Chevrolet Equinox Service Manual: Quarter Outer Panel Sectioning

Removal Procedure

Note:Section in specified areas only. Sectioning outside of theseareas may compromise the structural integrity of the vehicle. Thedoor frame can be replaced at factory seams, but requires theremoval of the windshield and the roof. The sectioning procedureshave been developed as a more cost-effective alternative tocomplete replacement. The specific area to be sectioned isdetermined by the extent of the damage to the vehicle.

Note:When replacing panels that involve servicing of stationaryglass, refer toAdhesive Installation of Windshieldsbefore performing anypriming or refinishing.

Disable the supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) system.Refer toSIR Disabling and Enabling.Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer toBattery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection.

Remove all related panels andcomponents-(1).Repair as much of the damage as possible to factoryspecifications. Refer toDimensions - Body.Note the location and remove the sealers and anti-corrosionmaterials from the repair area, as necessary. Refer toAnti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair.

Note:Do NOT damage any inner panels or reinforcements.

Cut the panel where sectioning is to beperformed-(1).

Locate and drill out all factory welds. Note the number andlocation of the welds for installations of the servicepart-(1).Remove the damaged quarter panel.Installation ProcedureCut the replacement quarter panel in corresponding locationsto fit the original panel. The sectioning joint should be trimmedto allow 1½ times the metal thickness at the sectioningjoint.

Create two 50-mm (2-in) backing platesand one 100-mm (4-in) backing plate from theunused portion of the service part. Trim the backing plates asnecessary to fit behind the sectioning joints where noreinforcements exist.Drill 8-mm (5/16-in) plug weld holesalong the sectioning cut on the remaining original part. Locatethese holes 13-mm (1/2-in) from the edge andspaced 40- mm (1½ -in)apart.

Note:In any area damaged beyond recognition, or if structuralWeld-Thru adhesive is present, space the plug weld holes40-mm (1½-in) apart.

Drill 8-mm (5/16-in) plug weld holes inthe service part as necessary in the locations noted from theoriginal panel and along the sectioning cut-(1).Prepare all mating surfaces, as necessary.Apply GM-approved Weld-Thru Coating or equivalent to allmating surfaces. Refer toAnti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair.Fit the backing plates halfway into the sectioning joints,clamp and plug weld to the vehicle.Position the quarter panel.

Plug weld accordingly-(1).

Note:To create a solid weld with minimum heat distortion make25-mm (1-in) stitch welds along the seam with25-mm (1-in) gaps between. Then go back andcomplete the stitch weld.

Stitch the weld sectioning joint.Clean and prepare all welded surfaces.Apply the sealers and anti-corrosion materials to the repairarea, as necessary. Refer toAnti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair.Paint the repair area. Refer toBasecoat/Clearcoat Paint Systems.Install all related panels and components.Connect the negative battery cable. Refer toBattery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection.Enable the SIR system. Refer toSIR Disabling and Enabling.