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:

    Interior trim panels - removal and refitting
    Rear quarter trim panel Removal 1 Unbolt the seat belt from its floor mounting. 2 Pass the belt buckle slide through the panel aperture. 3 Pull the seat cushion and backrest forward. 4 Extract t ...

    Fuel pump - removal and refitting
    The fuel pump is integral with the fuel level sender unit in the fuel tank. Removal and refitting are as described in Part C of this Chapter for models with the CFI system. ...

    Driveshaft check (Every 12 000 miles or 12 months)
    1 Carry out a thorough inspection of the driveshafts and joints as follows. 2 Jack up the front of the car and support it securely on axle stands (see “Jacking and Vehicle Support”). 3 Slowly rot ...