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:

    Front brake disc - inspection, removal and refitting
    Note: Before starting work, refer to the warning at the beginning of Section 2 concerning the dangers of asbestos dust. Inspection 1 Fully apply the handbrake then loosen the front roadwheel bolt ...

    Front direction indicator lamp unit - removal and refitting
    1 Disconnect the battery negative lead. Models up to 1987 Low specification 2 Push the lamp unit rearwards into the bumper until the plastic retaining tang is heard to click in the locked positio ...

    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 ...