Major body damage - repair

Where serious damage has occurred or large areas need renewal due to neglect, it means that completely new sections or panels will need welding in, and this is best left to professionals. If the damage is due to impact, it will also be necessary to completely check the alignment of the bodyshell structure. Due to the principle of construction, the strength and shape of the whole car can be affected by damage to one part. In such instances the service of a dealer with specialist checking jigs are essential. If a body is left misaligned, it is first of all dangerous, as the car will not handle properly, and secondly uneven stresses will be imposed on the steering, engine and transmission, causing abnormal wear or complete failure. Tyre wear may also be excessive.

    See also:

    Final drive oil level check (Every 12 000 miles (20 000 km) or 12 months)
    1 Check the final drive oil level as follows. 2 Position the vehicle over a pit, or raise it at front and rear on ramps or axle stands. The vehicle must be level. 3 Wipe clean around the final dri ...

    Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) - removal and refitting
    Removal Note: During this procedure, ensure that the sensor wiper is not rotated beyond its normal operating arc 1 Disconnect the battery negative lead. 2 Disconnect the wiring plug from the sens ...

    Door inner trim panel - removal and refitting
    Front door Models up to 1987 1 On models with manually-operated windows, prise the cover from the window regulator handle, note the position of the handle with the window fully shut, then remove ...