Paint Damage on Lower Rear Rocker Panel Extensions (Replace Existing Panels, Paint and Apply Film to Replacement Parts)

Some customers may comment that the paint is chipped on the lower rear rocker panel extensions on the bottom rear edge of the rear doors.

The rocker panel extensions may be damaged by road debris thrown up by the tires at highway speeds.

Important: It may be necessary to perform the following repair in order to meet customer expectations and gain their product satisfaction.

1. Verify the customer concern. If the surface damage cannot be buffed out, proceed to Step 2.
2. Obtain new lower rear rocker panel extensions. Refer to the Parts Information in this bulletin or the 2007 Saturn VUE Parts & Illustration Catalog.
3. Paint the lower rear rocker panel extensions per the GM 4901M-D-2006 Approved Refinish Materials booklet. The information for the 2006 GM Approved Refinish Materials booklet will now be online at the GMGOODWRENCH WEB SITE*. Printed books have been discontinued. Steps to the site are as follows:

3.1.	Go to www.gmgoodwrench.com.

3.2.	Click on GM Parts & Accessories link.

3.3.	Click on GM Technical Repair Information.

3.4.	Click on Paint Shop.

*In Canada, the 2006 GM Approved Refinish Materials booklet is also available on the GM infoNET under the Service and Body tab.




4. After the paint has cured, use *3M™ Scotchgard Paint Protection Film (8 mil, 3M™ P/N 84911) to cover the outboard (1) and front (2) painted surfaces of the rocker panel extensions. Follow installation instructions included with the paint protection film.
5. Remove the old lower rear rocker panel extensions, then install the new film-protected lower rear rocker panel extensions. Refer to Door Lower Finish Panel Replacement in SI.

Tip
The rear door outer panel does not need to be completely removed to remove the lower rear rocker panel extension. Simply loosen the rear door outer panel by removing the three fasteners on the bottom edge and low fastener on the rear edge of the rear door outer panel. Then remove the lower rear rocker panel extension.

6. If the customer drives on roads that are especially debris-laden, this type of surface degradation may return. In the event that the surface of the paint protection film is degraded, the film can be removed and replaced without the replacement of the rocker panel extension.

Please advise the customer that Retailer Installed Accessory running boards (tube or side step) have been found to effectively block the debris path and may dramatically reduce this type of paint chipping. Installation of running boards should only be performed at customer cost.

*We believe this source and their products to be reliable. There may be additional manufacturers of such products. General Motors does not endorse, indicate any preference for or assume any responsibility for the products from this firm or for any such items which may be available from other sources.

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use: