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Ask I-CAR receives many technical inquiries referring to sectioning. The collision repair industry wants to know where can you section, does the OEM have a sectioning procedure, and where can I find the sectioning procedure? Most OEMs allow sectioning to outer body panels and the front and rear rails. Sectioning reinforcements is not as common, as most reinforcements are replaced at factory seams.
Parts are made from various materials including HSS, UHSS, aluminum, and carbon fiber. These parts also have complex designs to collapse or transfer collision forces in a specific manner. Introducing a sectioning joint to many of these parts will alter how the part reacts to those collision forces. For this reason, sectioning a part is only allowed if supported by vehicle maker repair information. Let’s see what Maserati says about structural sectioning.
Maserati vehicle-specific workshop manuals provide various procedures for repairing structural panels. Most procedures recommend replacement at factory seems. Maserati provides some general information under: 9 Bodyworks ➤ 09.AA-1 Introduction ➤ 09.AA.004 Cautions For Body Repair Process.
- "Any cutting positions susceptible to affect the bodywork Crash Safety and therefore public safety as well as vehicle riding safety must not be performed. Strictly abide to repair procedures. Sectioning of body parts is allowed only if indicated in the procedure."
- "Only cut according to the bodywork repair instructions given by Maserati!"
Always refer to the Maserati workbook for the current repair information to ensure a complete, safe, and quality repair.
For additional Maserati information, check out the Maserati OEM Information page.
Additional I-CAR Collision Repair News you may find helpful:
- Collision Information Website Access: Maserati
- Step-By-Step: Accessing Maserati Repair Information
- What's A Maserati Lower Rear Guard?
Article validated in 2025