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:

    Roadwheel check (Every 12 000 miles or 12 months)
    Check the wheel rims for distortion, damage and excessive run-out. Also make sure that the balance weights are secure with no obvious signs that any are missing. Check the torque of the wheel bolt ...

    Exterior lamps - removal and refitting
    Headlamp Removal 1 On pre-1986 models, remove the radiator grille as described in Chapter 11. 2 Working in the engine compartment, disconnect the headlamp wiring multi-plug and remove the sidela ...

    Heater controls - removal and refitting
    Removal 1 Disconnect the battery negative lead. 2 Remove the securing screws and unclip the lower and upper steering column shrouds. 3 Remove the four securing screws and withdraw the instrument ...