GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

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

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

  3. Object Number: 787634  Size: SH

    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.

  4. Remove all related panels and components.
  5. Restore as much of the damage as possible.
  6. Remove the sealers and anti-corrosion materials from the repair area, as necessary. Refer to Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair in Paint and Coatings.

  7. Object Number: 787635  Size: SH

    Important: Do not damage any inner panels or reinforcements.

  8. Apply a piece of 20 mm (3/4 in) tape (2) along the flat area above the outer wheel housing as shown. This is your sectioning location.
  9. In the rocker panel area, mark a vertical line in the flat area rearward of the triangle shaped opening as shown (1) . This is your sectioning location.

  10. Object Number: 787636  Size: SH
  11. Cut the panel where sectioning is to be performed.

  12. Object Number: 787637  Size: SH

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

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

  14. Object Number: 787638  Size: SH
  15. Remove the damaged wheelhouse section.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 787639  Size: SH
  1. Cut the service part in the corresponding locations to the sectioning cuts. Allow for a 25 mm (1 in) overlap to the vehicle.

  2. Object Number: 787640  Size: SH
  3. In the door opening location notch as shown.

  4. Object Number: 787642  Size: SH
  5. Drill 8 mm (5/16 in) plug weld holes along the sectioning cut on the original reinforcement. Locate these holes 13 mm (½ in) from the edge and spaced 40 mm (1½ in) apart.
  6. Important: If the location of the original plug weld holes can not be determined, or if structural weld-thru adhesive is present, space the plug weld holes every 40 mm (1½ in).

  7. Drill 8 mm (5/16 in) plug weld holes in the service reinforcement as necessary in the locations noted from the original panel.
  8. Prepare all mating surfaces as necessary.
  9. Apply 3M Weld-Thru Coating P/N 05913 or equivalent to all mating surfaces.

  10. Object Number: 787643  Size: SH
  11. Align the service part on the vehicle using 3-dimensional measuring equipment.

  12. Object Number: 787644  Size: SH
  13. Plug weld accordingly.

  14. Object Number: 787645  Size: SH
  15. 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.

  16. Object Number: 787646  Size: SH
  17. Clean and prepare all of the welded surfaces.
  18. Apply the sealers and anti-corrosion materials to the repair area, as necessary. Refer to Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair in Paint and Coatings.
  19. Paint the repaired area. Refer to Basecoat/Clearcoat Paint Systems in Paint and Coatings.
  20. Install all of the related panels and components.
  21. Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection in Engine Electrical.
  22. Enable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling in SIR.