Freelander Service Procedures
PANEL REPAIRS
77-2-2
BODY REPAIRS
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.
Where repairs necessitate renewal of a critical body component it is recommended that a body jig is used.
