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:

    Light laden valve (Van models) - adjustment, removal and refitting
    1 The light laden valve used on Van models is a pressure regulating valve which reacts to suspension height according to vehicle load. The valve is mounted on the underside of the vehicle above th ...

    Handbrake lever - removal and refitting
    Removal 1 Chock the front wheels, raise and support the vehicle at the rear using stands (see “Jacking and Vehicle Support”) then release the handbrake. 2 Working underneath, extract the spring c ...

    Facia panels - removal and refitting
    Models up to 1992 1 Note the locations of the facia panel securing screws (see illustration). 43.1 Facia panel securing screw locations (arrowed) A Upper facia panel B Passenger side lower faci ...