Paint Chipping at Front Rocker Panel (Repair Paint/Install New Rocker Molding)

This bulletin is being revised to add part numbers and update the repair procedure and labor time information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 83-17-02 (Section 10 - Body)

Some customers may comment about paint chipping at the rocker panel and lower quarter panel (dog-leg) areas just forward of the rear wheel opening on either side of the vehicle.

Important: Implementation of this bulletin by "GM of Canada" dealers requires prior District Service Manager approval.

Install new design driver and passenger side rocker moldings, using the following service procedure.

Important: These new design moldings have a different shape and appearance than the original moldings and are now being installed on production vehicles. Due to the new appearance, it is necessary that BOTH left and right side moldings be replaced when performing this bulletin.

1. Remove the push-in type fastener at each end of the original rocker molding.
2. Remove the six push-in type retainers along the bottom side of the original rocker molding.
3. Carefully release the nine push-in type fasteners along the backside of the upper edge of the original rocker molding from the vehicle's body.
4. Remove the original rocker molding from the vehicle.
5. If equipped, remove any anti-chip protection (clear urethane film/tape) and repair the damaged (chipped) paint area(s) as required.
6. Refinish the damaged paint areas and the new moldings following the information contained in the appropriate Service Manual and GM Refinish Material Booklet #4901M-D-99 (English) or #4901M-D-F99 (French). For paint identification, refer to the "WA" code on the vehicle's Service Parts Identification (SPID) label. Do NOT apply new anti-chip (clear urethane film/tape) protection.
7. Position and align the new molding upper fasteners with the holes in the vehicle's body.
8. Apply sufficient pressure to fully seat all the upper fasteners into the body.
9. Install the six push-in type fasteners along the bottom side of the new rocker molding.
10. Install the push-in type fastener at each end of the new rocker molding.

Parts are expected to be available from GMSPO, 12/17/99.

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use: