Removal Procedure
- Disable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling in SIR.
- Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection in Engine Electrical.
- Remove all related panels and components.
- Repair as much of the damaged area as possible. Refer to Dimensions - Body .
- Remove the sealers and anti-corrosion materials from the repair area, as necessary. Refer to Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair in Paint and Coatings.
- Measure from any key feature on the panel. Lay out the cut line location on the inner rocker panel reinforcement.
- Locate and drill out all the necessary factory welds.
- Cut at the laid out cut line location.
- Remove the damaged portion of the inner rocker panel reinforcement.
Caution: Refer to Approved Equipment for Collision Repair Caution in the Preface section.
Caution: Sectioning should be performed only in the recommended areas. Failure to do so may compromise the structural integrity of the vehicle and cause personal injury if the vehicle is in a collision.
Important: Do NOT section through any holes in the inner rocker panel.
Important: Note the number and location of the factory welds for installation of the inner rocker panel reinforcement.
Important: When you multi-layer sectioning areas in 2 or more panels, place the sectioning cut lines at least 100 mm (4 in) apart.
Installation Procedure
- Measure and lay out the cut line on the service panel in the same location as the original panel.
- Cut the panel at the lines laid out in the previous step.
- Drill 8-mm (5/16-in) plug weld holes in the service part as necessary in the corresponding locations noted on the original panel.
- Prepare all mating surfaces for welding as necessary.
- Apply 3M® Weld-Thru Coating P/N 05916 or equivalent to all mating surfaces.
- Drill 8-mm (5/16-in) plug weld holes in the inner rocker panel reinforcement at the cut line location and 10 mm (0.4 in) rearward of the edge of the panel.
- Cut a 100-mm (4-in) section of reinforcement from the unused section of the service part to be used as a welding backer. Trim as necessary to ensure a snug fit.
- Place the welding backer into the rocker panel backer reinforcement. Insert the welding backer about 50 mm (2 in), or about half-way.
- Clamp the welding backer in place and weld at the plug weld locations.
- Cut the outer center pillar in corresponding locations to fit the remaining original panel. The sectioning joint should be trimmed to allow a gap of 1½ times the metal thickness at the sectioning joint.
- Position the reinforcement to the vehicle. Clamp the reinforcement in place.
- Stitch weld along the sectioning area at the butt weld location. Make 25-mm (1-in) stitch welds with 25 mm (1 in) between each weld. Complete the stitch weld.
- Plug weld accordingly.
- Clean and prepare all of the welded surfaces.
- Install all of the related panels and components.
- Apply the sealers and anti-corrosion materials to the repair area, as necessary. Refer to Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair in Paint and Coatings.
- Paint the repaired area. Refer to Basecoat/Clearcoat Paint Systems in Paint and Coatings.
- Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection in Engine Electrical.
- Enable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling in SIR.
Important: If the location of the original plug weld holes can not be determined, space the plug weld holes every 40 mm (1 1/2 in) apart.
