Repair of the body with its significant damage, as well as the replacement of the windshield and rear windows require a fairly high qualification of the performer, it is recommended to entrust their implementation to the service station specialists. The hood, tailgate, doors and front fenders - the body parts most vulnerable to accidents - are bolted and can be easily replaced.
When installing new structural elements, it is necessary to monitor the preservation of the uniformity of the mating gaps. A violation of the uniformity of the gap width by a value of not more than 1 mm is allowed.
Note: If work on the electrical system is also carried out as part of the work on the body (even if it's a simple disconnection of some electrical wire) be sure to disconnect the battery (see chapter 5).
If necessary, a plastic wedge must be used to remove trim elements of body elements. Clamps and clips that are damaged when trim panels are removed must be replaced. If possible, it is better to replace all removed plastic fasteners.
Of great importance for keeping the elements of the body in good condition and maintaining a respectable appearance of the car is the current care. The maintenance procedures are extremely simple, but must be performed on a regular basis. Neglecting the smallest mechanical damage and paintwork defects can lead to the rapid development of corrosion and the need for costly body repairs. It is also important to regularly check the condition of hidden surfaces and parts, such as wheel arches, the lower part of the bulkheads of the engine compartment, etc.
It is necessary to periodically carry out a complete wash of the car, cleaning the bottom and the structural elements located under it. During the next scheduled maintenance, inspect all body elements to identify defects, violations of the anti-corrosion coating and eliminate them in a timely manner. It will not be superfluous to use modern car care products - while strictly following the instructions given in the accompanying instructions for each specific product.
Safety instructions for body work
a) In order to avoid triggering elements of the additional security system (SRS) as a result of shaking when performing leveling, etc. work, be sure to turn off the ignition and disconnect both wires from the battery terminals. see also Chapter 10, Section 11;
b) Where welding is required, spot welding should be used. If access to the elements to be welded with welding tongs is not possible, then welding in a shielding gas environment should be used. When carrying out welding work, it is also mandatory to disconnect or completely remove the battery (see chapter 5);
c) On models equipped with an air conditioning system, it is forbidden to perform soldering and welding when the system is filled with refrigerant, if the elements of the A/C system may heat up during the performance of these works. See also security measures in Chapter 3, Section 1;
d) When performing painting or other works to restore the body coating, in order to avoid failure of electrical wiring and electronic systems, as well as destruction of the A/C system due to pressure increase, do not allow the car to heat up in the drying chamber above +80°C.
e) The PVC coating applied to the bottom of the body to protect against corrosion, if necessary, should be removed either with a special metal cheek mounted on a drill, or with a spatula after preheating with a special hairdryer. Care must be taken - heating the coating to a temperature of +180°C and above will lead to the formation of hydrochloric acid, and vapors hazardous to health are formed. Acid also contributes to increased corrosion of the bottom.
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