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 outer reinforcement.
Drill out all spotwelds attaching the center pillar outer panel sections.
Remove the center pillar outer panel sections.
Measure and mark the cutlines on the side sill outer reinforcement. Cut the side sill outer reinforcement along the cutlines.
When cutting the side sill outer reinforcement, take care not to cut through the mating flanges or the side sill inner panel.
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.
Drill out all spotwelds and grind away 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 spotweldable 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 assembly. Cut the new center pillar assembly along the cutlines.
Fit and clamp the new center pillar assembly in place for welding.
Measure each measurement point (refer to the Body Dimensions) and correct the installation position.
MIG spot weld and MIG plug weld all holes.
MIG plug weld all holes, MIG lap weld and MIG butt weld the seams.
Reattach the center pillar outer panel sections that were cut off, then spot weld the flanges, MIG plug weld all holes and MIG butt weld the seams.
Spot weld the flanges.
Clean and prepare all welds, and remove all residues.
Apply body filler to joints and sand as needed.
Apply an anti-corrosion agent to the welded parts and the inside of center pillar (Refer to the Corrosion Protection).
Prepare exterior surfaces for priming, using wax and grease remover.
Apply metal conditioner and water rinse.
Apply conversion coating and water rinse.
Apply the correct seam sealer to all joints carefully (Refer to the Body Sealing Locations).
Reprime over the seam sealer to complete the repair.
