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Fiat Panda Factory Service Manual (2003-2012)19 · Body panels and frame
19 · Body & interior

R.r. centre pillar

Make
Fiat
Model
Panda Factory Service Manual
Year
2003–2012
Section
Removing refitting › R.r. centre pillar
Body panels and frameR.r. centre pillar

R.R. CENTRE PILLAR

Operation 7210B10 · Structure elements-central and rear part

Removing

Check if any of the connected parts are deformed by checking body alignment dimensions. Use appropriate measurement tools (reference rigs, templates or gauges).

Straighten the body if necessary.

R.R. CENTRE PILLAR

1. Use a rotary brush to clean the panel edges in order to expose the spot welds.

If present, undo the bolts and remove the rear door hinges.

R.R. CENTRE PILLAR

1. Use a circular saw to follow the cutting lines shown in the figure.

Whilst cutting, take care not to damage the panels underneath.

2. Use a chamfering machine to crop weld points around the edge of the pillar.

Use a chisel and mallet to remove spots ground previously.

3. Remove the centre pillar trim.

R.R. CENTRE PILLAR

1. Use an air saw to cut inner reinforcement (1a) in line with the upper edge (1b) of the inner trim.

2. Use a chamfering machine and a drill to remove the weld spots shown in the figure.

Use a chisel and mallet to remove spots drilled previously.

3. Remove the car inner reinforcement.

R.R. CENTRE PILLAR

1. Use a chamfering machine to remove the spot welds shown in the figure.

2. Drill out the weld spots shown in the figure.

Use a chisel and mallet to remove spots ground previously.

3. Remove the interior trim.

R.R. CENTRE PILLAR

Straighten the car edges using a mallet and profiled stake.

Use a grinding wheel to remove the spot weld residues.

Use a rotary brush to clean treated areas.

Apply the electroweldable paint finish.

Cut the central pillar and reinforcement at the bench. Take care to leave a sufficiently wide section of steel to attach the new part to.

Use a drill to make holes at the points indicated for the MIG fill welding.

1. Use a rotary brush to remove the corrosion-proofing from around the entire edge.

Apply electrogalvanised paint on the newly-treated eges.

R.R. CENTRE PILLAR

Refitting

1. Position the inner trim correctly on the car and secure using self-locking grippers.

2. Tack the part by carrying out some spot welds.

R.R. CENTRE PILLAR

1. Fit the pillar reinforcement correctly to the car using self-locking clips.

2. Use a pneumatic saw to trim the panels and remove excess parts.

Refit the rear door hinge halves using the bolts.

Fit the rear door.

Fit the front door.

Check alignment and gaps around the edges, then remove the door and hinges.

3. Tack the pillar reinforcement by carrying out some spot welds.

4. Use a MIG welder to seam weld the edge shown in the figure.

Use a grinding wheel to level the welds made previously

Apply rust-proofing to newly treated areas.

R.R. CENTRE PILLAR

Lay the pillar on the car correctly and secure using self-locking grippers.

Fit the rear door hinge halves.

Fit the rear door.

Fit the front door.

Check alignment and gaps around the edges, then remove the door and hinges.

Remove the door hinge halves.

Use a circular saw to cut the door sill ready for fitting by laying it in place.

Use a circular saw to cut the upper part ready for fitting by laying it in place.

1. Trim off any excess from the panel.

R.R. CENTRE PILLAR

1. Use a MIG welder to seam weld the upper edge and door sill.

2. Use a spot welder to weld the areas shown in the figure.

R.R. CENTRE PILLAR

Correct any deformations in the panel using a profiled stake and mallet.

Crimp the reference tabs.

Use a grinding wheel to level the weld and remove.

Use a rotary brush to clean the newly-welded areas.

Apply rust-proofing to newly-welded areas.

Seal the joint lines between the part and the car.

Parts & tools for this job For 2003 Fiat Panda

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