Chevrolet Cruze Repair Manual: Installation Procedure

- Cut the rocker outer panel 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 rocker outer panel.

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

- Position the rocker outer panel on the
vehicle.
- Verify the fit of the rocker outer panel.
- Clamp the rocker outer panel 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:
Repairs and Inspections Required After a Collision
Warning: Restraint systems can be damaged in a collision. To help
avoid injury and ensure that all parts in need of replacement are
replaced:
Replace any seat belt system that was in use during the
collision serious enough to deploy any automatic restraint device such as
air
bags and ...
Exterior Care
Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle's finish, wash it often and out of direct sunlight.
Notice: Do not use petroleum-based, acidic, or abrasive cleaning agents
as they can damage the vehicle's paint, metal, or plastic parts.
If damage occurs, it would not be covered by the vehic ...
Installation Procedure
Drill 8 mm (5/16 in) for plug welding along the edges of the rear inner
wheelhouse as noted from the original panel.
Note: If the location of the original plug weld holes can not be
determined, space the plug weld holes every 40 mm (1½ in).
Clean and prepare the attaching & ...