GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

  1. Remove all related panels and components.
  2. Visually inspect and restore as much of the damage as possible.
  3. Remove sealers and anti-corrosion materials as necessary.

  4. Object Number: 314544  Size: SH
  5. Cut the panel in the areas where the sectioning is to take place. Sectioning should be performed in recommended areas only.
  6. Important: Use care not to cut the inner reinforcements when cutting the outer door frame.

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

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 314545  Size: SH
  1. On service part, mark a horizontal line to leave a gap of 1½ times the thickness of the metal at the sectioning joint (2).
  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 (1).
  4. Remove the flange on each side of the backing plate so that it will fit behind the sectioning joint.
  5. Important: When sectioning the outer door frame at the lower front hinge pillar or at the center lock pillar, the inner reinforcement panel can be used as a backing plate.

  6. Drill 8 mm (5/16 in) holes for plug welding in the service part in the locations noted from the original panel.
  7. Also, drill holes for plug welding along the sectioning cuts on both the service part and the original panel.
  8. Locate the holes approximately 25 mm (1 in) from the edge of the sectioning cuts.
  9. Prepare the mating surfaces and position the backing plates with 50 mm (2 in) of the backing plate exposed, and plug weld.
  10. Position the service part to overlap the exposed 50 mm (2 in) of the backing plate.
  11. Check the fit using 3-dimensional measuring equipment.
  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. Complete all other welds and sectioning procedures as necessary.
  17. Clean and prepare welded surfaces.
  18. Prime with 2-part catalyzed primer.
  19. Apply sealers and anti-corrosion materials as necessary.
  20. Important: Do not combine paint systems. Refer to paint manufacturers recommendations.

  21. Install all related panels and components.