Removal Procedure
Caution: Refer to Approved Equipment for Collision Repair Caution in the Preface section.
- Disable the SIR system. Refer to 
SIR Disabling and Enabling
 .
 
- Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to 
Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection
 .
 
- Remove all related panels and components.
 
- Repair as much of the damage as possible. Refer to 
Dimensions - Body
 .
 
- Remove the sealers and anti-corrosion materials from the repair area, as necessary. Refer to 
Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair
 .
 
Important: Note the number and location of the factory welds for installation of the tie bar - left.
- Locate and drill out all the necessary factory welds.
 
- Remove the tail lamp pocket.
 
Installation Procedure
Important: If the location of the original plug weld holes can not be determined, space the plug weld holes every 40 mm (1 1/2 in) apart.
- Drill 8 mm (5/16 in) plug weld holes in the service part as necessary in the locations noted from the original panel.
 
- Prepare all mating surfaces as necessary.
 
- Apply GM-approved Weld-Thru Coating or equivalent to all mating surfaces. Refer to 
Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair
.
 
Important: Some manipulation of the tail lamp pocket may be necessary to achieve a proper fit to the quarter panel, the rear fascia, the rear deck lid, and the tail lamp assemblies. Fit all pieces together first before welding to
ensure a proper fit with the surrounding components.
- Position the tail lamp pocket to the vehicle. Clamp the tail lamp pocket in place.
 
- Verify the fit of the tail lamp assembly to adjacent components. Position and clamp as necessary.
 
- Once proper fit is accomplished, remove and adjacent components.
 
- Plug weld accordingly.
 
- Clean and prepare all of the welded surfaces.
 
- Install all of the related panels and components.
 
- 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
 .
 
- Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to 
Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection
 .
 
- Enable the SIR system. Refer to 
SIR Disabling and Enabling
 .