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:

    Headlamp unit - removal and refitting
    1 Disconnect the battery negative lead. 2 Remove the radiator grille panel. Models up to 1987 3 Disconnect the headlamp wiring plug(s) see illustration). 41.3 Disconnect the headlamp wiring plu ...

    Instrument panel - removal and refitting
    Pre-1986 models Removal 1 Disconnect the battery negative terminal. 2 Extract the screws and pull the instrument panel bezel from the panel. The two clips at the base of the bezel will release by ...

    Bulbs
    Replacing exterior bulbs Check the operation of all the bulbs frequently. Using the right bulbs Replacement bulbs are specified in the chart below. Headlamp bulbs must be marked with an authorized ...