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:

    Pistons and connecting rods - removal and refitting
    Note: New connecting rod bolts and a new oil pick-up pipe gasket must be used on refitting. Removal 1 Remove the sump and the cylinder head. 2 Unscrew the two securing bolts, and remove the oil p ...

    Engine/automatic transmission assembly - reconnection and refitting
    1 Reverse the procedure described in Section 11, noting the following points. 2 Check that the engine adapter plate is correctly positioned on its locating dowels. 3 As the torque converter is onl ...

    Rear suspension lower arm (Saloon, Hatchback and Estate models) - removal and refitting
    Models with rear drum brakes Removal 1 Chock the front wheels, jack up the rear of the vehicle and support on axle stands placed under the side members. 2 Remove the relevant driveshaft. 3 Remov ...