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A key factor in collision repair is making long-lasting repairs. When a vehicle is repaired, many areas of corrosion protection are disturbed. This creates corrosion hot spots that left untreated will lead to corrosion and potentially a repair failure. However, there are certain precautions that can be taken to safely and properly restore the corrosion protection throughout the repair process. OEMs often give specifications on restoring corrosion protection. These specifications generally include seam sealer, adhesives, foam fillers, and cavity waxes. Let’s take a look at what FCA/Stellantis says.
Information on corrosion protection can be found in the vehicle-specific body repair manuals (BRMs). Here there are documents listing what products are required, along with when and how to apply the corrosion protection. Per the FCA/Stellantis repair manual: “Corrosion protection must be restored during a repair anytime it may have been compromised. All areas that have been subjected to structural pulls, clamping, straightening, welding, or any other any other operation that may have imparted damage to the corrosion protection system will need to be addressed.” You will find this and more information in the BRM under Collision Information ➤ Standard Procedures ➤ Corrosion Protection. Other areas that define corrosion protection materials include: Standard Procedures, Welding and Weld Bonding, Sectioning Procedures, and Non-Structural Sheet Metal Repair.
FCA/Stellantis specifies several different products for restoring corrosion protection including:
- Structural adhesive
- Panel bonding adhesive
- Anit-flutter foam
- NVH foam
- Seam sealer
- Cavity wax
- Undercoating
Per the FCA/Stellantis repair manual:
- "If it is unclear whether the original sealing material between the flanges is strictly a sealer or structural adhesive, always default to a structural adhesive."
- "All bare metal should be epoxy primed prior to applying seam sealer, following the refinish material provider's instructions for doing so, unless the manufacture of the sealer specifically states otherwise."
- "Cavity wax should be applied to all interior cavities, weld flanges, hem flanges as well as any are affected by the repair especially where any type of welding was performed."
FCA/Stellantis specifies several different products for restoring corrosion protection. Some products that are recommended by FCA/Stellantis found in Collision Information ➤ Approved Materials ➤ Adhesives, Sealers, And Additional Materials.
FCA/Stellantis has color coordinated diagrams to help technicians easily identify where adhesives, foams, and seam sealers belong where during repairs. This is located in Collision Information ➤ Locations.
Always follow OEM repair procedures for all repairs. Failure to follow corrosion protection guidelines can lead to premature failure on a repair. Using the proper corrosion protections will ensure a complete, safe, and quality repair.
For additional FCA/Stellantis information, check out the following pages:
Alfa Romeo OEM Information
Chrysler OEM Information
Dodge OEM Information
Fiat OEM Information
Jeep OEM Information
RAM OEM Information
Additional I-CAR Collision Repair News you may find helpful:
- Collision Information Website Access: FCA/Stellantis
- Corrosion Protection Guidelines
- Step-By-Step: Accessing FCA/Stellantis Repair Information
Related I-CAR Courses
Article validated in 2025