Rocker Moulding and Body - Gap Between Center

File In Section: 08 - Body and Accessories

Bulletin No.: 99-08-111-002

Date: September, 1999

Subject:
Gap Between Center of Rocker Molding and Retaining Clip or Between Center of Rocker Molding and Body (Replace Center Retaining Clip)

Models:
2000 Chevrolet Impala

Condition





Some customers may comment that there is a gap between the center of the rocker molding (2) and the retaining clip (1) or between the center of the rocker molding and the body at the base of the "B" pillar, just forward of the rear side door (3). This condition may exist on either the driver or passenger side of the vehicle.

Cause

The center retaining clip (1) will not engage completely into the body sheet metal.

Correction

Install a new center retaining clip that has a smaller head and a different shaped fastener, using the following procedure.

Important:
This new center retaining clip is different than the other seven retaining clips that attach the rocker molding and should only be used at the center location.

1. Open the front door.

Important:
To protect the paint surface when removing the original center retaining clip in the next step, apply masking tape as necessary to the rocker molding.

2. Using a sharp utility knife, cut the head off of the original center retaining clip (1) by inserting the blade down through the gap between the head of the retaining clip and the rocker molding (2). If necessary, hold the rocker molding against the vehicle body to improve access. Discard the head of the clip.

3. Using a small flat bladed tool, push the remaining stud portion of the plastic clip into the body. The stud portion of the original plastic clip will remain in the rocker panel and will NOT cause a rattle.

4. Align the hole in the rocker molding with the hole in the vehicle body and push the new retaining clip in until the molding is flush with the body and the clip is fully seated.

5. Remove the protective masking tape.

Parts Information





Parts are currently available from GMSPO

Warranty Information

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:

Labor Operation Description Labor Time

B9702 Rocker Molding Retaining 0.2 hr
Clip - Replace one or both