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:

    Clock - removal and refitting
    Facia mounted clock Removal 1 Remove the instrument panel (Section 9). 2 Undo the screws around the edge of the instrument panel at the rear and separate the two panel halves. 3 Undo the nuts an ...

    Bumper - removal and refitting
    Front bumper Models up to 1987 1 Remove the radiator grille panel. 2 Disconnect the battery negative lead, then disconnect the wiring plugs from the indicators, and where applicable the foglamps ...

    Maintenance - upholstery and carpets
    Mats and carpets should be brushed or vacuum cleaned regularly to keep them free of grit. If they are badly stained remove them from the vehicle for scrubbing or sponging and make quite sure they ...