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.
4. Restore as much of the damage as possible to factory specifications. Refer to Dimensions - Body .

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

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. Locate and drill out all factory welds. Note the number and location of welds for installation of the rear body opening right and left lower reinforcements, gaining access to the rear floor panel.



7. Remove the rear end panel. Refer to Rear End Panel Replacement .




Important: Do not damage any inner panels or reinforcements.

8. Location for sectioning is 520 mm (20½ in) measuring from the rear edge of the compartment panel forward.
9. Cut the rear compartment panel above the forward weld flange of the lower crossmember.



10. Locate and drill out all factory welds. Note the number and location of the welds for installation of the rear compartment panel.



11. Remove the damaged rear compartment panel.

1. Apply tape to the corresponding location on the replacement rear compartment panel.
2. Cut on the forward edge of the tape line to create the replacement sectioning compartment panel.

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.




3. Drill 8 mm (5/16 in) plug weld holes as necessary in locations noted from the original rear floor pan.
4. Drill 8 mm (5/16 in) plug weld holes spaced every 40 mm (1½ in) at the forward edge, of the rear compartment panel.
5. Prepare all mating surfaces as necessary.
6. Apply GM-approved Weld-Thru coating or equivalent to all mating surfaces. Refer to Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair .



7. Position the rear compartment panel to overlap the forward compartment panel.



8. Plug weld accordingly.



9. Drill 8 mm (5/16 in) plug weld holes in the service part as necessary in the locations noted from the original panel.
10. Position right and left lower reinforcements to the rear body opening.
11. Plug weld accordingly.
12. Install rear end panel. Refer to Rear End Panel Replacement .
13. Clean and prepare all welded surfaces.
14. Apply the sealers and anti-corrosion materials to the repair area, as necessary. Refer to Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair .
15. Paint and repair the area. Refer to Basecoat/Clearcoat Paint Systems .
16. Install all related panels and components.
17. Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection .
18. Enable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling .