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:

    Alternator drivebelt check (Every 6000 miles or 6 months)
    1 A conventional vee drivebelt is used to drive both the alternators and water pump pulleys on OHV and HCS engines, and the alternator pulley only on CVH engines, power being transmitted via a pul ...

    Front suspension lower arm inner pivot bush - renewal
    1 To improve access, raise the front of the vehicle on ramps. Apply the handbrake. 2 Unscrew and remove the nut, washer and pivot bolt securing the relevant lower arm to the crossmember. 3 Remove ...

    Engine/transmission mountings - removal and refitting
    Pre-1986 models 1 The engine mountings can be removed if the weight of the engine/transmission is first taken by one of the three following methods. 2 Either support the engine under the sump usi ...