Important: Sectioning should take place only in recommended areas. Failure to do so may compromise the structural integrity of the vehicle.

Important: This procedure does not apply to the front hinge pillar. See front hinge pillar sectioning procedures.

Caution: Refer to Approved Equipment for Collision Repair Caution 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. Remove all related panels and components.
4. Visually inspect and repair as much of the damage as possible to factory specification.

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 .
6. Measure and compare the service part with the damaged part to choose the areas where sectioning can best be performed.
7. Cut the door frame opening where sectioning is to be performed. Do not damage the inner panels or reinforcements.

Important: Do not damage any inner panels or reinforcements.

8. Locate, mark, and drill out all factory welds. Note the number and location of welds for installation of the service part.
9. Remove the damaged area of the door frame opening.

1. On the service part, mark a horizontal line to leave a gap of one and one-half times the thickness of the metal at the sectioning joint.
2. Cut the outer door frame opening service part along this line.
3. Cut a 100 mm (4 in) piece from the unused portion of the service part for a backing plate.
4. Remove the flange on each side of the backing plate so that it will fit behind the sectioning joint.
5. Drill 8 mm (5/16 in) holes for plug welding in the service part in locations noted from the original panel.
6. Drill holes for plug welding along the sectioning cuts on both the service part and the original panel.
7. Locate these holes approximately 25 m (1 in) from the edge of the sectioning cuts.



8. Prepare mating surfaces and position the backing plates with 50 mm (2 in) of the backing plate exposed, and plug weld.
9. Apply GM-approved weld-thru coating or equivalent to all mating surfaces. Refer to Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair .
10. Position the service part to overlap the exposed 50 mm (2 in) of the backing plate.
11. Use three-dimensional measuring equipment to inspect the fit. Refer to Dimensions - Body .
12. Plug weld accordingly.
13. Stitch weld along the sectioning joint.
14. Make 25 mm (1 in) welds along the seam with 25 mm (1 in) gaps between.
15. Go back and complete the stitch weld. This will create a solid joint with minimal heat distortion.
16. Use frequent measurements to ensure accurate fit and alignment to adjacent panels.
17. Clean and prepare welded surfaces.
18. Apply the sealers and anti-corrosion materials to the repair area, as necessary. Refer to Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair .
19. Paint and repair the area. Refer to Basecoat/Clearcoat Paint Systems .
20. Install all related panels and components.
21. Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection .
22. Enable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling .