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:

    Starter motor - removal and refitting
    Removal 1 Apply the handbrake, jack up the front of the vehicle and support on axle stands (see “Jacking and Vehicle Support”). 2 Disconnect the battery negative lead. 3 Working underneath the ve ...

    Headlamps - alignment
    1 It is recommended that the headlamp alignment is carried out by a Ford dealer using specialist beam setting equipment. However, in an emergency the following procedure will provide an acceptable ...

    Ignition system component check (Every 6000 miles or 6 months)
    1 Where applicable, remove the distributor cap and thoroughly clean it inside and out with a dry lint-free cloth. Examine the four HT lead segments inside the cap. If the segments appear badly bur ...