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:

    Exhaust emission control system components - removal and refitting
    Carburettor engines Spark delay/sustain valve Removal 1 Disconnect the vacuum lines at the valve and remove the valve from the engine. Refitting 2 When refitting a spark delay valve it must be ...

    Bonnet lock release cable - removal and refitting
    Removal 1 Working inside the vehicle, remove the three retaining screws, and withdraw the lower steering column shroud. 2 Remove the retaining screw, and withdraw the release cable bracket from t ...

    Rear brake shoe lining check (Every 6000 miles or 6 months)
    1 Due to the fact that the rear brake drums are combined with the hubs, which makes removal of the drums more complicated than is the case with detachable drums, inspection of the shoe linings can ...