Great advice guys...thank you!

Thanks Oil Dripper! One question that's also sprung to mind is, even if stuff looks ok, how will I know if it's, for example, out of alignment? Should I assume if it is looks ok then it is, and let them check this when it goes for its test? Thanks

Lol, I know. I was surpised at the differences in the nuts and bolts for same or corresponding parts, what I mean is the ones that you would expect to be identical on matching sides, were all different, suggesting a lot of previous restoration had taken place...got me wondering whether this...

These should be better!

Oh dear, not sure what's happened with the jpgs...will try to enlarge! Thanks!

Update on rolled-over Defender: we've managed to get the roof, back and doors off so it's now possible to see better what still might need stripping down further. As a non-expert, I'm not sure what further I need to remove. Any suggestions very welcome! :confused: I hope these photos are...

Thanks Landroverjack, that's really helpful I'll bear that in mind!

Sounds good! I love that Defender so much, I'm determined to get it back on the road. It may sound corny, but it saved my life and so now I'm going to save its. :rolly:

Thanks Landroverjack - from what I can see, some of the bolts do look seized up (I don't think rusty though). I guess WD40 and strong hands would do the job there?

Yes, thanks again so much Skynet. Stripping down is definitely the next step, to really assess the amount of damage and exactly what needs replacing/repairing. It will also stop it looking so terrible, all squished as it is and will set in motion the repair project. Can't wait to get...

The engineer said the chassis was ok (from his 'visual' examination). Hopefully the report will add detail.

Thanks Toenails! I am SO grateful. :)

Thanks will look!

Thanks, yes will scan report and take pics! Will the report be a detailed breakdown of works that need doing? He mentioned on the phone he'd only done a visual check; I guess that means he might not know all the detail?

Thank you barmatt! Yes recovered now...it's the amounts of money involved that hurt now, rather than the bits of broken glass...:( Spoke with engineer who is "preparing his report"; I hope the insurer doesn't try to offer less than what he has offered (ie buy back price at £1647 and revalue at...

Thanks SO much to all who have been so kind and helpful, I am Aurora's DH and owner of the car (well, technically, the insurer is atm)...am a novice on forums so please excuse any faux pas!