Desempeno

501-25-30 Body Repairs - General Information 501-25-30 DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION Straightening General Straightening repairs are often required to restore the original body shape. To do this, the vehicle must be placed on a straightening jig so that a pulling device can be used. NOTE: Basic and advanced training courses are offered for the following contents. For an overview of all training courses offered, please refer to the Ford Service Organisation training course brochure. Straightening is considered as the process of pulling out the deformed body parts, up to cutting out the parts that need replacing. If distorted components remain on the vehicle, then the term alignment work is used. Body straightening requires practice and experience. Before starting body straightening, the exact direction of impact must be determined. The straightening force must be applied in the opposite direction to that of the impact. Only in this way can it be guaranteed that the original shape will be achieved again. Note the following points during the process of body straightening: ‡ Secure the pulling unit with a safety cable. ‡ Do not remove bonded glass prior to straightening. ‡ Never apply heat during straightening. ‡ If necessary, open doors or hoods/lids/liftgates during straightening. ‡ Check dimensions and gaps continuously during straightening. ‡ High-strength steel panels have a stronger tendency to retain their deformed shape. ‡ During the straightening repairs, monitor the attachment of the pulling unit to the vehicle. ‡ Carry out the straightening work in several stages, never in one pulling process. This prevents the risk of overstretching and of joints tearing out. ‡ During individual straightening steps (under a pulling load), relieve tension by striking the deformed areas with an aluminum hammer while they are still under tension. Special features of non-monocoque bodywork Straightening is different to monocoque body construction because of separate straightening for bodywork and chassis. If only the body is damaged in an accident, light straightening repairs can be carried out while still mounted on the chassis. NOTE: With strong straightening forces, these bolted connections may be damaged (bodywork to chassis frame). Monitor the bolted connections continuously during the straightening work. Holding clamps or alignment angles must be attached directly to the chassis frame. Straightening of chassis frames NOTE: High-strength steels must not be heated. If the body and chassis frame have to be straightened, they must first be separated from each other. The following conditions must be met: ‡ The repair must be economically justified. ‡ The production quality and stability of a frame must be achieved again after carrying out the repair. ‡ In principle, the driving and operating safety of the vehicle is paramount. ‡ Cold straightening of deformed areas with sharp edged folds cannot be carried out. ‡ Straightening with the application of heat (welding torch) requires much experience and accurate knowledge of the behavior of steel panels when heated. ‡ The temperature and duration of application of the heat are to be considered in particular. ‡ Individual components of the frame, such as cross members, brackets, etc. can be replaced.