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:

    Steering column lock - removal and refitting
    Note: For ignition switch removal see Chapter 5. A new shear-bolt will be required on refitting. Removal 1 To remove the ignition switch/column lock, the shear-head bolt must be drilled out. 2 A ...

    Bonnet lock release cable - removal and refitting
    Removal 1 Working inside the vehicle, remove the three retaining screws, and withdraw the lower steering column shroud. 2 Remove the retaining screw, and withdraw the release cable bracket from t ...

    Deceleratio sensitive valve (all models with conventional braking system) - removal and refitting
    Caution: Refer to the precautions in Section 1. Removal 1 The deceleration sensitive valve is located on the left-hand side of the engine compartment (see illustrations). 23.1a Early type decele ...