Fiat X 1/9 1978 - Body Shell-Sheet Metal; Alignment

Ill - 1914
Section No. 101.041.05
Page 197
Body Shell-Sheet Metal
Damages
due
to
accidents
are
very
different
in
nature
and extent. It is impossible to provide detailed infor-
mation on what should be done to repair bodies be-
cause
each
accident
may
result
in
repair
procedures
for
that particular case.
In order to repair a damaged body, it is essential that
you become thoroughly familiar with the body con-
struction and know how the various assemblies or
sections
are
welded
together.
In
most
cases
you
will
have to remove some parts to gain access to parts re-
quiring repairs. If the body is severly damaged, you
should
remove
all
interior
trim
which
are
easily
re-
moved. This will provide better access during repair
and
alignment
operations.
It
will
also
save
you
time
in
measuring checking, and placing jacks for straighten-
ing and aligning the body.
Alignment
The
body
is
of
unitixed
construction
and
therefore
the
body
and
underbody
are
one
unit.
The
alignment
of
front and rear wheels is the first thing to check. Mis-
alignment is apparent when there is no parallel rela-
tionship between the axes of front and rear wheels or
when rear wheels do not follow in the tracks of the
front wheels. You should first check to make sure the
misalignment is not caused by damage to front and
rear
suspension,
steering
linkage,
etc.
if the body proves to be bent, you may restore it to its
proper
dimensions
by
checking
the
mounting
points
of
mechanical units to the underbody. They must be the
same as given in the illustration on the next page.
Extreme
care
is
required
in
checking
dimensions.
Any
distortions must be corrected until the proper dimen-
sions are obtained.
Dust
And
Water
Leaks
After repairing the body and before installing interior
trim
you
should
inspect
all
points
where
dust
and
water
are
likely
to
get
into
the
interior
of
the
car.
Seal
points
of
possible
leakage
with
sealing
cement.