Removal Procedure
- Remove all related panels
and components.
- Restore as much of the damage as possible to factory specifications.
- Note the location and remove the following as necessary:
• | The anti-corrosion materials |
- Measure 80 mm (3 1/8 in) down (1)
from the large wiring harness hole in the hinge pillar and mark a horizontal
line.
- Perform additional sectioning procedures as necessary. Refer to
Center Pillar Replacement
Rear Pillar Sectioning
Outer Door Frame Sectioning - Windshield Pillar
Rocker Panel Replacement
Important: Do not damage the inner panels or reinforcements.
- Cut the pillar in the locations where sectioning is to be performed.
- Locate and drill out all factory welds. Note the number and location
of the welds for installation of the service part.
- Remove the damaged section of the door frame opening.
- Cut and remove 30 mm
(1 3/16 in) from the flanges on either side of the remaining
section of the original hinge pillar to create 30 mm (1 3/16 in)
tabs. Cut 5 mm (3/16 in) wide gaps in the bottom corners.
Important: The metal of the hinge pillar is of a heavy gauge. However, the tabs
can be created using the appropriate tools.
- Step the tabs (1) inward to allow the door frame opening service
section to fit over the original hinge pillar. Weld the tabs together along
the edges.
Installation Procedure
- On the service part, measure
50 mm (2 in) down (1) from the large wiring harness
hole in the hinge pillar and mark horizontal line. Cut the hinge
pillar along this line.
- Perform additional sectioning procedures as necessary to remove
the unused areas of the service part. Refer to
Center Pillar Replacement
Rear Pillar Sectioning
Outer Door Frame Sectioning - Windshield Pillar
Front Hinge Pillar Sectioning
Rocker Panel Replacement
- Drill 8 mm (5/16 in) plug weld holes along the hinge
pillar sectioning cut on the service part. Locate these holes approximately
15 mm (9/16 in) from the edge and spaced 40 mm
(1 ½ in) apart.
Important: In any area damaged beyond recognition, space plug weld holes every
40 mm (1 ½ in) apart (1).
- Drill 8 mm (5/16 in) plug weld holes (1) in the
service part (2) , in the locations noted from the original panel.
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.
- Prepare all attachment surfaces as necessary.
- Apply weld-through primer to all bare-metal surfaces.
- Align the service section over the stepped tab on the original
hinge pillar, allowing 30 mm (1 3/16 in) of overlap.
Check fit using 3-dimensional measuring.
- Plug weld service part
in position (1).
- To create a solid weld with minimum heat distortion, make 25 mm
(1 in) welds along the seam with 25 mm (1 in) gaps between
them (2). Then, go back and complete the stitch weld.
Important: Prior to refinishing, refer to the publication GM 4901M-D-2000
GM Approved refinish Materials for recommended products. Do not combine paint
systems. Refer to paint manufacturer's recommendations.
- Clean and prepare all welded surfaces.
- Apply the following as necessary:
• | An approved anti-corrosion primer |
• | The sound deadening materials |
• | The sealers and the refinish materials |
- Install all related panels and components.