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:

    Automatic transmission selector mechanism check (Every 12 000 miles or 12 months)
    Carry out a thorough road test, ensuring that all gearchanges occur smoothly without snatching, and without an increase in engine speed between changes. Check that all gear positions can be engage ...

    Cab interior trim panels (P100 models) - removal and refitting
    Side trim panel 1 Remove the rear pillar trim panel. 2 Remove the side trim panel by prising out the four expander pins from the clips, then pulling out the clips and withdrawing the panel. 3 Re ...

    Fuel tank - removal and refitting
    The procedure is as described in Part A of this Chapter for carburettor engines. ...