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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 Genesis says about structural sectioning.
According to Genesis body repair manual (BRM) under Body Repair ➤ Body Panel Repair Procedures ➤ General Information, Genesis says: "caution during ultra high strength panel repair
- A damaged ultra strength panel should not be repaired by pulling it. Replace the whole panel with new one.
- A damaged ultra strength panel should not be partially replaced at random. Replace the whole panel with new one.
- When a damaged ultra strength panel is replaced with new one, spot-welding should be used, if possible. Apply the epoxy adhesive, then carry out spot welding."
Ultra-strength steel panels can be identified by reviewing the Body Construction area in the BRM.
The vehicle-specific body repair manual is used to determine the required type of welding and sectioning joint for the repair being performed. Failure to follow OEM procedures will sacrifice the safety and quality of the repair.
For additional Genesis information, check out the Genesis OEM Information page.
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Article validated in 2025