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:

    Headlining - removal and refitting
    Saloon, Hatchback and Estate models 1 On Saloons, remove the rear seat back. 2 Loosen the upper screws of all the pillar trim panels touching the headlining. 3 Prise off the covers and remove the ...

    Engine idle speed check (Every 6000 miles (10 000 km) or 6 months)
    Caution: Refer to the precautions in Section 1, Chapter 4, Part A or B (as applicable), before proceeding. Before carrying out any carburettor adjustments, ensure that the ignition timing and sp ...

    Speedometer cable - removal and refitting
    Removal 1 On models fitted with a trip computer, remove the speed sender unit. 2 Remove the instrument panel. 3 Pull the cable through the bulkhead into the engine compartment, and where applicab ...