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:

    Weber 2V carburettor automatic choke unit - removal, checking and refitting
    XR3 models Removal 1 Remove the air cleaner (Section 2). 2 Disconnect the electrical lead to the automatic choke. 3 Undo the three choke housing cover retaining screws, withdraw the cover and bi ...

    Ignition system component check (Every 24 000 miles (40 000 km) or 2 years)
    1 Before disturbing any part of the ignition system, disconnect the battery negative lead. 2 Identify and clearly mark all HT leads before disconnecting them from the spark plugs. 3 Refer to the a ...

    Doors - removal and refitting
    Front door Pre-1986 models Removal 1 Open the door fully and support its lower edge on a jack or blocks covered with a pad of cloth to prevent scratching. 2 Unscrew the two bolts which hold the ...