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:
Tracing Powder or Chalk Test
Clean the weatherstrips and the contact surfaces with cleaning solvent.
Apply powder or chalk in an unbroken line to the contact surface of the
weatherstrip surrounding the perimeter of the suspected
areas.
Close the panel completely without slamming the panel. Closing the panel
comple ...
Removal Procedure
Warning: Refer to Approved Equipment for Collision Repair Warning in the
Preface section.
Warning: Refer to Glass and Sheet Metal Handling Warning in the Preface section.
Disable the SIR System. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling.
Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to Batt ...
Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Reconnection
Removal Procedure
Turn on the radio and record all of the customer radio station presets.
Ensure that all lamps and accessories are turned off.
Turn the ignition OFF and remove the ignition key.
Warning: Refer to Battery Disconnect Warning in the Preface section.
Loosen the negati ...