair Take? The length of time required to perform this inspection and service correction is approximately three hours. Additional time may be required to schedule and process your vehicle. If your dealer has a large number of vehicles awaiting service, this additional time may be significant. Please ask your dealer if you wish to know how much additional time will be needed.

Contacting Your Dealer: Please contact your Buick dealer as soon as possible to arrange a service date. Parts are available and instructions for making this correction have been sent to your dealer. Please ask your dealer if you wish to know how much time will be needed to schedule, process and repair your vehicle. Your Buick dealer is best equipped to obtain parts and provide services to correct your vehicle as promptly as possible. Should your dealer be unable to schedule a service date within a reasonable time, you should contact the Buick Customer Relations Center at 1-800-521-7300. Deaf, hearing impaired or speech impaired call 1-800-832-8425 (Utilizes Telecommunication Devices for the Deaf/Text Telephones TDD/TTY).

If, after contacting the customer relations center, you are still not satisfied that we have done our best to remedy this condition without charge and within a reasonable time, you may wish to write the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 400 Seventh Street, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20590 or call 1-800- 424-9393 (Washington D.C. residents use 202-366-0123).

Customer Reply Card: The enclosed customer reply card identifies your vehicle. Presentation of this card to your dealer will assist in making the necessary correction in the shortest possible time. If you no longer own this vehicle, please let us know by completing the postage paid reply card and returning it to us.

Courtesy Transportation: Your dealer will provide you with shuttle service or some other form of courtesy transportation, if necessary, while your vehicle is at the dealership for this repair. Please refer to your Owner's Manual and your dealer for details on Courtesy Transportation. We are sorry to cause you this inconvenience; however, we have taken this action in the interest of your safety and continued satisfaction with our products.

Buick Motor Division GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION

** CANADIAN VERSION **

CMVSS NON-COMPLIANCE CAMPAIGN

SUBJECT: CAMPAIGN 96068 - MISSING WELDS IN LEFT WHEELHOUSE-OUTER PANEL ------------------------------------------------------------------- FLANGE ------

MODELS: 1997 BUICK SKYLARK SEDANS -------------------------

IMPORTANT: This campaign bulletin lifts the "STOP DELIVERY" notice that occurred on October 11, 17996 on all included vehicles. Involved vehicles must be inspected and/or corrected before sale.

DEFECT INVOLVED

General Motors of Canada Limited has decided that certain 1997 Buick Skylark sedan vehicles may not comply with Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) 301, "Fuel System Integrity". During assembly of the left rear quarter panel, some welds may have been missed because of a faulty fixture.

In the event of a rear-end crash, the vehicle sheet metal structure may not perform as designed. This could result in unexpected damage to the fuel tank or fuel lines and leakage of fuel. If there is a fuel leak and an ignition source, a fire could occur.

To prevent the possibility of this condition occurring, dealers are to inspect for the missing welds and, i necessary, place three welds between the involved panels and apply primer, sealer and anti-corrosion material.

VEHICLES INVOLVED

Involved are the following seven (7) vehicles:

VIN DEALER CODE VIN DEALER CODE ----------------- ----------- ----------------- ----------- 1G4NJ52MIVC410288 85789 1G4NJ52M4VC410155 96197 1G4NJ52M4VC410351 96303 1G4NJ52M6VC410321 96315 1G4NJ52M7VC410165 96250 1G4NJ52MXVC410175 95532 1G4NJ52T4VC410552 86925

PARTS INFORMATION

Parts required to complete this campaign are to be obtained from General Motors Service Parts Operations (GMSPO).

Materials required to complete this campaign are listed below:

- Two-Part Anticorrosion Primer or equivalent

- 3M Rubberized Undercoating (P/N 08883) or equivalent

- Kent High-Tech Clear Urethane Seam Sealer (P/N 10195) or equivalent

- 3M Ultrapro Seam Sealer (P/N 08370-gray) or equivalent

- 3M Roloc Clean 'N Strip Disc (P/N 07466, Roloc holder PN 07500)

CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION

All customers of record at the time of campaign release are shown on the attached computer listing and have been notified by first class mail from General Motors (see copy of customer letter included with this bulletin). The listings provided are for campaign activity only and should not be used for any other purpose.

DEALER CAMPAIGN RESPONSIBILITY

All unsold new vehicles in dealer's possession and subject to this campaign must be held and inspected/repaired per the service procedure of this campaign bulletin before customers take possession of these vehicles.

Dealers are to service all vehicles subject to this campaign at no charge to customers, regardless of mileage, age of vehicle, or ownership, from this time forward.

Customers who have recently purchased vehicles sold from your vehicle inventory, and for which there is no customer information indicated on the dealer listing, are to be contacted by the dealer. Arrangements are to be made to make the required correction according to the instructions contained in this bulletin. This could be done by mailing to such customers a copy of the appropriate customer letter accompanying this bulletin.

In summary, whenever a vehicle subject to this campaign enters your vehicle inventory, or is in your dealership for service in the future, you must take the steps necessary to be sure the campaign correction has been made before selling or releasing the vehicle.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

1 . Disconnect battery.

2. Raise vehicle on hoist.

3. Remove LH rear wheel cover if present. Remove LH rear tire and wheel assembly.

4. Using a putty knife or other appropriate tool, carefully remove undercoating/deadener material from the wheelhouse panel area as shown in figure 1. Do not remove paint or primer.

5. Measure the distance from the bottom of the wheelhouse outer panel flange to the bottom of the wheelhouse inner panel flange. See figure 1, view A.

- If this measurement is 10 mm (25/64") or less, no repair is necessary.

- Apply two-part, anti-corrosion primer to any bare sheet metal. Follow paint manufacturer's recommendations for cure time.

- Apply 3M Underseal Rubberized Undercoating (P/N 08883) or equivalent to the area where undercoating/deadener material was removed.

- Lower vehicle and install tire and wheel assembly. Tighten wheel nuts to 120 N.m (89 Lbs. Ft.). Install wheel cover if necessary.

- Proceed to step 31 of this procedure.

- If this measurement is more than lOmm, (25 /64") proceed to step 6 of this procedure.

6. Lower vehicle. Open trunk and remove the LH upper cargo net hook or carpet retainer and move the trunk carpet clear from the LH wheelhouse panel area.

NOTICE: MAKE SURE THAT TRUNK CARPET AND ALL OTHER POTENTIALLY FLAMMABLE MATERIAL IS MOVED AND RETAINED CLEAR OF THE WHEELHOUSE AREA. A WELDING BLANKET SHOULD BE PLACED IN THE TRUNK OVER THE WHEELHOUSE TO CONTAIN ANY WELDING SPARKS.

7. Raise vehicle.

NOTICE: TO AVOID ACCIDENTAL DAMAGE TO THE REAR COMPARTMENT (TRUNK) LID, MAKE SURE THERE IS SUFFICIENT OVERHEAD CLEARANCE TO RAISE THE VEHICLE WITH THE TRUNK OPEN. IF THERE IS NOT ENOUGH CLEARANCE, BE SURE TO CLOSE THE TRUNK BEFORE RAISING THE VEHICLE.

8. Using a rotary steel wire brush or equivalent, remove paint and primer (down to bare metal) from the wheelhouse panel flanges in the area to be welded as shown in figure 1.

9. Measure and mark the locations of the welds on the wheelhouse sheet metal as shown in figure 2.

10. To prevent weld contamination, remove seam sealer tape from between the wheelhouse panel flanges at the locations marked to be KEG-welded. Seam sealer tape should be removed for an additional 10 mm on each end of the weld locations.

11. Using vice grips or other appropriate clamping devices, clamp the flanges together, placing a small piece of 3 mm (1/8") thick mild steel behind the flanges to serve as a heat sink. See figure 2.

IMPORTANT: TO MINIMIZE THE CHANCE OF BURN-THROUGH, SOME SAMPLE WELDS SHOULD BE TRIED ON SOME SCRAP PIECES OF SIMILAR THICKNESS. ADJUST THE MIG WELDER TO THE LOWEST POSSIBLE HEAT SETTING THAT WILL ALLOW GOOD WELDS.

12. CAUTION: BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH WELDING, SURE THAT NO FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS OR VAPOURS ARE PRESENT. ANY FUEL LEAKS MUST BE CORRECTED BEFORE ANY WELDING IS PERFORMED.

Weld the inner wheelhouse panel flange to the outer wheelhouse panel flange with three, twenty (20) mm (25/32") long MIG welds as shown in figure 2.

- Do not attempt to fill any gaps that may be present at the top of the die relief notches in the wheelhouse outer panel.

- First weld to be at the centre, or top of the wheelhouse panels.

- Second and third welds to be placed 50 mm (2") forward and 50 mm (2") rearward of fiat weld as shown in figure 2.

13. Remove the clamps and steel heat sink from the flanges.

14. Lower vehicle.

15. Inspect wheelhouse flange area (inside trunk) for any blistered or peeling paint due to heat from welding. Remove any blistered or peeling paint and apply two-part, anti-corrosion primer. Follow paint manufacturer's recommendations for cure time.

16. Apply a urethane caulk to the areas shown in figures 3 and 4. Use Kent High Tech Clear seam sealer (PN 10195) or equivalent.

IMPORTANT: IT MAY BE NECESSARY TO ATTACH A LONG, THIN EXTENSION TUBE ON THE CAULKING TUBE TO APPLY ADEQUATE SEALER TO THE JOINT AREA COVERED BY THE QUARTER PANEL TOWING BRACE, AND TO THE JOINT AREA FORWARD OF THE TOWING BRACE. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT THIS JOINT BE PROPERLY SEALED WHERE INDICATED IN FIGURE 3.

17. Open LH rear door. Using a fine-tip marker, carefully trace around the rear door striker to clearly mark its location.

18. Remove the striker (two torx 40 bolts).

19. While shining a penlight type flashlight through one of the striker mounting holes, visually inspect the top of the wheelhouse flanges to be sure adequate sealer is applied at and forward of the towing brace.

20. Raise vehicle (close trunk if necessary due to insufficient overhead clearance).

21. To ensure proper primer adhesion, clean and prepare all welded surfaces using 3M Roloc Clean 'N Strip Disc (disc P/N 07466, Roloc holder P/N 07500) or equivalent.

22. Apply two-part, anti-corrosion primer to bare sheet metal. Follow paint manufacturer's recommendations for cure time.

23. Apply 3M Ultrapro Seam Sealer (P/N 08370-gray) or equivalent full-bodied urethane caulk to the entire repaired area, duplicating original appearance and protection. Make sure the three die relief notches are fully sealed. Fully work sealer/caulk into any gaps between the flanges to ensure proper joint sealing. Smooth sealer/caulk as required to leave a finished appearance. Let sealer/caulk dry until fully skinned over (at least 30 minutes) per manufacturer's instructions.

24. Lower vehicle part way to check for complete sealing of flanges.

25. Place a shop light (a tube-type fluorescent light will work best) in the trunk, behind the quarter inner panel and visually examine the flange from outside of the vehicle, looking for any areas that may not be completely sealed.

Position a shop light under the repaired area (outside the vehicle), and visually examine the inside of the flange, looking for any areas that may not be completely sealed. Reseal any areas found to be not sealed.

26. Apply 3M Underseal Rubberized Undercoating (P/N 08883) or equivalent to the wheelhouse flanges.

27. Lower vehicle.

28. Install tire and wheel assembly. Tighten wheel nuts to 120 N.m (89 Lbs. Ft.). Install wheel covers if necessary.

29. Reposition trunk carpet and secure cargo net hook or carpet retainer.

30. Install LH rear door striker assembly to previously marked location. Tighten bolts to 22 N.m (16 Lbs. Ft.). Check for proper door operation/striker alignment. Adjust as necessary. Clean up any marker or pencil marks from area around striker.

31. Connect battery.

32. Install Campaign Identification Label.

CAMPAIGN IDENTIFICATION LABEL

Each vehicle corrected in accordance with the instructions outlined in this Product Campaign Bulletin will require a "Campaign Identification Label." Each label provides a space to include the campaign number and the five (5) digit dealer code of the dealer performing the campaign service. This information may be inserted with a typewriter or a ball point pen.

Each "Campaign Identification Label" is to be located on the radiator core support in an area which will be visible when the vehicle is brought into the dealership for periodic servicing. Additional Campaign Identification Labels can be obtained from DGN by calling 1-800-668-5539 (Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST). Ask for Item Number GMP 91 when ordering.

Apply the "Campaign Identification Label" only on a clean, dry surface.

CLAIM INFORMATION

Submit a Product Campaign Claim with the information indicated below:

* REPAIR PERFORMED PART FAILED PARTS LABOUR LABOUR NET COUNT PART NO. ALLOW CC-FC 0P HOURS ITEM ------------------ ----- -------- ----- ----- ------ ------ ---- Inspect Only For 0 -- -- MA-96 V9979 0.7 ** Missing Welds

Inspect And Repair 0 -- -- MA-96 V9983 2.9 ** Missing Welds

* For Campaign Administrative Allowance, add 0.1 hours to the "Labour Hours".

** The amount identified in the "Net Item" column should represent the sum total of the current retail price plus 40% for materials required to perform the required inspection (not to exceed $18.00, which includes the 40% mark-up).

*** The amount identified in the "Net Item" column should represent the sum total of the current retail price plus 40% for materials required to perform the required inspection and repair (not to exceed $77.00, which included the 40% mark-up).

Refer to the General Motors Claims Processing Manual for details on Product Campaign Claim Submission

November 1996

Dear General Motors Customer:

General Motors of Canada Limited has decided that certain 1997 Buick Skylark sedan vehicles may not comply with Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) 301, "Fuel System Integrity". During assembly of the left rear quarter. panel, some welds may have been missed because of a faulty fixture.

In the event of a rear-end crash, the vehicle sheet metal structure may not perform as designed. This could result in unexpected damage to the fuel tank or fuel lines and leakage of fuel. If there is a fuel leak and an ignition source, a fire could occur.

To prevent the possibility of this condition occurring, your GM dealer will inspect for the missing welds and, if necessary, place three welds between the involved panels and apply primer, sealer and anti-corrosion material.

This service will be provided for you at no charge.

Please contact your GM dealer as soon as possible to arrange a service date.

If parts are required, ask your dealer for details regarding their availability. If parts are not in stock, they can be ordered before scheduling your service date.

This letter identifies your vehicle. Presentation of this letter to your dealer will assist their Service personnel in completing the necessary correction to your vehicle in the shortest possible time.

We are sorry to cause you this inconvenience; however, we have taken this action in the interest of your continued satisfaction with our products.

Customer Support Department General Motors of Canada Limit

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.