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Front Hinge Pillar Body Sectioning

Front Hinge Pillar Body Sectioning

Removal Procedure


1. Refer to Approved Equipment for Collision Repair Warning

See Warning during the repair of collision damage with repair sheet metal

Refer to Glass and Sheet Metal Handling Warning

Note

This method was developed to allow full access for replacement of the front hinge post reinforcement. The door frame can be changed according to the factory welds, but requires the windscreen and roof to be removed. The exact area to be removed must be determined by the extent of damage to the vehicle.


Disable the supplemental inflatable restraint (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. Repair as much of the damage as possible to factory specifications. Refer to Dimensions - Body .

5. Note the position of the seals and anti-corrosive materials in the repair area and remove them if necessary.

6. Drill spot welds and remove the front upper outer rail.


7.
Note

Do NOT damage any inner panels or reinforcements.


Cut the panel where sectioning is to be performed.


8. Perform any additional sheet metal sectioning work depending on the nature of the character. See:

Quarter Outer Panel Sectioning

Rocker Outer Panel Sectioning

Center Pillar Sectioning - Outer

9. Locate and drill out all factory welds. Note the number and location of the welds for installations of the service part.


10. Remove the damaged windshield pillar section.


Installation Procedure


1. Cut out the panel from the service part (1) to overlap the original panel with 25 mm (1 inch) at the joining points.


2. Drill 8 mm (5/16 in) plug weld holes in the service part as necessary in the locations noted from the original panel and along the sectioning cut.

Note

In any area damaged beyond recognition, or if structural Weld-Thru adhesive is present, space the plug weld holes 40 mm (11/2 in) apart.



3. Prepare all mating surfaces, as necessary.

4. Apply GM-approved Weld-Thru Coating or equivalent to all mating surfaces. Refer to Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair .

5. Fit the backing plate (2) halfway into the sectioning joint, clamp and plug weld to the vehicle.


6. Position the service part.

7. Plug weld accordingly.


8.
Note

To create a solid weld with minimum heat distortion make 25 mm (1 in) stitch welds along the seam with 25 mm (1 in) gaps between. Then go back and complete the stitch weld.


Stitch weld the sectioning joint.

9. Clean and prepare all welded surfaces.

10. Install the front upper outer rail.


11. Apply the sealers and anti-corrosion materials to the repair area, as necessary. Refer to Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair .

12. Paint the repair area. Refer to Basecoat/Clearcoat Paint Systems .

13. Install all related panels and components.

14. Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection .

15. Activate the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling .