Chevrolet Cruze Repair Manual: Installation Procedure
- Align the body side outer panel reinforcement.

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

- Position the body side outer panel reinforcement on the vehicle.
- Verify the fit of the body side outer panel reinforcement.
- Clamp the body side outer panel reinforcement into position.

- Plug weld accordingly.
- 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:
Removal Procedure
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 Battery Negative Cable
Disconnection and Connection.
Remove the rear side door. Refer to ...
Installation Procedure
Cut the front compartment front rail 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 porti ...
Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Drive carefully when there is snow or ice between the tires and the road, creating
less traction or grip.
Wet ice can occur at about 0°C (32°F) when freezing rain begins to fall, resulting
in even less traction.
Avoid driving on wet ice or in freezing rain until roads c ...