GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Cadillac 🢒 2008 🢒 CTS 🢒 Body Repair 🢒 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 .
  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 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 .

    6. Object Number: 1967556 Size: SH
  6. On the center pillar reinforcement, measure from the bottom of the rectangular impression (a) down 100 mm (4 in). Scribe a line.

    7. Object Number: 1967559 Size: SH
  7. Cut the panel at the mark made previously. At the same time, completely cut through the outer panel (1) and the inner reinforcements (2).

    8. Object Number: 1967564 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: 1967568 Size: SH
  9. Remove the damaged center pillar.

    10. Object Number: 1967573 Size: SH
  10. Drill out the 6 spot welds holding the remainder of the reinforcement still on the vehicle.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 1967556 Size: SH
  1. To prepare the service part, measure down from the bottom of the rectangular impression (a) 100 mm (4 in). Scribe a line on the center pillar reinforcement service part.

    2. Object Number: 1967576 Size: SH

    Important: Do not damage the inner reinforcements cut through the outer panel only.

  2. Drill out the six welds above the section cut that connect the inner reinforcement to the outer reinforcement.

    3. Object Number: 1967578 Size: SH
  3. Cut the service panel at the scribed location.
  4. Drill 8 mm (5/16 in) plug weld holes in the service part as necessary in the corresponding locations noted on the original panel.
  5. Prepare all mating surfaces for welding as necessary.
  6. Apply Weld-Thru Coating to all mating surfaces. Refer to Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair

    7. Object Number: 1967583 Size: SH
  7. Slide the top sectioning joint together by sliding the service part under the original part at the sectioning area.
  8. Position the service part on the vehicle using 3-dimensional measuring equipment. Clamp the part in place.

    9. Object Number: 1967586 Size: SH
  9. Plug weld accordingly.
  10. 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.
  11. Clean and prepare all of the welded surfaces.
  12. Apply the sealers and anti-corrosion materials to the repair area, as necessary. Refer to Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair .
  13. Paint the repaired area. Refer to Basecoat/Clearcoat Paint Systems .
  14. Install all of the related panels and components.
  15. Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection .
  16. Enable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling .