Removal Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Chevrolet Corvette. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The hardtop coupe quarter panel will be severely damaged during this removal procedure and should be replaced. There are hidden quarter panel attaching screws under the hardtop roof that are hard to accessed without cutting the quarter panel.

The two hidden drivers side quarter panel screws are located approximately 76 mm, (3 in) and 444 mm (17.5 in) rearward of the front of the quarter panel.
The three hidden passenger side quarter panel screws are located approximately 76 mm (3 in), 203 mm (8 in) and 444 mm (17.5 in) rearward of the front of the quarter panel.

Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to TIRE AND WHEEL REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION in Tires and Wheels.
Remove the wheelhouse liner panel.
Remove the outer taillamp (to gain access to the fascia mounting bolts).
Remove the bolts attaching the fascia to the quarter panel.

Fig 1: Wheelhouse Liner Panel
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Fig 2: Removing Bolts Attaching Fascia To Quarter Panel
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the bolts attaching the quarter panel to the rear compartment brace.

Fig 3: Removing Bolts Attaching Quarter Panel To Rear Compartment Brace
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the nuts attaching the quarter panel to the fascia reinforcement studs.
Remove the side marker lamp socket from the lamp.

Fig 4: Removing Nuts Attaching Quarter Panel To Fascia Reinforcement Studs
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the screws attaching the quarter panel to the door lock pillar.

Fig 5: Removing Screws Attaching Quarter Panel To Door Lock Pillar
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Open the fuel door, remove the bolt mounting the fuel door to the inner body panel (driver's side only).
Remove the gas cap tether strap from the fuel door (drivers side only).

Fig 6: Removing Gas Cap Tether Strap From Fuel Door
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the screws attaching the quarter panel and the fuel door to the fuel pocket (drivers side only).
Remove the fuel door (drivers side only).

Fig 7: Removing Screws Attaching Quarter Panel & Fuel Door To Fuel Pocket
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Open the rear compartment lid.
Remove the screws attaching the quarter panel to the rear compartment panel.
Remove the four closest fascia to surround screws.

Fig 8: Removing Screws Attaching Quarter Panel To Rear Compartment Panel
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the antenna (right side only).

Fig 9: Antenna (Right Side Only)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install protective covers to the passenger and stowage compartments areas.
Tape a cut line (1) on the quarter panel starting at the rear corner of the stowage compartment opening. Tape down about 75 mm (3 in) and then run the tape forward to a point about 50 mm (2 in) from the lock pillar, and then tape up to the lock pillar upper corner of the quarter panel.
Protect the roof panel along the quarter panel with tape.
Place a wedge between the quarter panel and the surround panel at the cut line.
Place a wedge between the quarter panel and the lock pillar at the cut line.

Fig 10: Taping Cut Line On Quarter Panel
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Cut the upper outer skin of the quarter panel along the marked cut line (1) being careful not to cut into the adjacent panels.
Remove the quarter panel.
Cut the quarter panel flange on a line (2) through the drain holes being care full to not cut into the surround panel.
With a knife cut any butyl that is adhering to the quarter panel flange.
Remove the flange. If it is necessary loosen the screws (3). Be sure and return the screws to their original position.
Clean any butyl from the bonding surface.

Fig 11: Locating Marking Lines For Cutting Quarter Panel
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Transfer parts as necessary (the retainers snap to the inside of the quarter panel).

Fig 12: Transferring Retainers Snap To Inside Of Quarter Panel
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.