GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Cadillac 🢒 2008 🢒 STS 🢒 Body Repair 🢒 Collision Repair 🢒 Center Reinforcement Pillar Replacement

Removal Procedure

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

    Important: At the top location, drill out the welds through all three layers of metal. After the replacement panel is installed, weld from both sides.


    Object Number: 1861386 Size: SH
  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 damage as possible to factory specifications. Refer to Dimensions - Body .
  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. Remove the damaged portion of the body side. Refer to Center Pillar Sectioning - Outer .

    7. Important: Do not damage any inner panels or reinforcements.

  7. Locate and drill out all factory welds. Note the number and location of the welds for installation of the center pillar reinforcement.
  8. Remove the damaged center pillar reinforcement.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 1861386 Size: SH

    Important: If the location of the original plug weld holes can not be determined, space the plug weld holes every 40 mm (1 1/2 in) apart.

    Some panels may have structural weld-thru adhesive. It is necessary to replace the weld-thru adhesive with an additional spot weld between each factory spot weld.

  1. Drill 8 mm (5/16 in) plug weld holes in the service part as necessary in the locations noted from the original panel. Do NOT drill holes at the top of the panel where there are three layers of metal.
  2. Prepare all mating surfaces as necessary.
  3. Apply GM-approved weld-thru coating or equivalent to all mating surfaces. Refer to Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair .
  4. Position the center pillar reinforcement to the vehicle using 3-dimensional measuring equipment. Clamp the center pillar reinforcement into place.
  5. Plug weld accordingly.
  6. Clean and prepare all welded surfaces.
  7. Install the new body side section. Refer to Center Pillar Sectioning - Outer .
  8. Apply the sealers and anti-corrosion materials to the repair area, as necessary. Refer to Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair .
  9. Paint the repair area. Refer to Basecoat/Clearcoat Paint Systems .
  10. Install all related panels and components.
  11. Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection .
  12. Enable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling .