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:

    Windscreen, rear window and fixed rear quarter windows - removal and refitting
    Removal 1 With the exception of the cab rear window on P100 models, all fixed glass panels are direct glazed to the body using a special adhesive. Special tools are required to remove the old gla ...

    Sump - removal and refitting
    Note: New gaskets and sealing strips must be used on refitting. Removal 1 Disconnect the battery negative lead and drain the engine oil (see Chapter 1). 2 Refer to Chapter 5, Part A and remove th ...

    Crankshaft and main bearings - removal and refitting
    Removal 1 With the engine removed from the vehicle, remove the timing belt, crankshaft sprocket, auxiliary shaft sprocket and the flywheel/driveplate. 2 Remove the pistons and connecting rods. If ...