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:

    Manual gearbox oil level check (Every 12 000 miles (20 000 km) or 12 months)
    1 Place the vehicle over a pit, or raise and support it at front and rear. The vehicle must be level for an accurate check. 2 If the gearbox is hot after a run, allow it to cool for a few minutes. ...

    Load apportioning valve (anti-lock braking system) - removal and refitting
    Note: Before starting work, refer to the warning at the beginning of Section 3 concerning the dangers of hydraulic fluid. Removal 1 Raise the car on a hoist or drive the rear of the car up on ram ...

    Thermo-time switch - removal and refitting
    Removal 1 Disconnect the battery negative lead. 2 Drain the cooling system as described in Chapter 1. 3 Raise the front of the car and support it on axle stands (see “Jacking and Vehicle Support ...