03/07/2024 16:00:06

Quarter Outer Skin

Repair Information

The lower section of the Quarter Outer Skin can be replaced so long as the referenced cut line from the Quarter Outer Skin Section Descriptions portion of this document are used.
Review all collision repair general practices and safety documentation and wear the appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) before beginning this procedure.
This procedure can be completed without using a frame bench.

Parts List


Quantity	Description	Image / Notes
1	M3 ASY, REAR QUARTER OUTER PNL (Rear Quarter Outer)
5	Rivet, 4.8 mm
1	Flow Form Rivet S08
11	Flow Form Rivet S18

When ordering parts, refer to the Parts Catalog and enter the VIN of the vehicle being repaired to find the correct parts (and the part numbers) for the vehicle. Alternatively, use the search function in the Parts Catalog to find a specific part for the vehicle.

Quarter Outer Skin Section Descriptions


Quarter Outer Skin Sectioning
The Quarter Outer Skin (shown below) is a single component, and can be replaced as a single repair:

Alternatively, instead of replacing the complete Quarter Outer Assembly, some areas can be replaced by sections of the Quarter Outer Skin made using the cut lines described in this document.

Quarter Outer Skin Sections


Quarter Outer Skin Section Descriptions
Rear Quarter Section Cut Line Reference Line/Point A = 75 mm. B = 5 mm. Note Do not cut the Body Side Outer panel directly over the underlying aluminum Rear Wheelhouse Reinforcement panel (shown in red). Note Fill the indicated joint with structural adhesive. GMA Weld Note The gap between the adjacent panels of the butt joint for this section should be as small as possible to maximize joint strength. Note Seal all open seams after welding.
Dog Leg Section Cut Line Reference Line/Point C = 110 mm. Note Do not cut the Body Side Outer panel directly over the underlying aluminum Rear Wheelhouse Reinforcement or the Rear Wheel Arch Assembly (shown in red). GMA Weld Note The gap between the adjacent panels of the butt joint for this section should be as small as possible to maximize joint strength.
Rear Sill Section Cut Line Reference Line/Point D = 350 mm. Note The cut can be made within 50 mm. of the specified location. GMA Weld Note The gap between the adjacent panels of the butt joint for this section should be as small as possible to maximize joint strength. Note Seal all open seams after welding.

Repair Procedure

Remove the original component.

or Factory SPRs

or Factory Spot Welds
Separate the rear wheel arch flange.
Prepare for installation.

Note
A red X indicates a location where a factory-installed fastener is not being replaced.

or Rivets, 4.8 mm

or Flow Form Rivets, S08

or Flow Form Rivets, S18

or Installation Spot Welds

or Steel Plug Welds
Apply seam sealer in the area where the Charge Port Housing Bracket makes direct contact to the Quarter Panel skin and the factory foam baffle (shown here in orange).

CAUTION
This procedure calls for a seam sealer with a cured elongation rating of greater than 150%. This is to prevent visible distortion of the quarter panel’s exterior surface where the Charge Port Housing Bracket is bonded to the inside of the panel.

CAUTION
If using a seam sealer not designed for application over bare metal surfaces, the mating surface on the inside of the quarter panel will require refinishing prior to installing the Charge Port Housing Assembly. Refer to the technical data sheet for the seam sealing product being used.
Apply structural adhesive to the mating surfaces on the vehicle and the new component or components.
Install the new component or components.

Note
The Body Side Outer lower flange is secured using structural adhesive only.
Fold over the wheel arch flange.
Perform resistance spot welding.

or Installation Spot Welds

Warning
Failure to follow all welding safety precautions, including the use of personal protective equipment, could result in serious injury or property damage. Only technicians who have completed Tesla’s approved welding training are authorized to weld structural components on Tesla vehicles.

CAUTION
Do not weld on a Tesla vehicle before performing the Vehicle Electrical Isolation Procedure (refer to the vehicle-specific Service Manual for more information on the Vehicle Electrical Isolation Procedure). Welding on a Tesla vehicle with an energized high or low voltage system might damage vehicle components.
Perform GMA welding.
or Steel Plug Welds
GMA Weld

Warning
Do not weld the panel where it directly contacts the high strength panels underneath. The heat from welding might weaken the strength of the underlying high strength steel structure.

Warning
Failure to follow all welding safety precautions, including the use of personal protective equipment, could result in serious injury or property damage. Only technicians who have completed Tesla’s approved welding training are authorized to weld structural components on Tesla vehicles.

Warning
To maintain vehicle crash integrity, use only approved welding wire and an approved GMA welder to perform GMA welding on Tesla vehicles. Refer to Approved Gas Metal Arc (GMA) Welders and Welding Wire for information on approved GMA welders and welding wire.

Warning
Before GMA welding, make sure that the structural adhesive is dry to the touch. If the structural adhesive is not dry to the touch before GMA welding, the strength of the adhesive bond might be compromised.

CAUTION
Do not weld on a Tesla vehicle before performing the Vehicle Electrical Isolation Procedure (refer to the vehicle-specific Service Manual for more information on the Vehicle Electrical Isolation Procedure). Welding on a Tesla vehicle with an energized high or low voltage system might damage vehicle components.

Note
Before GMA welding, a test weld using material of the same gauge and type should be performed to make sure that the welding equipment settings produce a satisfactory joint.
For vehicles in China only: Install a new Manufacturing Certificate Label (refer to the Model 3 Service Manual procedure for more information).
Perform any necessary post-repair operations.