Rear Compartment Panel - Chevrolet Corvette 1997 Complete Manual

Rear Compartment Panel

The Rear Compartment Panel (tub) is made of
Sheet Moulded Compound (SMC). The panel has
many accessories that secure to it or pass
through it. (The service part contains only those
holes common to all body styles and options; it
may require modifications to install all
accessories for all models.) The rear
compartment panel is bonded to the rear frame
rails, the seatback area, and the rear impact bar.
Sectioning may be performed if damage is
limited to the rear portion of the rear
compartment panel (Fig. 3.52).
Rear Compartment Panel
Replacement
— REMOVE OR DISCONNECT —
1 Visually inspect and 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. 3.53).
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, components, and interior
trim located in the rear compartment. Also,
both rear quarter panels, and Rear
Compartment Frame Panel 'rear surround'.
Caution: Make sure the fuel inlet is sealed
before proceeding with repair procedure.
Notice: Save any and all brackets,
mounting studs, and accessories for
transfer to the new rear compartment
panel.
3 Remove six screws attaching the tub to the
rails.
4 Apply heat to inside of tub along "bond"
lines indicated by the scribe lines on the floor
of the tub. Pry up on the tub at the adhesive
joint until tub bond breaks loose (Fig. 3.54).
Notice: The front edge of tub is also
bonded across the seatback area and
along the top of the rear impact bar.
Detach bonds and remove as necessary.
5 Remove damaged rear compartment panel.
Fig. 3.52 Rear Compartment Panel Service Part
Fig. 3.53 — Adapter Clamp for
Conventional Anchroing System
XMBR
BOLT
XMBR
BOLT
Fig. 3.54 — Scribed Lines and Text
in All Compartment Panels
1997/98 Chevrolet Corvette Collision Repair
BOND
3-25