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:

    Radio aerial (exteriormounted) - removal and refitting
    1 On models fitted with an electric aerial, disconnect the battery negative lead. Saloon and Estate models 2 Remove the right-hand side trim panel from the luggage compartment. 3 Working outside ...

    Speedometer cable - removal and refitting
    Removal 1 Disconnect the battery and remove the instrument panel as described in Section 9. 2 Disconnect the cable from the transmission and release it from its clips and grommet. 3 Withdraw the ...

    Fuel computer components - removal and refitting
    Computer unit Removal 1 Disconnect the battery negative terminal. 2 Undo the two instrument panel bezel retaining screws and ease the bezel out to release the lower clips. 3 Withdraw the compute ...