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 ...
