Tech - Gap Btwn Ctr of Rckr Molding and Retaining Clip Btwn Ctr of Rkr Molding

Some customers may comment that there is a gap between the center of the rocker molding (2) and the retaining clip (1) or between the center of the rocker molding and the body at the base of the "B" pillar, just forward of the rear side door (3). This condition may exist on either the driver or passenger side of the vehicle.

The center retaining clip (1) will not engage completely into the body sheet metal.

Install a new center retaining clip that has a smaller head and a different shaped fastener, using the following procedure.

Important: This new center retaining clip is different than the other seven retaining clips that attach the rocker molding and should only be used at the center location.

1. Open the front door.

Important: To protect the paint surface when removing the original center retaining clip in the next step, apply masking tape as necessary to the rocker molding.

2. Using a sharp utility knife, cut the head off of the original center retaining clip (1) by inserting the blade down through the gap between the head of the retaining clip and the rocker molding (2). If necessary, hold the rocker molding against the vehicle body to improve access. Discard the head of the clip.
3. Using a small flat bladed tool, push the remaining stud portion of the plastic clip into the body. The stud portion of the original plastic clip will remain in the rocker panel and will NOT cause a rattle.
4. Align the hole in the rocker molding with the hole in the vehicle body and push the new retaining clip in until the molding is flush with the body and the clip is fully seated.
5. Remove the protective masking tape.

Parts are currently available from GMSPO.

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use: