GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2009 🢒 Cobalt 🢒 Body Repair 🢒 Collision Repair 🢒 Tail Lamp Pocket Reinforcement Replacement

Removal Procedure

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

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

    3. Object Number: 1551443 Size: SH
  3. Remove all related panels and components.
  4. Repair as much of the damage as possible. Refer to Dimensions - Body.
  5. Remove the sealers and anti-corrosion materials from the repair area, as necessary. Refer to Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair.

    6. Note: Note the number and location of the factory welds for installation of the left tie bar.


    Object Number: 1551444 Size: SH
  6. Locate and drill out all the necessary factory welds.

    7. Object Number: 1551536 Size: SH
  7. Remove the tail lamp pocket.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 1551537 Size: SH

    Note: If the location of the original plug weld holes can not be determined, space the plug weld holes every 40 mm (1 1/2 in) apart.

  1. Drill 8 mm (5/16 in) plug weld holes in the service part as necessary in the locations noted from the original panel.
  2. Prepare all mating surfaces as necessary.
  3. Apply GM-approved Weld-Thru Coating or equivalent to all mating surfaces. Refer to Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair.

    4. Object Number: 1551536 Size: SH

    Note: Some manipulation of the tail lamp pocket may be necessary to achieve a proper fit to the quarter panel, the rear fascia, the rear deck lid, and the tail lamp assemblies. Fit all pieces together first before welding to ensure a proper fit with the surrounding components.

  4. Position the tail lamp pocket to the vehicle. Clamp the tail lamp pocket in place.
  5. Verify the fit of the tail lamp assembly to adjacent components. Position and clamp as necessary.
  6. Once proper fit is accomplished, remove and adjacent components.

    7. Object Number: 1551443 Size: SH
  7. Plug weld accordingly.
  8. Clean and prepare all of the welded surfaces.
  9. Install all of the related panels and components.
  10. Apply the sealers and anti-corrosion materials to the repair area, as necessary. Refer to Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair.
  11. Paint the repaired area. Refer to Basecoat/Clearcoat Paint Systems.
  12. Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection.
  13. Enable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling.