I-CAR Repairers Realm: Ford Structural Sectioning Guidelines

Posted on: 08 September 2023

I-CAR had a discussion on Ford structural sectioning guidelines.

In August’s episode of Repairers Realm, I-CAR subject matter experts continue with part two of Ford Structural Sectioning Guidelines. The team was joined by Ford's Gerry Bonanni to discuss a procedure that technicians often inquire about. The focus was on sectioning the aluminum inner rocker panel of Ford/Lincoln vehicles when the running board mounting locations are damaged from a collision. The team also provides explanations and insights on the procedure.

Questions answered by Ford in this episode include:

If this repair has been performed in this area before, can it be performed again?
Is there a point where the size of the repair no longer allows for this kind of sectioning and requires full-part replacement?
If damage goes beyond the raised area of the running board mounting location, should dye penetrant be used?
Can this repair be done on the upper running board mounting locations as well?
What are some sectioning location and joint type considerations?

Additional I-CAR Collision Repair News you may find helpful:

Related I-CAR Courses

Toyota/Lexus/Scion Position Statement: Pre- and Post-Repair System Scanning Thursday, 28 July 2016
As the industry continues to ask if pre- and post-repair system scanning is necessary, Toyota/Lexus/Scion provides their answer.
Pre- and Post-Repair System Scanning Statements Wednesday, 9 January 2019
Are you wondering if a particular OEM or organization has a published statement on pre-repair and post-repair scanning? We have compiled a list of most of the statements on the subject, so you can...
ADAS, Calibration, And Scanning Article Hotspot Monday, 14 January 2019
Since advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), scanning, and calibration first started becoming relevant, members of the collision repair industry have required as much knowledge as possible on...
Honda/Acura Position Statement: Pre- and Post-Repair System Scanning - UPDATE Wednesday, 22 May 2019
Honda /Acura has updated their position statement on pre- and post-repair scanning to give more clarification on what is expected for scanning.
BMW Position Statement: Pre- and Post-Repair System Scanning - UPDATE Friday, 10 April 2020
BMW has released a position statement related to pre- and post-repair system scanning. The statement applies to All vehicles equipped with on board diagnostics II (OBD II).
Quickly Identifying Outer Quarter Panels w/Rolled Hem Flanges Monday, 5 March 2018
The I-CAR best practice article, Recycled Outer Quarter Panels w/Rolled Hem Flanges has gotten a lot of interest from the collision repair industry. It’s important to know which vehicles are...
General Motors Position Statement: Pre- and Post-Repair System Scanning Friday, 21 October 2016
As the industry continues to ask, are pre- and post-repair scans necessary, General Motors provides their answer.
Restraints Wiring Repairs Monday, 23 May 2016
Over the past few months, we've been sharing OEM position statements on restraints wiring repairs. Now we're bringing them all together in one place for easy reference.
FCA/Stellantis Position Statement: Pre- and Post-Repair System Scanning Thursday, 9 June 2016
FCA/Stellantis has released a position statement related to pre- and post-repair system scanning.
Nissan/INFINITI Position Statement: Pre- and Post-Repair System Scanning - UPDATE Monday, 14 January 2019
Nissan/INFINITI updated their position statement on pre- and post-repair scanning. The revised position statement touches on more subjects and gives additional information on the subject.

Repairer Driven News: Rivian Updates Door Handle Procedure Sunday, 4 February 2035
Repairer Driven News (RDN) released an article featuring an updated Rivian procedure.
Body Construction And Material Repair Guidelines: Toyota/Lexus - UPDATE Tuesday, 30 September 2025
What is the MPa of the front lower rail? What is the outer uniside made of: steel, aluminum, or composite? Can heat be used to straighten or is it cold straightening only? What are the repair...
I-CAR Repairers Realm: Ford Explorer Rear Rail Sectioning - Now Available Friday, 26 September 2025
I-CAR had a discussion on 2020-2025 Ford Explorer rear rail sectioning.
Digital Key Considerations: FCA/Stellantis Wednesday, 24 September 2025
The intermingling of technology and automobiles continues, with digital key offerings from most vehicle makers. Digital keys utilize smartphone technology to expand vehicle access and owner...
App-Based Connected Services Considerations: FCA/Stellantis Wednesday, 24 September 2025
Have you had an experience where the vehicle notified the owner that it was being moved while it was in your repair facility? App-based connected services are available from many vehicle makers and...
Backup Battery And Low-Voltage Disconnect: Mazda Friday, 19 September 2025
When an accident happens, how will you call for help? Maybe the telematics system, equipped with a backup battery, could automatically do this, even if the main power is cut off. What are the repair...
Body Repair Manual Symbols: Kia Wednesday, 17 September 2025
While looking at repair procedures in a body repair manual (BRM) you may notice that symbols are used to indicate specific operations or parts to be used during the repair process. Most BRMs provide a...
I-CAR Just In Time: Mirror Matching Parts Monday, 15 September 2025
Sometimes seeing is understanding, that’s why I-CAR's technical team created the Just in Time video series to guide you through a variety of collision repair topics from ADAS and EVs to repair tips...
I-CAR Just In Time: Blend Panel Prep And Toner Replacement Wednesday, 10 September 2025
Sometimes seeing is understanding, that’s why I-CAR's technical team created the Just in Time video series to guide you through a variety of collision repair topics from ADAS and EVs to repair tips...
GM Repair Insights: Summer 2025 Monday, 8 September 2025
The summer edition of General Motors (GM) Repair Insights is now available.

I-CAR Repairers Realm: Ford Structural Sectioning Guidelines - Now Available

Related I-CAR Courses

Top Ten Vehicle Specific Questions

Top Ten I-CAR Specific Questions