Sectioning is performed on the lower front hinge pillar between the 2 hinge mounting locations. The hinge pillar inner reinforcement (1) on the service part is used as a backing plate when welding the new section in place.

1. Remove all of the related panels and the components.
2. Visually inspect and restore as much of the damage as possible according to factory specifications.
3. Remove the following components:

•	The sealers

•	The sound deadeners

•	The corrosion materials




4. Drill out and remove the access panel located on the upper, outer rail reinforcement.



5. Cut and pry the outer reinforcement away from the hinge pillar as necessary in order to provide room for the sectioning template.
6. Align the template that was provided with the service part. Mark a line where indicated.
7. Cut the hinge pillar and inner reinforcement along the line.
8. Perform additional sectioning procedures as necessary in order to remove damaged areas of the door frame opening.
9. Locate and mark factory welds. Note the number and location for installation of the service part.
10. Notice the number of welds for installation of the service part.
11. Remove the damaged section of the door frame opening and the hinge pillar inner reinforcement.
12. Drill out the 4 welds attaching the hinge pillar to the inner reinforcement above the cut line.
13. Remove the remaining section of the inner reinforcement.

1. Align the template on the service part and mark a cut line where indicated.

Important: Only cut the outer surface of the hinge pillar service part. The inner reinforcement is used as a backing plate when installing the new section.

2. Cut the service part along the marked line. Do not damage the hinge pillar inner reinforcemen (1).
3. Drill out the 4 welds attaching the hinge pillar to the inner reinforcement above the cut line. Do not drill through the inner reinforcement.
4. Perform additional sectioning procedures as necessary to remove the unused areas of the service part.
5. Drill 8 mm (5/16 in) plug weld holes as necessary in the locations noted from the original section.
6. Prepare all mating surfaces for welding.

Important: Prior to refinishing, refer to GM 4901MD-99 Refinish Manual for recommended products. Do not combine paint systems. Refer to paint manufacturer's recommendations.

7. Position the door frame opening service part. Make sure the inner reinforcement extending from the top of the hinge pillar service part is properly positioned within the existing hinge pillar section.

Important: To ensure a secure weld, the hinge pillar sectioning joint should have a gap of approximately 1 ½ times the thickness of the metal. Trim the parts as necessary to achieve this.

8. Check fit using body dimensions and plug weld accordingly with frequent measurements to ensure proper fit.