Chevrolet Cruze Repair Manual: Installation Procedure

- Cut the front hinge pillar body in corresponding locations to fit the
remaining original panel. The sectioning joint should be trimmed
to allow a gap of one-and-one-half-times the metal thickness at the
sectioning joint.
- Create a 50 mm (2 in) backing plate from the unused portion of the
service part.
- Drill 8 mm (5/16 in) along the sectioning cut on the remaining original
part. Locate these holes 13 mm (1/2 in) from the edge of part
and spaced 40 mm (1½ in) apart
- Prepare all mating surfaces as necessary.
- Fit the backing plates halfway into the sectioning joints, clamp in
place and plug weld to the vehicle.
- Align the front hinge pillar body.

- Drill 8 mm (5/16 in) for plug welding along the edges of the front hinge
pillar body as noted from the original panel.
- Clean and prepare the attaching surfaces for welding.

- Position the front hinge 9. pillar body on the vehicle.
- Verify the fit of the front hinge pillar body.
- Clamp the front hinge pillar body into position.

- Plug weld accordingly.
- 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.
- Apply the sealers and anti-corrosion materials to the repair area, as
necessary. Refer to Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair.
- Paint the repaired area. Refer to Basecoat/Clearcoat Paint Systems.
- Install all related panels and components.
- Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable
Disconnection and Connection.
- Enable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling.
Warning: Refer to Approved Equipment for Collision Repair Warning in the
Preface section.
Warning: Refer to Collision Sectioning Warning in the Preface section.
Warning: Refer to Glass and She ...
Note: According to different corrosion warranties, only the
regional mandatory joining methods are allowed ...
Other materials:
Front Suspension Description and Operation
The front suspension has 2 primary purposes:
Isolate the driver from irregularities in the road surface.
Define the ride and handling characteristics of the vehicle.
The front suspension absorbs the impact of the tires travelling over
irregular road surfaces and dissipates this energy thr ...
Overlap/Backing Plate Sectioning (Welding)
Warning: Refer to Approved Equipment for Collision Repair Warning in
the Preface section.
Fit the service panel to the vehicle to ensure a proper fit.
Measure and mark a line at the sail panel 120 mm (4 3/4 in) from the
back glass opening and 70 mm (2 3/4 in) rearward from the ...
Basecoat/Clearcoat Paint Systems
Warning: Exposure to isocyanates during paint preparation and
application processes can cause severe breathing problems. Read and
follow all of the instructions from the manufacturers of painting materials,
equipment, and protective gear.
All paint finish repairs of rigid exterior surfaces mus ...