Dodge Nitro. Manual - part 379

Fig. 8: Fabricating Panel 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

A patch can be fabricated from any rigid fiberglass panel that has comparable contour with the repair area. Lift 
gates and fenders can be used to supply patch material. If existing material is not available or compatible, a 
patch can be constructed with adhesive and reinforcement mesh (dry wall tape). Perform the following 
operation if required: 

1. Cover waxed paper or plastic with adhesive backed nylon mesh (dry wall tape) larger than the patch 

required.  

2. Tape waxed paper or plastic sheet with mesh to a surface that has a compatible contour to the repair area. 

3. Apply a liberal coat of adhesive over the reinforcement mesh. If necessary apply a second or third coat of 

adhesive and mesh after first coat has cured. The thickness of the patch should be the same as the repair 
area.  

4. After patch has cured, peel waxed paper or plastic from the back of the patch.  

5. If desired, a thin film coat of adhesive can be applied to the back of the patch to cover mesh for added 

1 - STRUCTURAL ADHESIVE
2 - FIBERGLASS CLOTH OR FIBERGLASS MESH TAPE
3 - WIDTH OF V-GROOVE
4 - WAXED PAPER

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ACCESSORIES AND EQUIPMENT Body - Nitro

  

strength.  

PANEL PATCH INSTALLATION 

Fig. 9: Securing Support Squares to Body Panel 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

1. Make a paper or cardboard pattern the size and shape of the cutout hole in the panel.  

2. Trim 3 mm (0.125 in.) from edges of pattern so patch will have a gap between connecting surfaces.  

3. Using the pattern as a guide, cut the patch to size.  

4. Cut scrap pieces of patch material into 50 mm (2 in.) squares to use as patch supports to sustain the patch 

in the cutout.  

5. Drill 4 mm (0.160 in.) holes 13 mm (0.5 in.) in from edge of cutout hole.  

6. Drill 4 mm (0.160 in.) holes 13 mm (0.5 in.) away from edge of patch across from holes drilled around 

1 - SUPPORT SQUARES
2 - SCREWS
3 - DAMAGED BODY PANEL

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ACCESSORIES AND EQUIPMENT Body - Nitro

  

cutout.  

7. Drill 3 mm (0.125 in.) holes in the support squares 13 mm (0.5 in.) from the edge in the center of one 

side.  

8. Scuff the backside of the body panel around the cutout hole with a scuff pad or sandpaper.  

9. Mix enough adhesive to cover one side of all support squares.  

10. Apply adhesive to cover one side of all support squares.  

11. Using number 8 sheet metal screws, secure support squares to back side of body panel with adhesive 

sandwiched between the panel and squares. 

Fig. 10: Positioning Patch In Cutout and Aligning 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

12. Position patch in cutout against support squares and adjust patch until the gap is equal along all sides.  

13. Drill 3 mm (0.125 in.) holes in the support squares through the pre-drilled holes in the patch. 

1 - CUTOUT
2 - SUPPORT SQUARES

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ACCESSORIES AND EQUIPMENT Body - Nitro

  

Fig. 11: Applying Adhesive to Support Squares 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

14. Apply a coat of adhesive to the exposed ends of the support squares. 

1 - APPLICATOR
2 - SUPPORT SQUARES
3 - ADHESIVE

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ACCESSORIES AND EQUIPMENT Body - Nitro