Removal Procedure
Warning: Refer to Approved Equipment for Collision Repair Warning in the Preface section.
Note: The hinge pillar inner reinforcement (1) can be used as backing plate when sectioning the outer door frame (2) at the front hinge pillar.
- Disable the SIR system. Refer to
SIR Disabling and Enabling.
- Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to
Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection.
- Remove all related panels and components, including the quarter panel.
Warning: Refer to Foam Sound Deadeners Warning in the Preface section.
- Note the location and remove the sealers and anti-corrosion materials from the repair area, as necessary. Refer to
Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair.
- Remove all related panels and components.
- Visually inspect and repair as much of the damage as possible to factory specifications.
- Remove sealers and anti-corrosion materials as necessary.
- Align template provided with the service part.
- Mark and cut the hinge pillar for sectioning.
Note: Do not damage any inner panels or reinforcements.
- Perform all other sectioning procedures as necessary.
- Locate, mark, and drill out all factory welds attaching the lower front door hinge pillar. Note the number and location of welds for installation of the service part.
- Remove damaged front lower hinge pillar.
- Remove foam (1) from the lower portion of the hinge pillar.
Installation Procedures
- Rough cut the service part to match the damaged section of the door frame opening and discard the unused portion of the service part.
- The modified service panel (1) should be trimmed to allow a gap of one and one-half times the metal thickness at the joint between the service part and the factory part.
- Drill 8 mm (5/16 in) holes for plug welding in the service part 13 mm (½ in) from the sectioning joint edge.
- Drill 8 mm (5/16 in) holes for plug (2) welding in the service panel (1) as necessary in the locations noted from the original panel.
- Prepare mating surfaces as necessary.
- Apply GM-approved weld-thru coating or equivalent to all mating surfaces. Refer to
Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair.
- Align the service part to the vehicle.
- Use three-dimensional measuring equipment to inspect the fit. Refer to
Dimensions - Body.
- Plug weld accordingly.
- Complete the sectioning by welding the joint gap closed with 25 mm (1 in) welds along the seam with 25 mm (1 in) gaps alternately.
- Go back and complete the stitch weld. This will create a solid joint with minimal heat distortion.
- Install closed cell two-part expandable foam in the service door frame opening hinge pillar as necessary to replace the original foam air baffle (1).
- Clean and prepare welded surfaces.
- Apply the sealers and anti-corrosion materials to the repair area, as necessary. Refer to
Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair.
- Paint and repair the area. Refer to
Basecoat/Clearcoat Paint Systems.
- Install all related panels and components.
- Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to
Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection.
- Enable the SIR system. Refer to
SIR Disabling and Enabling.