Removing Side Panel

Information 

Loosen connection points on one side only. Do not damage the sheet-metal panel underneath.

Information 

Only make cuts in the top plate. Make sure not to damage the plate underneath when doing this.

Fig 1: Side Panel Component Location

Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation position of side panel

1. Make cuts. > V.A.G 1561B - Electric cutter  > VAS 6780 - Body saw 
2. Cut in side panel in the marked areas.

   Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

   Side panel cut

   Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

   Side panel cut

   Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

   Side panel cut

3. Drill out spotwelds. > Nr.129 - Spotweld drill bit  > VAS 882 001 - Spot-weld remover 

   Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

   Drilling out spotwelds

   Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

   Drilling out spotwelds

   Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

   Drilling out spotwelds

4. Heat bonding areas. > V.A.G 1416 - Hot-Air Blower 

   Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

   Heating bonding areas

   Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

   Heating bonding areas

5. Remove side panel.
6. Drill out spotwelds in the water drain panel area. > Nr.129 - Spotweld drill bit  > VAS 882 001 - Spot-weld remover 

   Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

   Drilling out spotwelds

   Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

   Drilling out spotwelds

   Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

   Drilling out spotwelds

7. Drill out spotwelds in the wheel housing area. > Nr.129 - Spotweld drill bit  > VAS 882 001 - Spot-weld remover 

   Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

   Drilling out spotwelds

8. Drill out spotwelds in the hood compartment area. > Nr.129 - Spotweld drill bit  > VAS 882 001 - Spot-weld remover 
9. Make cut in area -A-  . > V.A.G 1561A - Special Electric Cutter  > VAS 6780 - Body saw 
   1. 9.1  Drill out spotwelds in area -B-  . > Nr.129 - Spotweld drill bit  > VAS 882 001 - Spot-weld remover 

   Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

   Drilling out spotwelds

10. Heat bonding areas. > V.A.G 1416 - Hot-Air Blower 

    Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

    Heating bonding area

    Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

    Heating bonding area

    Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

    Heating bonding area

    Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

    Heating bonding area

11. Remove remaining sections of the side panel.
12. Make cut on inner side section. > V.A.G 1561B - Electric cutter  > VAS 6598A - Body saw 

    Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

    Cut on inner side section

13. Drill out spotwelds on inner side section. > Nr.129 - Spotweld drill bit  > VAS 882 001 - Spot-weld remover 

    Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

    Removing inner side section

14. Remove inner section of side panel.
15. Drill out spotwelds on the side panel reinforcement. > Nr.129 - Spotweld drill bit  > VAS 882 001 - Spot-weld remover 

    Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

    Drilling out spotwelds

16. Heat bonding areas. > V.A.G 1416 - Hot-Air Blower 

    Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

    Heating bonding area

17. Remove side section reinforcement.