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:

    Radiator - removal, inspection and refitting
    All models except RS Turbo Pre-1986 models Removal 1 Drain the cooling system as described in Chapter 1. 2 Disconnect the battery negative terminal. 3 Release the retaining clips and disconnect ...

    Oil pump - removal and refitting
    Note: New oil pump and oil pick-up tube gaskets should be used when refitting. Removal 1 With the engine removed, proceed as follows. 2 Remove the timing belt, crankshaft sprocket and thrustwash ...

    Instrument panel components - removal and refitting
    1 Remove the instrument panel. Panel illumination and warning lamp bulbs 2 Twist the relevant bulbholder anticlockwise and withdraw it from the printed circuit board on the rear of the instrument ...