Exterior Trim Cadillac ATS I

Graphics/Decals/Emblems

1. Clean the area where you will apply the decal. Use the suitable solvents such as flash naptha, or a 50/50 mixture by volume of isopropyl alcohol and clean drinkable water. Dry the area thoroughly with a clean lint-free cloth. Repaint the area. Feather the paint in, if the paint is chipped.
2. Warm the body surface to 21-38°C (70-100°F).
3. Apply the tape stripe or the decals that wrap into the body openings or mount on flexible surfaces wet. Use the following procedure for wet application of stripes and decals
4. Using a 24 oz. spray bottle add 1-2 drops of unscented dishwashing soap for a wetting agent. If above 80°F you may use 2-3 drops of soap per 24 oz.
5. Spray a mist of solution onto the body area.
6. Peel the backing away from the decal.
7. Spray the adhesive backing of the decal in hot, humid weather with a mist of the wetting solution.
8. Position the decal in the desired location on the body surface.
9. Using a dampened squeegee, starting at the center of the decal, work from the center outward in both directions.
10. Squeegee the decal, in position, onto the body, removing any air bubbles along with the wetting solution.
11. Pull the decal back onto itself in order to remove the premask from the decal.
12. Squeegee the decal again.
13. Prick any air bubbles with a pin, if present. Never use a razor or knife as this may cause the cut to get larger over time.
14. If desired, heat can be applied to the edges of the stripe, decal or emblem to assure adhesion. 3 seconds at 140°F would be satisfactory. IMPORTANT: Never use a wetting agent when installing an emblem. Emblems should always be installed dry.

Emblem/Nameplate Replacement

1. The part and vehicle surface should be 21°C (70°F) prior to installation. The vehicle should remain inside in a temperature range of 21°C (70°F) for 1 hour after assembly to allow the adhesive to develop sufficient bond strength.
2. Using masking tape, mark two sides of the placement where the old emblem/nameplate was placed.
3. Use a heat gun or equivalent, to heat the adhesive backed emblem/nameplates.
4. A flat-bladed plastic tool can assist in the removal process.
5. Wipe the vehicle surface area with a 50/50 solution by volume of isopropyl alcohol and clean drinkable water.
6. Dry the area with a clean lint-free cotton cloth.
7. Close any doors, liftgates, endgates and rear compartment lids where emblem/nameplates are to be placed.
8. When removing protective liners from adhesive backed emblem/nameplates, be careful not to touch the adhesive tape or allow the tape to come in contact with dirt or any foreign matter prior to the placement and adhesion.
9. Remove the protective liner from the emblem/nameplate.
10. Position, align and press the emblem/nameplate to the previously marked location.
11. Using a clean towel and the palm of the hand, press firmly for approximately 30 seconds, the emblem/nameplate to the vehicle body panel surface.
12. Ensure the emblem/nameplate is attached firmly to the body panel surface.
13. Remove the masking tape and clean all tape residue from the vehicle body panel surface around the emblem/nameplate attachment location.

Body Panel Paint Protector Replacement

1. The paint protective film and vehicle surface temperature should be 13-32°C (55-90°F) for best results.
2. Automatic car washes should be avoided for at least 24 hours after the paint protective film application.
3. Wipe the vehicle surface with isopropyl alcohol or flash naptha at the application area.
4. Dry the surface with a clean lint-free cloth.
5. Create a mixture of 25 percent isopropyl alcohol and 75 percent water and two drops of baby shampoo per 16 oz of fluid mixture.
6. Remove the backing liner from the protective film patch.
7. Use the solution to liberally spray the adhesive side of the protective patch, the mounting location along with your hands.
8. Position the paint protective film patch to the desired location on the vehicle.
9. Spray the surface of the film with the alcohol, water and soap solution.
10. Using a dampened squeegee, start at the center of the protective patch, working outward in order to remove the air and solution from under the protective patch.
11. Release any air bubbles with a pin.
12. Dry the surface with a clean, lint-free cotton cloth.

Stripes or Decals

1. Remove the front side door window belt reveal molding. Refer to «Front Side Door Window Belt Reveal Molding Replacement»(/cadillac/ats/i-2012-2014/remont/heated-glassdefoggers/#fixed-and-moveable-window-system) .
2. Remove the front side door window upper reveal molding. Refer to «Front Side Door Window Upper Reveal Molding Replacement»(/cadillac/ats/i-2012-2014/remont/heated-glassdefoggers/#fixed-and-moveable-window-system) .
3. Remove the front side door window weatherstrip from the rear applique area only. Refer to «Front Side Door Window Weatherstrip Replacement»(/cadillac/ats/i-2012-2014/remont/heated-glassdefoggers/#fixed-and-moveable-window-system) .

The stripes and decals adhere to a painted surface using pressure sensitive adhesive.

The use of a wetting solution aids the technician in lifting and positioning the stripe or decal during the installation. The wetting solution ensures a better bond between the stripe or decal and the panel assembly. Use a wetting solution when applying large stripe and decal packages.

Complete the following procedures before you apply a stripe or a decal

1. Metal repair or refinishing after a collision
2. Painting the underlying surface

Maintain a temperature 21-38°C (70-100°F) on the body surfaces and the decals prior to installation. The decal requires auxiliary heat sources in order to warm the body surfaces and decals. If the temperature is below 21°C (70°F) the decal may not adhere to the body surface properly.

Note. You may apply stripes or decals using the dry method. Use the wet method if the dry method does not result in a bubble free application. This may be the case in large graphics packages. Use the wet method in order to apply the stripes or decals that are applied on flexible surfaces (fascias, etc.). This will reduce the formation of bubbles under the decal due to the outgassing potential of the flexible materials.

Use the following equipment and materials in order to apply a stripe or a decal

1. A wetting solution - A foaming type of window cleaner that does not contain ammonia.
2. A silicone, wax and grease remover
3. Varnish Makers and Painters (VM&P) naphtha
4. Isopropyl alcohol
5. A squeegee 75-100 mm (3-4 in) wide Made of plastic or hard rubber Remove the burrs from any sharp or rough edges in order to prevent scratching of the stripe or decal.
6. A water bucket and sponge or spray bottle
7. Sandpaper 800 grit or finer Wet or dry type
8. A heat gun or heat lamp
9. A clean, lint-free wiping cloth
10. A sharp knife or razor blade
11. A pair of scissors
12. A fine pin or needle
13. A marking pencil

Stripe or Decal Removal

1. Remove the following components: Necessary moldings or trim panel Molding attaching clips Handles Sidemarker lamps Other stripe or decal overlapping parts
2. Clean the following areas as needed: The repair surfaces The adjacent panels The openings
3. Use 3M™ ScotchBrite molding adhesive remover disk 3M™ P/N 07501 or equivalent in order to remove the stripe or decal from the body panel.
4. Use Varnish Makers and Painters (VM&P) naphtha in order to remove all traces of adhesive residue from the painted surfaces.

Stripe or Decal Installation - Wet Method

1. Prepare the surface. NOTE: Remove any imperfections that would appear through the stripe or decal if the area has been refinished. Clean the painted surface using the following types of removers: Silicone Wax Grease
2. Clean the area where the stripe or decal will be applied using a 50/50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water.
3. Wipe the panel surface using a clean cloth while the solvent is still wet. Allow the panel surface to dry.
4. Apply the wetting solution to the area where you are installing the stripe or decal. Application of a soapy wetting solution on the top side of the stripe or decal will ease the pull of the squeegee on the stripe or decal and help to eliminate damage. NOTE: Do not touch the adhesive backing of the stripes. Apply the wetting solution on the adhesive side of the stripe or decal. Remove the backing material of the stripe or the decal as needed.
5. Apply the strip or decal to the panel. The wetting solution will allow movement for proper positioning on the panel surface.
6. Working from the center where possible, squeegee the stripe or decal into position. Apply additional wetting solution as needed in order to ease installation.
7. Apply heat to the stripe or decal at the recessed areas. Press the stripe or decal into the recess in order to obtain a firm bond.
8. Use adequate light reflection in order to inspect the stripe or decal from a critical angle. This technique detects any irregularities that may have developed during the installation. NOTE: Do not use a razor blade or a knife edge in order to pierce the air bubbles. Remove all air bubbles by piercing the bubble with one of the following items: A safety pin A needle A tool with the same size piercing tip
9. Pierce the bubble on the outer edge. Force the air out through the opposite edge using the blade of the squeegee.
10. Install any previously removed components. Clean the components as needed.

1. Install the front side door window weatherstrip from the rear applique area only. Refer to «Front Side Door Window Weatherstrip Replacement»(/cadillac/ats/i-2012-2014/remont/heated-glassdefoggers/#fixed-and-moveable-window-system) .
2. Install the front side door window upper reveal molding. Refer to «Front Side Door Window Upper Reveal Molding Replacement»(/cadillac/ats/i-2012-2014/remont/heated-glassdefoggers/#fixed-and-moveable-window-system) .
3. Install the front side door window belt reveal molding. Refer to «Front Side Door Window Belt Reveal Molding Replacement»(/cadillac/ats/i-2012-2014/remont/heated-glassdefoggers/#fixed-and-moveable-window-system) .

Scheme 7

Quarter Panel Tail Lamp Upper Molding Replacement

1. Remove the rear side door window belt reveal molding. Refer to «Rear Side Door Window Belt Reveal Molding Replacement»(/cadillac/ats/i-2012-2014/remont/heated-glassdefoggers/#fixed-and-moveable-window-system) .
2. Remove the rear side door window upper reveal molding. Refer to «Rear Side Door Window Upper Reveal Molding Replacement»(/cadillac/ats/i-2012-2014/remont/heated-glassdefoggers/#fixed-and-moveable-window-system) .
3. Remove the rear side door window weatherstrip from the rear applique area only. Refer to «Rear Side Door Window Weatherstrip Replacement»(/cadillac/ats/i-2012-2014/remont/heated-glassdefoggers/#fixed-and-moveable-window-system) .
4. Remove the rear side door window weatherstrip-door side from the rear applique area only. Refer to «Rear Side Door Weatherstrip Replacement - Door Side»(/cadillac/ats/i-2012-2014/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#bolted-exterior-body-panels-and-closures) .

The stripes and decals adhere to a painted surface using pressure sensitive adhesive.

The use of a wetting solution aids the technician in lifting and positioning the stripe or decal during the installation. The wetting solution ensures a better bond between the stripe or decal and the panel assembly. Use a wetting solution when applying large stripe and decal packages.

Complete the following procedures before you apply a stripe or a decal

1. Metal repair or refinishing after a collision
2. Painting the underlying surface

Maintain a temperature 21-38°C (70-100°F) on the body surfaces and the decals prior to installation. The decal requires auxiliary heat sources in order to warm the body surfaces and decals. If the temperature is below 21°C (70°F) the decal may not adhere to the body surface properly.

Note. You may apply stripes or decals using the dry method. Use the wet method if the dry method does not result in a bubble free application. This may be the case in large graphics packages. Use the wet method in order to apply the stripes or decals that are applied on flexible surfaces (fascias, etc.). This will reduce the formation of bubbles under the decal due to the outgassing potential of the flexible materials.

Use the following equipment and materials in order to apply a stripe or a decal

1. A wetting solution A foaming type of window cleaner that does not contain ammonia.
2. A silicone, wax and grease remover
3. Varnish Makers and Painters (VM&P) naphtha
4. Isopropyl alcohol
5. A squeegee 75-100 mm (3-4 in) wide Made of plastic or hard rubber Remove the burrs from any sharp or rough edges in order to prevent scratching of the stripe or decal.
6. A water bucket and sponge or spray bottle
7. Sandpaper 800 grit or finer Wet or dry type
8. A heat gun or heat lamp
9. A clean, lint-free wiping cloth
10. A sharp knife or razor blade
11. A pair of scissors
12. A fine pin or needle
13. A marking pencil

1. Remove the following components: Necessary moldings or trim panel Molding attaching clips Handles Sidemarker lamps Other stripe or decal overlapping parts
2. Clean the following areas as needed: The repair surfaces The adjacent panels The openings
3. Use 3M™ ScotchBrite molding adhesive remover disk 3M™ P/N 07501 or equivalent in order to remove the stripe or decal from the body panel.
4. Use Varnish Makers and Painters (VM&P) naphtha in order to remove all traces of adhesive residue from the painted surfaces.

1. Prepare the surface. NOTE: Remove any imperfections that would appear through the stripe or decal if the area has been refinished. Clean the painted surface using the following types of removers: Silicone Wax Grease
2. Clean the area where the stripe or decal will be applied using a 50/50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water.
3. Wipe the panel surface using a clean cloth while the solvent is still wet. Allow the panel surface to dry.
4. Apply the wetting solution to the area where you are installing the stripe or decal. Application of a soapy wetting solution on the top side of the stripe or decal will ease the pull of the squeegee on the stripe or decal and help to eliminate damage. NOTE: Do not touch the adhesive backing of the stripes. Apply the wetting solution on the adhesive side of the stripe or decal. Remove the backing material of the stripe or the decal as needed.
5. Apply the strip or decal to the panel. The wetting solution will allow movement for proper positioning on the panel surface.
6. Working from the center where possible, squeegee the stripe or decal into position. Apply additional wetting solution as needed in order to ease installation.
7. Apply heat to the stripe or decal at the recessed areas. Press the stripe or decal into the recess in order to obtain a firm bond.
8. Use adequate light reflection in order to inspect the stripe or decal from a critical angle. This technique detects any irregularities that may have developed during the installation. NOTE: Do not use a razor blade or a knife edge in order to pierce the air bubbles. Remove all air bubbles by piercing the bubble with one of the following items: A safety pin A needle A tool with the same size piercing tip
9. Pierce the bubble on the outer edge. Force the air out through the opposite edge using the blade of the squeegee.
10. Install any previously removed components. Clean the components as needed.

1. Install the rear side door window weatherstrip-door side from the rear applique area only. Refer to «Rear Side Door Weatherstrip Replacement - Door Side»(/cadillac/ats/i-2012-2014/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#bolted-exterior-body-panels-and-closures) .
2. Install the rear side door window weatherstrip from the rear applique area only. Refer to «Rear Side Door Window Weatherstrip Replacement»(/cadillac/ats/i-2012-2014/remont/heated-glassdefoggers/#fixed-and-moveable-window-system) .
3. Install the rear side door window upper reveal molding. Refer to «Rear Side Door Window Upper Reveal Molding Replacement»(/cadillac/ats/i-2012-2014/remont/heated-glassdefoggers/#fixed-and-moveable-window-system) .
4. Install the rear side door window belt reveal molding. Refer to «Rear Side Door Window Belt Reveal Molding Replacement»(/cadillac/ats/i-2012-2014/remont/heated-glassdefoggers/#fixed-and-moveable-window-system) .

Scheme 8

Front Fog Lamp Bezel Replacement

Scheme 9

Front Bumper Fascia Front Tow Hook Access Hole Cover Replacement

Scheme 10

Rear Bumper Fascia Tow Hook Access Hole Cover Replacement

Scheme 11

Rear Compartment Lid Emblem/Nameplate Replacement

Scheme 12

Rear Compartment Lid Nameplate Replacement (ATS)

Scheme 13

Rear Compartment Lid Nameplate Replacement (ATS4)

Scheme 14

Rear Compartment Lid Engine Nameplate Replacement (3.6)

Scheme 15

Rear Compartment Lid Engine Nameplate Replacement (2.0T)

Scheme 16

Radiator Grille Water Deflector Replacement - Upper

Scheme 17

Radiator Grille Water Deflector Replacement - Lower

Scheme 18

Front Upper Grille Replacement

Scheme 19

Front Lower Grille Replacement

Scheme 20

Rocker Panel Molding Replacement

See also:
• Exterior Trim Emblem Removal Caution
• Front Side Door Window Belt Reveal Molding Replacement
• Rear Side Door Weatherstrip Replacement - Door Side
• Front Wheelhouse Liner Replacement
• Daytime Running Lamp Replacement
• Front Bumper Fascia Replacement
• Fastener Caution
• Eye Protection Warning
• Radiator Grille Water Deflector Replacement - Upper