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 wheel - removal and refitting
    Removal 1 Set the front wheels in the straight-ahead position. 2 Prise the trim insert from the centre of the steering wheel, and where applicable, disconnect the horn electrical lead(s) (see il ...

    Door inner trim panel - removal and refitting
    Front door Models up to 1987 1 On models with manually-operated windows, prise the cover from the window regulator handle, note the position of the handle with the window fully shut, then remove ...

    Radiator - removal and refitting
    Removal 1 Disconnect the battery negative lead. 2 Drain the cooling system. 3 If not already done, disconnect the bottom hose from the radiator. 4 Disconnect the top hose and the expansion tank ...