03/07/2024 16:01:07

Body Side Outer Assembly

Repair Information

  1. Review all collision repair general practices and safety documentation and wear the appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) before beginning this procedure.
  2. This procedure can be completed without using a frame bench.
  3. The Body Side Outer Assembly can be:
    • Replaced in a single repair as a single complete component, using the M3 ASY, BODY SIDE OUTER service part and the instructions in the Repair Procedure section of this document.
    • Repaired using any of the pre-cut service assemblies shown in Service Assemblies. If replacing a portion of the Body Side Outer (not the entire Body Side Outer Assembly) using a service assembly, use only the relevant portions of each step in the Repair Procedure to determine which parts and fasteners are needed and the steps required to complete the repair.
    • Repaired in sections that are larger or smaller than the service assemblies. Any individual section or any combination of sections of the Body Side Outer Assembly can be replaced so long as the guidelines from the Sectioning Guidelines are followed.

Parts List

Quantity Description Image / Notes
1 M3 ASY, BODY SIDE OUTER
Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
Note
A pre-cut sub assembly may be used if sectioning the Body Side Outer.
8 Structural Bulb Rivet, 6.5 mm
2 Countersunk Rivet, 4.8 mm Short
1 Countersunk Rivet, 4.8 mm Long
2 Structural Countersunk Rivet, 6.5 mm
3 Flow Form Rivet S08
12 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.

Service Assemblies

Aside from the M3 ASY, BODY SIDE OUTER, shown in the Parts List, the following service assemblies are available.
Body Side Outer Service Assemblies
ASY, A PLR BODY SIDE OTRASY, B PLR BODY SIDE OTRASY, REAR QUARTER OUTER ASSY

Sectioning Guidelines

General sectioning guidelines:
  • It is allowable to cut through a clearance hole or a non functional hole (exterior trim hole), as described below.
  • Do not cut within 25 mm. of the center of a bolt hole.
  • Sections do not require fasteners at butt joints unless specifically indicated.
  • A backing plate may be installed at a butt joint between sections (as described in create and install backing plates).
  • Gaps between panels of butt joints should be as small as possible to maximize joint strength.
  • GMA weld section butt joints.
  • Seal all open seams after welding.
  • If a butt joint includes a flange, do not weld on the flange (flanges are secured using only structural adhesive).

Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
Note
Do not cut underlying panels when sectioning the Body Side Outer.

The images below show the Body Side Outer (complete). The colored areas indicate if sectioning is allowed. Compare the damaged area of the vehicle's Body Side Outer to the images below, then use the repair criteria corresponding to the color of the highlighted area to find the criteria to use to determine if the damaged area of the component can be sectioned.

Body Side Outer Sectioning
Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
Note
Sectioning of Service Assemblies is identical to the corresponding area of the Body Side Outer (complete).
Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
Note
If sectioning in this area, do not weld the butt joint in the indicated area; instead, fill the seam with strucrutal adhesive.

Based on the colors used in the image above, the allowed repairs are as follows:

Table 1. Allowed Sectioning
Area Color Arear Repairability
Green areas: Sectioning is allowed in these areas.
Yellow areas: Sectioning is allowed in these areas.
Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
Note
Sectioning in these areas requires the component be returned to its original geometry for proper function.

Areas shown in yellow may:

  • Allow water ingress, so use special care to make sure that seals fit correctly in all repaired areas.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Once the repair is complete, make sure that all seals fit properly and make sure that water does not ingress in the repair area.
  • Be where other components mount to the Body Side Outer. Use special care to make sure that openings in the body Side Outer are the same size as the original openings, and ensure that mounting areas allow components fit properly.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Once the repair is complete, make sure that mounted compnents are flush with the Body Side Outer surface and that the components fit correctly in all repaired areas.
Red areas: Sectioning is not allowed.

Repair Procedure

  1. If replacing a section of the Body Side Outer: Mark the Body Side Outer at the section cut line locations described in the Sectioning Guidelines.
  2. Remove the original component.
    or Factory Spot Welds
    or Drill through factory spot welds
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    When drilling out spot welds, use a drill bit that creates a hole correctly sized for the fastener that will replace the spot weld.

    or Factory SPRs

    or Bolts
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Retain these bolts for use in installing the new component.
  3. Separate the Wheel Arch flange.
  4. Prepare for installation.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    A red X indicates a location where a factory-installed fastener is not being replaced.

    or Countersunk Rivets, 4.8 mm Short

    or Countersunk Rivets, 4.8 mm Long

    or Structural Bulb Rivets, 6.5 mm

    or Structural Countersunk Rivets, 6.5 mm

    or Flow Form Rivets, S08

    or Flow Form Rivets, S18

    Bolt

    or Installation Spot Welds

  5. Apply structural adhesive to the mating surfaces on the vehicle and the new component or components.
  6. Install the new component or components.
    Torque the bolts to 35 Nm.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    The Body Side Outer lower flange is secured using structural adhesive only.
  7. Perform resistance spot welding.
    or Installation Spot Welds
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    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 IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    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.
  8. Fold over the Wheel Arch flange.
  9. Perform any necessary post-repair operations.