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:
Steering wheel - removal and refitting
Removal
1 Set the front wheels in the straight-ahead
position.
2 Prise the trim insert from the centre of the
steering wheel, and where applicable,
disconnect the horn electrical lead(s) (see
il ...
Brake disc - examination, removal and refitting
Note: From 1987, thicker brake discs were
fitted. If the later discs are fitted to earlier
models, longer wheel studs must be fitted to
accommodate the increased thickness.
Consult a dealer for fu ...
Maintenance - bodywork, underside and fittings
The general condition of a vehicle’s
bodywork is the one thing that significantly
affects its value. Maintenance is easy but
needs to be regular. Neglect, particularly after
minor damage, can lead ...
