This repair procedure gives you the option of using an installation procedure for either metal-inert gas (MIG) welding or adhesive bonding. The choice of installation depends on the type of application requirements. The adhesive bonding procedure may also require MIG welding in some areas of the repair.

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

Important: When replacing panels that involve servicing of stationary glass, refer to Adhesive Installation of Stationary Windows before performing any priming or refinishing.

Important: Before beginning the repair, refer to Metal Panel Bonding for proper adhesive preparations and general information.

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



3. Remove all related panels and components.
4. Repair as much of the damage as possible to factory specifications. Refer to Dimensions - Body .

Caution: Refer to Foam Sound Deadeners Caution in the Preface section.

5. Note the location and remove the sealers and anti-corrosion materials from the repair area, as necessary. Refer to Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair in Paint/Coatings.
6. Remove the windshield. Refer to Windshield Replacement in Stationary Windows.




Important: Do NOT damage the interior panels or reinforcements.

7. Locate and drill out all factory welds. Note the number and location of welds for installation of the roof panel.



8. With an assistant remove the roof panel.

1. If you are MIG welding the roof panel, perform the following steps:
2. Drill 8 mm (5/16 in) plug weld holes as necessary in locations noted from the original panel.

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) apart.

3. Prepare all mating surfaces as necessary.
4. Apply 3M® Weld-Thru coating P/N 05916 or equivalent to all mating surfaces



5. Position the roof panel to the body with an assistant.



6. Plug weld accordingly.
7. Clean and prepare all welded surfaces.
8. Apply the sealers and anti-corrosion materials to the repair area, as necessary. Refer to Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair in Paint/Coatings.
9. Paint the repair area. Refer to Basecoat/Clearcoat Paint Systems in Paint/Coatings.
10. Install the windshield. Refer to Windshield Replacement in Stationary Windows.
11. Install all related panels and components.
12. Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection in Engine Electrical.
13. Enable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling in SIR.

1. Grind the surface of the body mating flanges to bare steel.



2. Grind the roof panel mating flanges to remove the E-coating. Take care not to damage the corners or thin the metal during the grinding operation.
3. Clean the mating surfaces.

Important: The adhesive has a 40-50 minute working time. Do not allow the adhesive to totally cure off the vehicle, as proper alignment of the roof panel to the body will be difficult.




4. Apply a 3-6 mm (1/8-¼ in) bead of metal panel bonding adhesive GM P/N 12378566/7 (Canadian P/N 88901674/5) or equivalent to both of the mating surfaces.



5. Using a small acid brush, spread a coat of adhesive to cover all the bare metal surfaces to ensure corrosion protection.



6. Apply a 9-13 mm (3/8-½ in) bead of metal panel bonding adhesive GM P/N 12378566/7 (Canadian P/N 88901674/5) or equivalent to the service panel mating surfaces.




Important: Do NOT pull the panels apart after being joined together. Slide the panels against each other to realign the panels.

7. Install the roof panel to the body with two or more assistants.



8. Clamp the roof panel into position as required.
9. Using lacquer thinner remove the excess adhesive from the roof panel area.
10. Apply the sealers and anti-corrosion materials to the repair area, as necessary. Refer to Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair in Paint/Coatings.
11. Paint the repair area. Refer to Basecoat/Clearcoat Paint Systems in Paint/Coatings.
12. Install the windshield. Refer to Windshield Replacement in Stationary Windows.
13. Install all related panels and components.
14. Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection in Engine Electrical.
15. Enable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling in SIR.