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:

    Heater motor/fan - removal and refitting
    Removal 1 Open the bonnet, disconnect the battery and pull off the rubber seal which seals the air inlet duct to the bonnet lid when the lid is closed. 2 Prise off the five spring clips from the ...

    Air cleaner inlet air temperature control check (Every 24 000 miles (40 000 km) or 2 years)
    SOHC and DOHC carburettor models 1 A vacuum pump will be required to test the control components. 2 To check the operation of the air temperature control, the engine must be cold. First observe ...

    Front foglamps - removal and refitting
    1 Disconnect the battery negative lead. Models up to 1987 2 Remove the relevant front direction indicator lamp unit. 3 Release the retaining catch on the inside edge of the lamp, then withdraw th ...