Range Rover Classic
76
CHASSIS AND BODY
2
REPAIR
Spot welding
1. Spot welding is mainly used in the manufacture
of the Range-Rover inner steel body frame and
exterior magnesium-aluminium alloy panels, and
is a process which can be carried out
satisfactorily by the use of the proper apparatus
in a specialist body shop. Aluminium and its
alloys are very good conductors of heat and
electricity, and thus it is most important to
maintain the right conditions for successful spot
welding. The correct current density must be
maintained, and so must the ’dwell’ of the
electrodes. Special spot welding machines have
been developed, but they are expensive, and
though the actual work can be carried out by
comparatively unskilled labour, supervision and
machine maintenance must be in the hands of
properly qualified persons.
Riveting
1. Where both sides of the metal are accessible
and it is possible to use an anvil or ’dolly’ solid
aluminium rivets may be used, with a suitable
punch or ’pop’ to ensure clean rounded head on
the work. For riveting blind holes, ’pop-rivets’
must be used. These are inserted and closed by
special ’Lazy-Tong’ ’pop-rivet’ pliers.
PAINTWORK
General Information
Before undertaking any paintwork process on the
exterior body of Range Rover, firstly ascertain which
is the best method of repair either by panel repair or
replacement.
The initial preparation of a panel is very important to
ensure that when finished it is of a standard that
meets and matches existing bodywork. Panels must
be thoroughly degreased with Berger Preclean
802.0516 or a suitable equivalent, any unsound paint
to be stripped using Berger Double strength Meltic
301.8051. Always refer to the paint manufacturers
instructions.
Paintwork processes should be performed by a
specialist bodyshop where paint spraying can be
undertaken in a controlled environment whereby
temperatures are kept constant and the atmosphere
dust free.
The flow chart on the following page gives a guide to
preparing and painting a panel. Wherever possible
refer to the Berger Vehicle Refinishes Product Data
and Application Sheets for further information.