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:
Air conditioning system - component renewal
1 Only those items which can be renewed
without discharging the system are described
here (see illustration). Other items must be
dealt with by a Ford dealer or air conditioning
specialist.
21. ...
Fuel tank - removal and refitting
Caution: Refer to the
precautions in Section 1 before
proceeding.
1 Run the fuel level as low as possible before
removing the tank.
2 Disconnect the battery negative lead.
3 Remove the tank fill ...
Maintenance - bodywork, underside and fittings
The general condition of a vehicle’s
bodywork is the one thing that significantly
affects its value. Maintenance is easy but
needs to be regular. Neglect, particularly after
minor damage, can lead ...
