Caution: Refer to Approved Equipment for Collision Repair Caution in the Preface section.

1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling .
2. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection .



3. Remove all related panels and components.

Caution: Refer to Foam Sound Deadeners Caution in the Preface section.

4. Restore as much of the damage as possible to factory specifications. Refer to Dimensions - Body .
5. Note the location and remove the sealers and anti-corrosion materials from the repair area, as necessary. Refer to Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair .
6. Remove the rocker panel. Refer to Rocker Panel Replacement .




Important: Do not damage any inner panels or reinforcements.

7. Locate and drill out all factory welds. Note the number and location of the welds for installation of the center pillar.



8. Remove the damaged center pillar.

Important: If the location of the original plug weld holes can not be determined, or if structural weld-thru adhesive is present, space the plug weld holes every 40 mm (1 ½ in) apart.

1. Drill 8 mm (5/16 in) plug weld holes in the service part as necessary in the locations noted from the original panel.
2. Prepare all mating surfaces as necessary.
3. Apply GM-approved Weld-Thru coating or equivalent to all mating surfaces. Refer to Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair .



4. Position the center pillar.



5. Plug weld accordingly.
6. Install the rocker panel. Refer to Rocker Panel Replacement .
7. Clean and prepare all welded surfaces.
8. Apply the sealers and anti-corrosion materials to the repair area, as necessary. Refer to Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair .
9. Paint the repair area. Refer to Basecoat/Clearcoat Paint Systems .
10. Install all related panels and components.
11. Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection .
12. Enable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling .