Important: The wheel opening flange should bend upwards. Do not repair this normal condition. Take note of the shape of the flange for installation purposes. Do not flatten the flange.

Important: When damage to the rest of the panel is minimal, repair the outer rear wheelhouse by sectioning.

1. Apply a strip of masking tape (a) that is 20 mm (¾ in) along the vertical surface of the wheelhouse radius to form a welding flange.



2. On the service part, cut along the inner edge of the tape location.



3. Remove the excess portion of the wheelhouse.

1. Remove all the related panels and the components.
2. Visually inspect the damage.
3. Remove the following components as necessary:

•	The sealers

•	The sound deadeners

•	The anti-corrosion materials




4. Apply a strip of 20-mm (¾-in) masking tape along the horizontal surface of the wheelhouse radius.
5. On the vehicle, cut along the outboard side of the masking tape (a) in order to create a tab for the weld flange on the new wheelhouse section.
6. Remove the damaged section of the wheelhouse.

1. Mark the plug weld holes every 40 mm (1½ in) along the weld flange on the service part.
2. Position the service part.
3. Temporarily align the sheet metal screw to the quarter inner portion of the inner body side panel.
4. Install the quarter panel outer. Position the panel to the vehicle, using 3-dimensional measuring equipment. Clamp the panel in place.
5. Verify the fit of the panels. Adjust the panels as necessary. Temporarily sheet metal screw the panel in place (a).
6. Remove the quarter outer panel.
7. Remove the service part.
8. Drill 8 mm (5/16 in) along the weld flange on the service part.
9. Prepare the mating surfaces for welding, as necessary.
10. Apply GM-approved weld-thru Coating or equivalent to all mating surfaces. Refer to Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair .
11. Install the service wheelhouse outer panel in the proper position, as verified in the previous steps.
12. Plug weld accordingly the wheelhouse outer to the vehicle.
13. Apply sound deadening materials as necessary.
14. Apply the sealers and anti-corrosion materials to the repair area, as necessary. Refer to Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair .
15. Paint the repair area. Refer to Basecoat/Clearcoat Paint Systems .
16. Install all related panels and components.
17. Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection .
18. Enable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling .