Front Side Door Opening Assembly - Chevrolet Corvette 1997 Complete Manual

Front Side Door Opening
Assembly
The Sheet Moulded Compound (SMC) Side Door
Opening assembly is a two panel assembly that
bonds along the frame rail and up the front body
hinge pillar. The service assembly (Fig. 3.31) can
be disassembled at the riveted and bonded joint
(Fig. 3.32) for individual panel replacement. If
sectioning the side door opening assembly, use
backing plates. (Refer to SMC Repair
Procedures.)
— REMOVE OR DISCONNECT —
1 Visually inspect, if any damage to the frame
rails or wheelhouse mounting areas exist,
then restore as much of the damage as
possible to specifications using
three-dimensional measuring procedures.
Notice: Use Kent Moore Tools Frame
Adapter Clamp (P/N J42058) to secure the
vehicle if pulling and straightening is
required (Fig. 3.33).
Notice: The frame rails and bumper impact
bars must be serviced as required, and
returned to three-dimensional coordinates
before any SMC repairs are attempted.
2 Remove all panels and components to gain
access to door side frame. This may include
the following components: quarter panel and
quarter inner splash shield (NOTE: The door
side frame can be removed if the quarter
panel is loosened from it).
Notice: Use caution when removing the
side door opening assembly in the area of
the instrument panel. Overlapping interior
trim components must be removed first to
prevent damage.
3 Remove latch striker closeout cover and
striker. Also, remove the trim screws that
attach the side door frame panel to the rail.
(NOTE: These screws must be re-installed to
secure the service panel in place until the
adhesive cures.)
Notice: Make sure the fuel inlet is sealed
before proceeding with repair procedure.
4 Apply heat and pry to break bond along area
indicated in Fig. 3.34. (NOTE: Use caution
along the underside of the vehicle when
applying heat not to de-bond the floor panels
from the frame rail.)
Fig. 3.31 — Side Door Opening Service Part
Fig. 3.32 — Service Part Can Be Separated
at the Bonded and Riveted Joint
Fig. 3.33 — Adapter Clamp for
Conventional Anchoring System
1997/98 Chevrolet Corvette Collision Repair 3-17