Chevrolet Equinox Service Manual: Roof Outer Panel Replacement

Removal Procedure

This repair procedure includes an installation procedure foreither metal-inert gas welding or adhesive bonding.

Warning:Refer toApproved Equipment for Collision Repair Warning.

Warning:Refer toGlass and Sheet Metal Handling Warning.

Note:Before beginning the repair, refer toMetal Panel Bondingfor proper adhesiveapplicator preparations and general information.

Note:When replacing panels that involve servicing of stationarywindows, 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 and components.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.Remove the windshield. Refer toWindshield Replacement.Remove the liftgate. Refer toLiftgate Replacement.

Note:Do not damage any inner panels or reinforcements. Record thenumber and location of the original welds for installation of theservice part.

Locate and drill out all factory welds (1).

With the aid of an assistant, remove the roof panel(1).Installation Procedure

Drill 8-mm (5/16-in) plug weld holes asnecessary in locations noted from the original panel (1).

Important:If the location of the original plug weld holes can not bedetermined, or if structural weld-thru adhesive is present, spacethe plug weld holes every 40-mm(1½-in) apart.

Prepare all mating surfaces as necessary.Apply GM–approved Weld-Thru Coating or equivalentto all mating surfaces. Refer toAnti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair.

With the aid of an assistant, position the roof panel to thebody (1).

Plug weld accordingly (1).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 the windshield. Refer toWindshield Replacement.Install the liftgate. Refer toLiftgate Replacement.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.