Repair the center pillar according to the following order. If the center pillar reinforcement is cut the body strength will reduce.
Before cutting the center pillar, be sure to support the roof panel.
Measure and mark the cutlines on the center pillar outer panel.
Cut the center pillar outer panel along the cutlines.
When cutting the center pillar outer panel, take care not to cut through the mating flanges or the center pillar outer reinforcement and side sill reinforcement.
Drill out all spotwelds attaching the center pillar outer panel sections.
Remove the center pillar outer panel sections.
Grind away all spotwelds attaching the center pillar outer reinforcement.
Separate the center pillar outer reinforcement spotwelds with a similar equipment in the below figure.
Measure and mark the cutlines on the side sill reinforcement.
Cut the side sill reinforcement along the cutlines.
When cutting the side sill reinforcement, take care not to cut through the mating flanges.
Drill out all spotwelds and MIG lap welds attaching the center pillar assembly.
Remove the center pillar assembly.
Clean cut portions with a grinder.
After removing, apply the welding primer.
Always apply the spot weldable sealer between the center pillar outer panel and center pillar outer reinforcement, and also between the center pillar outer reinforcement and center pillar inner panel.
Measure and mark the cutlines on the new center pillar outer panel assembly. Cut the new center pillar outer panel assembly along the cutlines.
Drill the holes in the flange of the replacement new center pillar assembly for MIG plug welding.
Measure each measurement point (Refer to the Body Dimensions) and correct the installation position.
After applying epoxy adhesive, fit and clamp the new center pillar outer panel assembly in place for welding.
Spot weld and MIG plug weld all holes, MIG lap weld and MIG butt weld the seams.
If spot welding is impossible, MIG plug weld all holes.
Apply epoxy adhesive to the weld points of new panel or body panel.
Be sure to use the recommended epoxy adhesive below.
Epoxy adhesive : 3M(PN8115), Henkel(Terokal 5055) or equivalent.
Reattach the center pillar outer panel sections that were cut off, then MIG plug weld all holes and MIG butt weld the seams.
Clean and prepare all welds, and remove all residues.
Apply body filler to joints and sand as needed.
Apply an anti-corrosion agent as required (Refer to the Corrosion Protection).
Prepare exterior surfaces for priming, using wax and grease remover.
Apply the correct seam sealer to all joints carefully(Refer to the Body Sealing Locations).
