GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

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


    Object Number: 749870  Size: SH

    Important: Section in the specified areas only. Sectioning outside of these areas may compromise the structural integrity of the vehicle.

  1. The door frame opening is a unique laser-weld design incorporating multiple metal thicknesses to ensure the structural integrity of the vehicle. The door frame can be replaced at factory seams, but requires the removal of the upper fender rail, the windshield, the roof panel and the quarter panel. The sectioning procedures have been developed as a more cost-effective alternative to complete the replacement. The specific area to be sectioned is determined by the extent of the damage to the vehicle.
  2. Determine which panels and components need to be removed.


    Object Number: 750251  Size: SH
  3. Remove all of the related panels and components. Refer to the following procedures:
  4. •  Rocker Outer Panel Sectioning
    •  Rear Pillar Sectioning
    •  Center Pillar Sectioning
    •  Outer Windshield Frame Pillar Sectioning
  5. Restore as much of the damage as possible to the factory specifications.

  6. Object Number: 750262  Size: SH
  7. Note the location and remove the following materials, as necessary:
  8. • The sealers
    • The sound deadeners
    • The anti-corrosion materials

    Object Number: 750264  Size: SH
  9. Measure 60 mm (2.4 in) (A) down from the large wire harness hole and scribe a horizontal line across.
  10. Important: Do not damage any inner panels or reinforcements.

  11. Cut the panel where sectioning is to be performed.

  12. Object Number: 750265  Size: SH
  13. Perform additional sectioning procedures. Refer to the following procedures:
  14. •  Rocker Outer Panel Sectioning
    •  Rear Pillar Sectioning
    •  Center Pillar Sectioning
    •  Outer Windshield Frame Pillar Sectioning

    Object Number: 750267  Size: SH
  15. Locate, and drill out all of the factory welds. Note the number and location of the welds for the installation of the service part.

  16. Object Number: 750268  Size: SH
  17. Remove the damaged rear pillar section.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 750271  Size: SH
  1. Cut the replacement pillar section corresponding locations to fit the remaining original panel. The sectioning joint should be trimmed to allow 1.5 times the metal thickness at the sectioning joint.

  2. Object Number: 750273  Size: SH
  3. Create a 50 mm (2 in) (A) backing plate from the unused portion of the service part. Trim the backing plate as necessary to fit behind the sectioning joint.

  4. Object Number: 750274  Size: SH
  5. Perform additional sectioning procedures. Refer to the following procedures:
  6. •  Rear Pillar Sectioning
    •  Rocker Outer Panel Sectioning
    •  Center Pillar Sectioning
    •  Outer Windshield Frame Pillar Sectioning

    Object Number: 750279  Size: SH
  7. Drill 8 mm (0.3 in) plug weld holes along the sectioning cut on the remaining original part. Locate these holes 13 mm (0.5 in) (A) from the edge and spaced 40 mm (1½ in) apart.

  8. Object Number: 750280  Size: SH

    Important: In any area with excessive damage, space the plug weld holes every 40 mm (1½ in) apart.

  9. Drill 8 mm (0.3 in) plug weld holes in the service part as necessary in the locations noted from the original panel and along the sectioning cut.

  10. Object Number: 750282  Size: SH
  11. Prepare all of the mating surfaces as necessary.
  12. Apply GM-approved Weld-Thru Coating or equivalent to all mating surfaces. Refer to Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair .
  13. Fit the backing plate halfway into the sectioning joint, clamp and plug weld to the vehicle.

  14. Object Number: 750283  Size: SH
  15. Position and align the lower pillar to the adjacent panels using the 3-dimensional measuring equipment.
  16. Plug weld accordingly.
  17. 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 them. Then go back and complete the stitch weld.

  18. Object Number: 750284  Size: SH
  19. Clean and prepare all of the welded surfaces.
  20. Apply the following products, as necessary:
  21. • The sound deadening materials
    • An approved anti-corrosion primer
    • The sealers and refinish as necessary
  22. Install all of the related panels and components.