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Home / Collision Repair News / OEM Linking Pin: Keeping Up With Repair Procedures

OEM Linking Pin: Keeping Up With Repair Procedures

Posted on 27 January 2017 | Share:
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Accessing the body repair manual before performing a repair has become increasingly critical. Ask I-CAR has received an inquiry, “I can’t find the sectioning procedure for the front lower rail on the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu? We’ve sectioned the front lower rail on Malibu’s in the past?” After researching the repair information, we found the answer. Let’s take a look at what was found.

This particular model-year Malibu was a full body-style change. However, after conducting research we found that the 2008-2012 model year Malibu allowed sectioning, whereas 2013-2015 and the 2016 model year sectioning procedure for the front lower rail was missing. As you may know, 2008-2015 was the same body style with what appeared to be minor cosmetic changes. So, we escalated the question up to our contacts at GM and they told us that changes to the rail construction made the sectioning procedure no longer possible.

Vehicle construction can change without warning, along with the procedures of how to repair that vehicle. This is an example of two vehicles that appear the same but depending on the build date will require completely different repair procedures. Which is why it’s so important to check the repair procedures on every vehicle and document those repair procedures in order to ensure a complete, safe, and quality repair.

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