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:

    Engine/transmission - removal and separation
    Note: Suitable lifting tackle will be required for this operation. Carburettor engines Removal 1 The engine is removed complete with the transmission in a downward direction and then withdrawn f ...

    Brake hydraulic fluid renewal (Every 36 000 miles (60 000 km) or 3 years)
    1 An assistant and bleeding equipment will be needed. A considerable quantity of hydraulic fluid will be required - probably about 2 litres (nearly half a gallon). 2 Slacken the front wheel nuts. ...

    Fuses, relays and circuit breakers - general information
    Pre-1986 models 1 The fuses and most of the relays are located in a plastic box attached to the bulkhead on the driver’s side of the engine compartment. 2 The fuses are numbered to identify the ...