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:

    Automatic transmission fluid level check (Every 12 000 miles (20 000 km) or 12 months)
    1 Fluid level should be checked with the transmission at operating temperature (after a run) and with the vehicle parked on level ground. 2 Open and prop the bonnet. With the engine idling and th ...

    Engine/transmission - reconnection and installation
    1 This is a direct reversal of removal and separation from the transmission. Take care not to damage the radiator or front wings during installation. Reconnection 2 Reconnection of the engine and ...

    Carburettor (Weber 2V TLD) - removal and refitting
    Caution: Refer to the precautions in Section 1 before proceeding. Note: A new gasket must be used when refitting the carburettor. A tachometer and an exhaust gas analyser will be required to chec ...