Cautions Regarding Body Repair

CAUTIONS REGARDING BODY REPAIR

Because each component part of a single-unit construction body makes some contribution, more or less, to the overall strength of that body, it is necessary to sufficiently understand the actual function of any part to be repaired before attempting any repair or welding procedure.

STRENGTH AND RIGIDITY

1. The suspension installation part plays an important role, determining the wheel alignment. Wheel misalignment is of course potentially very dangerous because it can lead to driving instability, one-sided braking, abnormal tire wear, abnormal vibration, etc.

At the time of repair, it is particularly necessary to take measurements at the components noted below,and to make all welds and installations with special care.
- Front sidemember
- Front wheelhouse (inner)
- Rear floor sidemember
- Rear wheelhouse (inner) - IRS type

2. Because the places where the floor panel and sidemember parts are joined have an important effect upon the rigidity of the entire body, welds in these places must be done with particular care.
3. After repairs have been completed, the wheel alignment, wheel base, tread, etc. must be carefully checked to be sure that there is no deviation.

SAFETY

1. Procedures related to the installation of any component related to safety must be done with particular care in order to assure full maintenance of safety.
- Suspension installation parts
- Brakes
- Fuel pipe
- Fuel tank installation Darts. etc.

2. Because seat belts are directly related to driver and passenger safety, any welds of seat belt anchor points or reinforcements must be done with particular care in order to maintain strength.

PREVENTION OF CORROSION AND OF WATER OR DUST ENTRY

1. After any work is completed, it is important to completely remove any welding residue, particles or residue from cutting and any other dint, etc.
2. Corrosion-prevention material must without fail be applied at the following places:
- At any place where paint has flaked off or
- At the outer and inner side of every welded place.
- At the outer and inner side of any place subjected to heat.
- At any surfaces that have been cut peeled away.
- Within any semi-enclosed structure or component (aerosol-type rust inhibitors are effective for difficult-to-reach places.)
- At any soldered place or arc-brazed place.

3. Apply a coating of undercoating if the underbody is repaired.
4. Use spot sealer if spot welds are made.
5. Repair any scratches to panels made by moldings, sashes, etc.
6. Carefully apply body sealant to panel connection joints and other fitting places.
7. Tape over any unused holes in the panel inner side by using sealing tape.

VIBRATION AND NOISE

1. Prevent any decrease of tensional rigidity caused by welding distortion.
2. Carefully apply body sealant to panel connection joints and other fitting places.
3. Tape over any unused holes in the panel inner side by using sealing tape.

CONTACT AND ALIGNMENT

1. In order to maintain the precision of openings, make careful measurements as repairs are being made.
2. Make contact/alignment adjustments of door hinge, lid and hood hinge installation parts.