Installing C-Pillar Reinforcement: Notes

Fig 1: Identifying Installation Position Of C-Pillar Reinforcement

Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

1. C-pillar, inner
2. C-pillar side section, outer

Information 

• The rear wheel housing and rear side section must be inserted in order to fit the inner C-pillar and outer C-pillar side section. 
• The side gantry of the straightening bench can also be used for fitting the new parts. 

1. Fit the outer C-pillar side section and inner C-pillar to the body.
   1. 1.1. Install rear wheel housing and rear side section first.
      Fig 2: Overview Of C-Pillar - Outside

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2. Fix the outer C-pillar side section and inner C-pillar in place with tensioning clamps.
3. Weld in the outer C-pillar side section and inner C-pillar.
   1. 3.1. Weld the inner C-pillar in areas -A, B and C-  using inert gas.
      Fig 3: Identifying Welded Joints On Outer C-Pillar

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   2. 3.2. Plug-weld the outer D-pillar reinforcement in area -D-  using inert gas.

      Information 

      Never grind MIG seams on load-bearing body parts. A partial flat-grind may however be required for subsequent assembly of body accessories (e.g. windows or rubber door seals).

   3. 3.3. Grind down the MIG seam in areas -A and B-  .
      Fig 4: Grinding Down Welded Seam

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      Fig 5: Overview Of D-Pillar - Inside

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4. Weld in inner D-pillar reinforcement.
   1. 4.1. Plug-weld inner D-pillar reinforcement in area -A-  using inert gas.
      Fig 6: Identifying Welded Joints On Inner D-Pillar Reinforcement

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   2. 4.2. Resistance spot-weld the inner D-pillar reinforcement in area -B-  .
      Fig 7: Overview Of C-Pillar - Inside

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5. Weld in outer C-pillar side section.
   1. 5.1. Weld outer C-pillar side section in area -A-  using inert gas.
      Fig 8: Identifying Welded Joints On Outer C-Pillar Side Section

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      Fig 9: Overview Of C-Pillar - Inside

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6. Weld in the outer C-pillar side section and inner C-pillar.
   1. 6.1. Weld outer C-pillar side section in area -A-  using inert gas.
      Fig 10: Identifying Welded Joints On C-Pillar Side Section

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   2. 6.2. Resistance spot-weld the outer C-pillar side section and inner C-pillar in areas -B and C-  .

      Information 

      Never grind MIG seams on load-bearing body parts. A partial flat-grind may however be required for subsequent assembly of body accessories (e.g. windows or rubber door seals).

   3. 6.3. Grind down MIG seam in areas -A and B-  .
      Fig 11: Grinding Down Welded Seam

      Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
      Fig 12: Overview Of C-Pillar - Outside

      Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
7. Weld in the outer C-pillar side section and inner C-pillar.

   Information 

   These areas are only tacked with individual spotwelds. A full weld is applied when installing the rear side section or when installing the outer lower side member.

   1. 7.1. Resistance spot-weld the outer C-pillar side section and inner C-pillar in areas -A, B and C-  .
      Fig 13: Identifying Welded Joints On C-Pillar

      Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.