INFORMATION
2
BODY REPAIRS
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.