Chevrolet Trax: Rocker outer panel sectioning

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 .

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. 72: Creating Cut Lines On Rocker Outer Panel

6. Create cut lines on the rocker outer panel (1).

Fig. 73: Cutting Panel

NOTE: Do not damage any inner panels or reinforcements.

7. Cut the panel where sectioning is to be performed (1).

Fig. 74: Marking Weld Points On Rocker Outer Panel

8. Locate and mark all the necessary factory welds of the rocker outer panel.
9. Drill all factory welds. Note the number and location of welds for installation of the service assembly

Fig. 75: Rocker Outer Panel

10. Remove the damaged rocker outer panel (1).

Installation Procedure

Fig. 76: Cutting Rocker Outer Panel

1. Cut the rocker outer panel in corresponding locations to fit the remaining original panel. The sectioning joint should be trimmed to overlap the remaining original panel by 25 mm (1 inch) at each joint location (1).
2. Prepare all mating surfaces as necessary.

Fig. 77: Drilling Holes For Plug Welds

3. Drill a 8 mm (5/16 in) holes for plug welding along the edges of the rocker outer panel as noted from the original panel (1).
4. Clean and prepare the attaching surfaces for welding.

Fig. 78: Rocker Outer Panel

5. Position the rocker outer panel on the vehicle (1).
6. Verify the fit of the rocker outer panel.
7. Clamp the rocker outer panel into position.

Fig. 79: Plug Welding Rocker Outer Panel

8. Plug weld accordingly (1).
9. To create a solid weld with minimum heat distortion, make 25 mm (1 in) stitch welds along the seam with 25 mm (1 in) gaps between them. Then go back and complete the stitch weld.
10. Apply the sealers and anti-corrosion materials to the repair area, as necessary. Refer to Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair (Base) .
11. Paint the repaired area. Refer to Basecoat/Clearcoat Paint Systems .
12. Install all related panels and components.
13.  Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection .
14. Enable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling .

READ NEXT: