Page 2609 of 3229
1. Offer up and align t he new panel and clamp int o pos it ion,
overlapping the old panel remaining on the vehicle. Saw cut
through the new and old panels at the points where the MIG
butt joints are to be made.
2. Remove the new panel and the old remnants.
3. Prepare the old and new panel joint surfaces.
4. NOTE: MIG slots should be installed in accordance with the
spacing shown in the illustration. Where this is not possible,
due to the indents in the panel, the slot should be made in the
location of the original spot weld.
Cut slots in the new panel ready for MIG brazing.
5. Offer up the new panel and clamp into position. Check
al ignment , i f correct , proceed t o next s t ep, i f not , rect i fy and
recheck before proceeding.
Page 2610 of 3229
6. Remove the new panel.
7. Apply adhesive to the areas illustrated.
8. If necessary, renew the NVH element.
9. Apply sealer adhesive to the NVH element.
10. Offer up the new panel and clamp into position.
11. Tack weld the butt joints.
Page 2611 of 3229
12. MIG braze the slots.
13. Dress the tack welds.
14. MIG weld the butt joint.
Page 2612 of 3229
15. Install the fender mounting bracket, using the fender for
alignment.
16. Dress all welded joints.
17. The installation of associated panels and mechanical
components is the reverse of removal.
Page 2613 of 3229

Publ is hed: 11-May-2011
Side Panel Sheet Metal Repairs - A-Pillar Reinforcement
Removal and Installation
Removal
• CAUTIONS:
The A-Pillar reinforcement is DP600, (Dual Phase steel) and must be MIG plug welded to the inner. Spot we lds must
not be used.
Ensure that all welded joints are suitably sealed and waterproofed, particularly in the areas where the original panel
adhesive / sealer cannot be replicated. W here necessary, seal the joints prior to the fitment of outer panels.
• NOTE: The A-Pillar reinforcement is unpicked from the side panel reinforcement 'ring-frame', it is not serviced separately.
• NOTE: There are NVH elements attached inside this panel, they are not serviced on the new panel. If damaged, new
element/s will be required.
1. The A-Pillar reinforcement is replaced in conjunction with:
Front bumper cover
Front fender
Front door
Instrument panel
Windshield glass
A-Pillar outer panel
2. Fo r a d d i t i o na l i nf o rma t i o n re l a t i ng t o t hi s re p a i r p ro ce d ure
please see the following:
Fo r a d d i t i o na l i nf o rma t i o n, re f e r t o : Body and Frame
(501-26
Body Repairs - Vehicle Specific Information and Tolerance
Checks, Description and Operation) /
St a nd a rd W o rks ho p P ra ct i ce s
(100-00 Ge ne ra l I nf o rma t i o n,
Description and Operation).
3. Remove the A-Pillar outer panel.
Fo r a d d i t i o na l i nf o rma t i o n, re f e r t o : A -P i l l a r O ut e r P a ne l
(501-29 Side Panel Sheet Metal Repairs, Removal and
Installation).
Page 2614 of 3229
4. NOTE: W here possible, holes should be drilled through the
A-Pillar reinforcement and the A-Pillar inner panel, (note that
the reinforcement panel is DP600, (Dual Phase), steel and a
HSS drill bit will be required). This enables MIG plug welds to
be installed through the inner panel, where possible.
Mill out the spot welds, it will be necessary to use a HSS
spot weld drill bit.
5. Separate the joints and remove the old panel, also releasing
the NVH element.
Installation
1. Re mo ve t he A -P i l l a r re i nf o rce me nt p a rt f ro m t he ri ng -f ra me
service panel. Mill out the spot welds using a HSS spot weld
drill bit.
Page 2615 of 3229
2. Dri l l t he ho l e s , no t a l re a d y ma d e o n re mo va l , re a d y f o r MI G
plug welding.
3. Prepare the old and new panel joint surfaces.
4. Offer up the new panel and clamp into position. Check
al ignment , i f correct , proceed t o next s t ep, i f not , rect i fy and
recheck before proceeding.
5. Remove the new panel.
6. If necessary, renew the NVH element.
7. Apply sealer adhesive to the NVH element.
8. Offer up the new panel and clamp into position.
9. NOTE: MIG plug welds should be installed in the locations of
the original spot welds and where possible, should be installed
t hro ug h t he A -P i l l a r i nne r.
MI G pl ug we l d.
Page 2616 of 3229
10. Dress all welded joints.
11. The installation of associated panels and mechanical
components is the reverse of removal.