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:

    Exhaust manifold - removal and refitting
    Removal 1 Disconnect the battery negative lead. 2 Remove the air cleaner and pull the hot air pick-up pipe from the exhaust manifold hot air shroud. 3 Remove the securing screws (1 screw on DOHC ...

    Rear drum brake shoes - inspection and renewal
    Caution: Refer to the precautions in Section 1 1 The shoe friction material can be inspected for wear without removing the roadwheels. Working beneath the vehicle, prise the plug from the brake b ...

    Load apportioning valve (P100 models) - adjustment
    Models before mid-April 1989 1 The vehicle must be unladen, at normal kerb weight (a full tank of petrol, but no driver or load). 2 With the vehicle standing on its roadwheels, remove the spring ...