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:

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    1 Simply pull the oil filler cap from the rocker cover and, where applicable, disconnect the hose(s) from the cap. 2 Inspect the filler cap, and if necessary clean the cap using clean petrol to re ...

    Headlining - removal and refitting
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    Rear tie-bar (Saloon and Estate models) - removal and refitting
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