1997/98 Chevrolet Corvette
Collision Repair
3-5
Fig.␣ 3.9 — Remove Bolts
Attaching Brace to Hinge Pillar
Fig.␣ 3.10 — Note Use of Additional Bond
on Left Wheelhouse at Cowl
Fig.␣ 3.11 — Apply Adhesive to Service Part
Front Wheelhouse
— INSTALL OR CONNECT —
Important: Use US Chemical and Plastics
821014B System 2000 Structural Adhesive, a
PLIOGRIP
®
adhesive manufactured by Ashland
Chemical Company, or equivalent. Note the 9
minute working time and 1 hour cure time.
Notice: DO NOT adjust the fender by
compromising the wheelhouse to rail gap. This
gap must remain a nominal width to maintain
the correct adhesive strength. The gap should
be correct if the rails are properly located.
Notice: If possible, when prepping area for
service part leave small portions of original
adhesive in various places to act as shimming
for wheelhouse spacing from frame rails. If
original adhesive is not usable for shimming,
use paint stir sticks, or equivalent, and shim
according to body dimensions and body panel
alignment.
1
Remove all remaining adhesive, and scuff all
bonding surfaces to ensure proper adhesion.
(Refer to SMC Repair Procedures.)
2
Clean and prepare all bonding surfaces as
necessary.
(Refer to SMC Repair Procedures.)
Important: Prior to refinishing, refer to
GM P/N 4901 Refinish Manual for
recommended products.
3
Apply approved anti-corrosion primer.
Notice: DO NOT top-coat any bonding
surface.
4
Temporarily attach the fender to the
wheelhouse. Align the fender to door and
hood by clamping the wheelhouse assembly
into place. Scribe line on rail to locate
wheelhouse.
5
Apply adhesive to the wheelhouse as shown
in Fig.␣ 3.11. Position front wheelhouse
service part according to the scribe lines on
the rail. Install the four bracket bolts which
attach the wheelhouse to the front hinge
pillar, and clamp the wheelhouse to the rail.
Install headlamp mounting bracket. Trowel
around perimeter of bonding area to remove
excess adhesive and restore original
appearance.
6
Install all related panels and components.