GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Cadillac 🢒 2008 🢒 STS 🢒 Body Repair 🢒 Collision Repair 🢒 Door Outer Panel Replacement

Removal Procedure

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

    Important: Before beginning the repair, refer to Metal Panel Bonding for proper adhesive applicator preparations and general information.

  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection .
  2. Disable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling .
  3. Remove the door from the vehicle. Refer to Front Side Door Replacement or Rear Side Door Replacement .
  4. Remove the outer door handle. Refer to Front Side Door Outside Handle Replacement .
  5. Remove the outside rearview mirror. Refer to Outside Rearview Mirror Replacement .

    6. Object Number: 816118 Size: SH
  6. Cut a hole in the outer door panel to access the welds on the belt reinforcement.
  7. Drill out the spot welds that attach the outer belt reinforcement to the outer door panel flange.

    8. Object Number: 864417 Size: SH
  8. Grind the edges of the door outer panel to separate the outer door panel from the door shell.

    9. Object Number: 864445 Size: SH
  9. Remove the outer door panel.
  10. Remove the sealers and anti-corrosion materials from the repair area, as necessary. Refer to Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair .

    11. Object Number: 864452 Size: SH
  11. Straighten the edges of the door shell.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 873321 Size: SH
  1. Grind the surface of the door shell mating flanges to bare steel.

    2. Object Number: 864458 Size: SH
  2. Scuff the opposing mating surfaces of the door outer panel to remove the gloss of the E-Coat.

    3. Object Number: 816118 Size: SH
  3. Drill 8 mm (5/16 in) plug weld holes, as necessary, in locations noted from the original panel.

    4. Important: If the location of the original plug weld holes cannot be determined, or if structural weld-thru adhesive is present, space the plug weld holes every 40 mm (1½ in) apart.

  4. Prepare all mating surfaces, as necessary.
  5. Apply 3M® Weld-Thru coating P/N 05916, or equivalent, to all mating surfaces.

    6. Object Number: 805595 Size: SH

    Important: The adhesive has a 40-50 minute working time. Do not allow the door to totally cure off the vehicle, as proper alignment of the door outer panel to the door shell will be difficult.

  6. Apply a 3-6 mm (1/8 to 1/4 in) bead of metal panel bonding adhesive GM P/N 12378566/7 (Canadian P/N 88901674/5), or equivalent, to both of the mating surfaces.
  7. Using a small acid brush, spread a coat of adhesive to cover all the bare metal surfaces to ensure corrosion protection.
  8. Apply a 9-13 mm (3/8 to 1/2 in) bead of metal panel bonding adhesive GM P/N 12378566/7 (Canadian P/N 88901674/5), or equivalent, to the service part mating surfaces.

    9. Object Number: 864496 Size: SH

    Important: DO NOT pull the panels apart after being joined together. Slide the panels against each other to realign the panels.

  9. Install the door outer panel to the door shell.
  10. Clamp the door outer panel into position, as required.

    11. Object Number: 864499 Size: SH
  11. Using a hammer re-hem the hem flanges around the door shell.

    12. Continue to hammer in stages along the hem flanges.

  12. Using lacquer thinner remove the excess adhesive from the door panel area.
  13. Install the door to the vehicle, then check the door outer panel for proper alignment. Adjust the alignment, as required. Refer to Door Adjustment .
  14. Remove the door from the vehicle to complete the repair.

    15. Object Number: 816137 Size: SH
  15. Using metal-inert gas (MIG), weld the door outer panel to the door frame in the locations noted at the upper door frame.
  16. Clean and prepare all welded surfaces.

    17. Object Number: 864502 Size: SH
  17. Apply Fusor super flexible anti-flutter foam - fast set, Fusor P/N 121/124, or equivalent, in 4-5 evenly spaced locations between the door outer panel and the inner safety beam.
  18. Apply sealers and anti-corrosion materials to the repair area, as necessary. Refer to Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair .
  19. Paint the repaired area. Refer to Basecoat/Clearcoat Paint Systems .
  20. Install the door to the vehicle. Refer to Front Side Door Replacement or Rear Side Door Replacement .

    21. Inspect the door outer panel for proper alignment and adjust the alignment, as required. Refer to Door Adjustment .

  21. Install the outer door handle. Refer to Front Side Door Outside Handle Replacement .
  22. Install the outside rearview mirror. Refer to Outside Rearview Mirror Replacement .
  23. Enable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling .
  24. Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection .