Chevrolet Trax: Center pillar sectioning - outer

Removal Procedure

WARNING: Refer to Approved Equipment for Collision Repair Warning .

WARNING: Refer to Collision Sectioning Warning .

WARNING: Refer to Glass and Sheet Metal Handling Warning .

NOTE: This procedure was developed to allow full access for the replacement of the center pillar reinforcement replacement since sectioning is not endorsed or recommended to the reinforcement due to the Ultra High Strength Steel.

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. Visually inspect the damage. Repair as much of the damage as possible
5. Remove the sealers and anti-corrosion materials from the repair area, as necessary. Refer to Anti- Corrosion Treatment and Repair (Base) .

Fig. 122: Center Pillar Weatherstrip

6. Remove the weather-strip, observe the flange in the center pillar area. There will be a 3-metal stack-up.

   The center layer is the center pillar reinforcement (1).

Fig. 123: Center Pillar Cut Line Marks

7. Measure 13 mm (1/2 in) from the forward and rearward edges of the center pillar reinforcement and mark a vertical line.

Fig. 124: Measuring Door Opening Feature Line

8. Measure up 1 inch from the door opening feature line (1) and mark a horizontal line.

Fig. 125: Cutting Access Window In Center Pillar Outer

9. Cut access window (1) in the center pillar outer.
10. Perform additional sectioning procedures as needed depending on damage to vehicle. Refer to Rocker Outer Panel Sectioning, or Front Hinge Pillar Body Sectioning.

Fig. 126: Drilling Out Factory Welds

11. Locate and drill out all factory welds (1). Note the number and location of welds for installation of the service part.

Fig. 127: Center Pillar Outer Panel Section

12. Remove the damaged center pillar outer panel section.

Installation Procedure

Fig. 128: Center Pillar Outer Panel Section Cut Points

1. From the service part, cut the panel in corresponding locations to overlap the remaining original panel by 25 mm (1 in) at each joint location (1).

Fig. 129: Drilling Center Pillar Outer Panel Section Plug Weld Holes

2. Drill 8 mm (5/16 in) holes for plug welding in the service part (1), as necessary, in the corresponding locations noted on the original panel and along sectioned joint.
3. Clean and prepare the attaching surfaces for welding.

Fig. 130: Center Pillar Outer Panel Section

4. Position the center pillar outer panel to the vehicle. Clamp the pillar in place.

Fig. 131: Plug Welding Center Pillar Outer Panel Section

5. Plug weld accordingly (1).

Fig. 132: Solid Welding Center Pillar Outer Panel Section

6. To create a solid weld with minimum heat distortion, make a 25 mm (1 in) stitch weld along the seam with gaps of 25 mm (1 in) gaps between them. Go back and complete the stitch weld (1).
7. Clean and prepare all of the welded surfaces
8. Apply the sealers and anti-corrosion materials to the repair area, as necessary. Refer to Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair (Base) .
9. Paint the repaired 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 .

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