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:

    Switches - removal and refitting
    General 1 Disconnect the battery negative terminal before removing any switches. Pre-1986 models Wiper delay switch 2 Remove the switch knob and the bezel nut. 3 Withdraw the switch through the ...

    Heater motor/fan - removal and refitting
    Removal 1 Open the bonnet, disconnect the battery and pull off the rubber seal which seals the air inlet duct to the bonnet lid when the lid is closed. 2 Prise off the five spring clips from the ...

    Rear stub axle carrier Saloon and Estate models) - removal and refitting
    Removal 1 Raise and support the rear of the car on stands (see “Jacking and Vehicle Support”). Remove the roadwheel. 2 Remove the rear hub as described in Section 9. 3 Remove the rear brake shoe ...