General information (Straightening): General information

Body repairs often involve the removal of mechanical and electrical units and associated wiring. Where necessary, refer to the relevant section of the Workshop Manual for removal and refitting instructions.

Taking into consideration the differences in body styles, suspension systems and engine and transmission layouts, the location of the following components as applicable to a particular vehicle is critical: l Front suspension upper damper mountings on RH and LH chassis longitudinals. l Front suspension or sub frame mountings. l Engine mountings on RH and LH chassis longitudinals. l Rear suspension upper damper mountings on RH and LH chassis longitudinals. l Rear suspension mountings or lower pivots.

Additional points which can be used to check alignment and assembly are: l Inner holes in cross member - side - main floor. l Holes in front bulkhead. l Holes in rear longitudinals. l Holes in rear lower panels.

Apertures for windscreen, rear screen, bonnet and doors can be measured and checked using the dimensional information provided and also by offering up an undamaged component as a gauge.

Straightening

Whenever possible, structural members should be cold straightened under tension. Do not attempt to straighten with a single pull but rework the damaged area using a series of pulls, releasing tension between each stage and using the opportunity to check alignment.

Body jig

Unless damage is limited to cosmetic panels, all repair work to body members must be carried out on a body jig, to ensure that impact damage has not spread into more remote parts of the structure. Mounting on a jig will also ensure that the straightening and panel replacement procedures do not cause further distortion.

If original dimensions cannot be satisfactorily restored by these methods, damaged structural members should be replaced. Damaged areas should be cut away using a high speed saw, NOT an oxy-acetylene torch.

As a rule, body dimensions are symmetrical about the centre line. A good initial check for distortion is therefore to measure diagonally and to investigate apparent differences in dimensions.

Inspection

Every accident produces individual variations in damage. Each repair is influenced by the extent of the damage and the facilities and equipment available for its rectification.

Most accident damage can be visually inspected and the approximate extent of damage assessed. Sometimes deformation will extend beyond the directly damaged area, and the severity of this must be accurately established so that steps can be taken to restore critical body components to their original dimensions. An initial check can be carried out by means of drop checks or, preferably, trammels. Gauges are available which will accurately check for body twist.