General description

The body is of welded steel construction available in 3 or 5-door Hatchback, 3 or 5- door Estate, soft-top Cabriolet, or Van configurations.

The body is of monocoque construction and is of energy-absorbing design.

Rust and corrosion protection is applied to all new vehicles and includes zinc phosphate dipping and wax injection of box sections and door interiors.

All body panels are welded, including the front wings, so it is recommended that major body damage repairs are left to your dealer.

    See also:

    Hydraulic pipes and hoses - renewal
    Note: Before starting work, refer to the warning at the beginning of Section 3 concerning the dangers of hydraulic fluid. 1 Always disconnect a flexible hose by prising out the spring anchor clip ...

    Crankshaft rear oil seal - renewal
    1 Remove the flywheel/driveplate. 2 Prise out the oil seal. If necessary, drill the outer face of the oil seal and use self-tapping screws and a pair of grips to withdraw the seal (see illustratio ...

    Front tie-bar - removal and refitting
    Pre-May 1983 1.1 litre models Removal 1 Jack up the front of the car and support it on stands (see “Jacking and Vehicle Support”). 2 Unscrew and remove the nut which holds the tie-bar to the larg ...