Corrosion Protection Guidelines: General Motors

Details Posted on 23 June 2017 | Share:

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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 General Motors (GM) says.

Information on corrosion protection can be found in the vehicle-specific body repair manuals, on their service information website. Here there are documents listing what products are required are recommended for restoring corrosion protection. GM suggests several products from each of the following manufacturers: Kent Automotive, Crest Industries, 3M, and Automotive International/Valugard.

GM also specifies when corrosion protection needs to be restored. Per the GM Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair document: “Any procedure that disturbs these special treatments, such as panel replacement or collision damage repair operations, may leave the metal unprotected and result in corrosion. Proper recoating of these surfaces with service-type anti-corrosion material is essential.”

GM lists warnings about working around corrosion protection and application. Per the GM manual: “Warning: When applying sound deadeners, or anti-corrosion materials due care and preventative measures must be exercised to prevent any material from being sprayed into door and quarter panel mechanisms such as door locks, window run channels, window regulators and seat belt retractors, as well as any moving or rotating mechanical or suspension parts on the underbody, particularly the parking brake cable. After material application, be sure that all body drain holes are open. Improper application may increase chance of corrosion damage or limit the operation of moving parts, resulting in personal injury.” Also, “Warning: Foam sound deadeners must be removed from areas within 152.4 mm (6 in) of where flame is to be used for body repairs. When reinstalling foam, sound deadeners, avoid inhaling fumes as bodily injury may result.”

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 GM information, check out the following pages:
Chevrolet OEM Information
GMC OEM Information
Buick OEM Information
Cadillac OEM Information

Additional I-CAR Collision Repair News you may find helpful:

• Collision Information Website Access: General Motors
• Corrosion Protection Guidelines
• Step-By-Step: Accessing General Motors Repair Information

Related I-CAR Courses

Course Corrosion Protection

Course General Motors (GM) Company Collision Repair Overview

Course Seam Sealer