General description

The body is of welded steel construction available in 3 or 5-door Hatchback, 3 or 5- door Estate, soft-top Cabriolet, or Van configurations.

The body is of monocoque construction and is of energy-absorbing design.

Rust and corrosion protection is applied to all new vehicles and includes zinc phosphate dipping and wax injection of box sections and door interiors.

All body panels are welded, including the front wings, so it is recommended that major body damage repairs are left to your dealer.

    See also:

    Radiator fan thermal switch - testing, removal and refitting
    Testing 1 The thermal switch is located on the side of the thermostat housing on early OHV engine models and in the thermostat housing cover on later OHV versions. On all CVH engines, the switch ...

    Door trim panel - removal and refitting
    Pre-1986 models Removal 1 On Ghia versions only, remove the panel capping by carefully prising out the retaining clips using a forked tool. This can easily be made from a piece of scrap metal. 2 ...

    Major operations requiring engine removal
    The following work can only be carried out after removal of the engine from the car: a) Crankshaft main bearings - renewal . b) Crankshaft - removal and refitting. c) Flywheel - removal and refitt ...