GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Saturn 🢒 2006 🢒 ION 🢒 Body 🢒 Collision Repair 🢒 Body Lock Pillar Outer Panel Reinforcement Sectioning

Removal Procedure

    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.

  1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling in SIR.
  2. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection in Engine Electrical.
  3. Remove all related panels and components.
  4. Repair as much of the damaged area as possible. Refer to Dimensions - Body .
  5. Remove the sealers and anti-corrosion materials from the repair area, as necessary. Refer to Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair in Paint and Coatings.

    6. Object Number: 870953 Size: SH
  6. On the center pillar reinforcement, locate and mark the top of the fifth oval hole up from the bottom.

    7. Important: Do not damage any inner reinforcements.

  7. Cut the panel at the mark made previously.

    8. Object Number: 872397 Size: SH
  8. Locate and drill out all factory welds. Note the number and location of the welds for installation of the service part.

    9. Object Number: 872396 Size: SH
  9. Remove the damaged center pillar.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 884760 Size: SH
  1. Mark a line through the center of the sixth oval hole from the bottom on the center pillar reinforcement service part.

    2. Object Number: 870949 Size: SH
  2. Cut the replacement service part at the marked line.

    3. Object Number: 872393 Size: SH
  3. At the cut area of the service part, notch the weld flange areas down to the top of the fifth hole from the bottom.
  4. Drill 8-mm (5/16-in) plug weld holes, 2 holes on each side, along the sectioning cut on the original reinforcement. Locate these holes 10 mm (½ in) from the edge.
  5. Drill 8-mm (5/16-in) plug weld holes in the service part as necessary in the corresponding locations noted on the original panel.
  6. Prepare all mating surfaces for welding as necessary.
  7. Apply 3M Weld-Thru Coating P/N 05916 or equivalent to all mating surfaces.
  8. Slide the top sectioning joint together by sliding the service part under the original part at the sectioning area.
  9. Position the service part on the vehicle using 3-dimensional measuring equipment. Clamp the part in place.
  10. Plug weld accordingly.
  11. To create a solid weld with minimum heat distortion, make 25 mm (1 in) stitch welds along the sectioning joint seam with gaps of 25 mm (1 in). Go back and complete the stitch weld.
  12. Clean and prepare all of the welded surfaces.
  13. Apply the sealers and anti-corrosion materials to the repair area, as necessary. Refer to Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair in Paint and Coatings.
  14. Paint the repaired area. Refer to Basecoat/Clearcoat Paint Systems in Paint and Coatings.
  15. Install all of the related panels and components.
  16. Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection in Engine Electrical.
  17. Enable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling in SIR.