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:

    Throttle cable - adjustment, removal and refitting
    Adjustment The procedure is the same as described in Part A of this Chapter for carburettor engines, except that the cable adjuster is situated in a bracket alongside the throttle housing. Remova ...

    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 ...

    Cylinder head - removal and refitting (engine removed)
    Note: Up to early 1984, splined type cylinder head bolts were used, and from early 1984, size T55 Torx bolts were used. Torx type bolts must always be renewed after slackening. The two types of bo ...