Kia Sportage: Preparation for assembly - Replacing body panel
Preparation for assembly
1. Spot weld finish
Use a disk grinder or similar tool to finish spot weld
mark. Do not grind more than is necessary to smooth
surface.

2. Panel preparation
Repair any bent or uneven areas with a hammer to
improve the assembly process.

3. Cutting a rough area for a new part
When rough cutting an area for a new part, leave a tolerance of 30~50 mm.

4. Preparation for spot welding
Remove paint on spot welded area and on the area
overlapped by the new part using a belt sander or
similar tool.

5. Drilling a hole for plug welding
If the thickness of the part to be welded is less than 3
mm, drill a 5~6 mm diameter hole. If the thickness of
the part to be welded is greater than 3 mm, drill a hole
using a 7 mm diameter drill.
Notice
- Do not spot weld where thickness is greater than
3 mm.

READ NEXT:
Assembly
1. Checking welding and fitting in advance
When assembling a new part, measure the
dimensions of each part according to the body
dimensions given in Section 31, and set part to the
Welding part
Setion
Cowl panel assembly
Welding part
Section
Dash panel assembly
Welding part
Section
Center floor panel assembly
Welding part
Section
Re
Body dimension indications
Projected dimensions
The projected dimension indicates a dimension from a reference point on the
body. (Height may be different in some
cases).
Straight-line dimension
SEE MORE:
Repair procedures
Removal and Installation
NOTE
Disassembly of the thermostat would have an adverse effect, causing a
lowering of cooling efficiency. Do not
remove the thermostat, even if the engine tends to overheat.
1. Drain engine coolant so its level is below thermostat.
2. Disconnect
Use the information in the following sections
to keep the exterior and interior of
your vehicle clean.
Exterior care
Use the information in the following sections
to maintain the exterior of your
vehicle. Keeping the exterior clean is not
only aesthetically pleasing, but it also
helps to pro