Removal Procedure
- 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.
- Repair as much of the damage as possible to factory specifications. Refer to Dimensions - Body .
- Note the location and remove the sealers and anti-corrosion materials from the repair area, as necessary. Refer to Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair .
- On the upper door frame opening, measure from the die marks out 150 mm (6 in) on both sides of the body side B-pillar outer and place a mark (1). Measure up approx 50 mm and place a vertical line (2). Mark a horizontal line between the marks (3).
- Cut the panel where sectioning is to be performed.
- Perform additional sectioning procedures as needed.
- Locate and drill out all factory welds. Note the number and location of the welds for installations of the service part.
- Remove the damaged body side center pillar section.
- Measure down 120 mm from the radius of the B-pillar reinforcement. Make a horizontal mark.
- Cut the panel where sectioning is to be performed.
- Drill out the factory welds to separate the B-pillar reinforcement from the body.
- Remove the B-pillar reinforcement from the vehicle
Important: Section in specified areas only. Sectioning outside of these areas may compromise the structural integrity of the vehicle. The door frame can be replaced at factory seams, but requires the removal of the windshield and the roof. The sectioning procedures have been developed as a more cost-effective alternative to complete replacement. The specific area to be sectioned is determined by the extent of the damage to the vehicle.
Caution: Foam sound deadeners must be removed from areas within 152.4 mm (6 in) of where flame is to be used for body repairs. When reinstalling foam sound deadeners, avoid inhaling fumes as bodily injury may result.
Installation Procedure
- On the service B-pillar reinforcement assembly, cut the pillar in the corresponding locations to fit the original panel.
- Drill out the welds to separate the upper part of the reinforcement.
- Remove the upper part of the reinforcement from the assembly.
- Prepare all mating surfaces as necessary.
- Apply GM-approved Weld-Thru coating or equivalent to all mating surfaces. Refer to Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair .
- Position the service B-pillar reinforcement assembly to the vehicle. Clamp into place.
- Plug weld accordingly.
- Stitch the weld sectioning joint.
- Clean the pillar. Apply GM-approved Weld-Thru adhesive as needed. Refer to Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair .
- Cut the replacement body side center pillar section in corresponding locations to fit the original panel. The sectioning joint should be trimmed to allow 1 ½ times the metal thickness at the sectioning joint.
- Create a 50 mm (2 in) backing plate (1) from the unused portion of the service part. Trim the backing plate as necessary to fit behind the sectioning joint where there is no reinforcement.
- Drill 8 mm (5/16 in) plug weld holes along the sectioning cut on the remaining original part. Locate these holes 13 mm (½ in) from the edge and spaced 40 mm (1½ in) apart.
- Position the service body side outer center pillar to the body. Clamp in place.
- Plug weld accordingly.
- Stitch weld accordingly.
- Clean and prepare all 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
Important: Do not damage the inner reinforcements.
Important: To create a solid weld with minimum heat distortion make 25 mm (1 in) stitch welds along the seam with 25 mm (1 in) gaps between. Complete the stitch weld.
Important: To create a solid weld with minimum heat distortion make 25 mm (1 in) stitch welds along the seam with 25 mm (1 in) gaps between. Complete the stitch weld.
