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

Important: The full body-side outer panel comes as a complete assembly and can be replaced at factory seams after the removal of the fixed glass and roof. Any one of these service procedures can be performed separately or in any combination, dependent upon the extent of damage to the vehicle. Sectioning must take place in specified areas only.





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.

1. Remove all related panels and components.
2. Disable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling in SIR.
3. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection in Engine Electrical.
4. Remove the sealers and anti-corrosion materials from the repair area, as necessary, and note their location. Refer to Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair in Paint and Coatings.

Caution: Foam sound deadeners must be removed from areas within 152.4 mm (6 in) of where flame is to be used for body repairs. When reinstalling foam sound deadeners, avoid inhaling fumes as bodily injury may result.

5. Remove sound deadeners, as necessary.
6. Repair as much of the damage as possible.



7. At the top of the center pillar, mark a line (a) 130 mm (5 5/32 in) from the edge of the door opening.
8. Create cut lines on the rocker panel within the approved sectioning locations.




Important: Do not damage any inner panels or reinforcements.

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



10. Locate and drill out all factory welds. Note the number and location of welds for installation of the service part.
11. Remove the damaged center pillar.

1. Cut the outer center pillar in corresponding locations to fit the remaining original panel. The sectioning joint should be trimmed to allow a gap of 1½ times the metal thickness at the sectioning joint.
2. Create a 100 mm (4 in) backing plate from the unused portion of the service part for the rocker area. Trim the backing plates, as necessary, to fit behind the sectioning joint.
3. In the upper center pillar area, use the existing pillar reinforcement as a backing plate.

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).

4. Drill 8 mm (5/16 in) along the sectioning cut on the remaining original part. Locate these holes 13 mm (½ in) from the edge of part and spaced 40 mm (1½ in) apart.
5. Drill 8 mm (5/16 in) plug weld holes in the service part, as necessary, in the locations noted from the original panel and along the sectioning cut.
6. Prepare all mating surfaces, as necessary.
7. Apply 3M Weld-Thru Coating P/N 05913 or equivalent to all mating surfaces.
8. Fit the backing plates halfway into the sectioning joints, clamp in place and plug weld to the vehicle.
9. Align outer center pillar using 3-dimensional measuring equipment.
10. Plug weld accordingly.



11. To create a solid weld with minimum heat distortion, make a 25 mm (1 in) stitch weld along the seam with 25 mm (1 in) gaps between them. Go back and complete the stitch weld.
12. Clean and prepare all of the welded surfaces.
13. Apply the sealers and anti-corrosion materials to the repair area, as necessary. Refer to Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair in Paint and Coatings.
14. Paint the repaired area. Refer to Basecoat/Clearcoat Paint Systems in Paint and Coatings.
15. Install all of the related panels and components.
16. Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection in Engine Electrical.
17. Enable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling in SIR.