Roadworthiness of vehicle after accident

Question

I have a Mazda Midge 2000 model and It had a front smash by a hijacked vehicle. I have given it to a a panelbeater and my front chassis is bent. The panelbeater also welded the right side control arm onto the body of the vehicle and not onto the chassis of the car. I have differing views on the safety to drive this vehicle. The panelbeater states it is safe to drive the vehicle. I personally think it is not safe. Please can you advise me.

Answer

The control arm moves up and down and pivots in a rubber mounting that is located inside a mounting bracket that is normally welded to the rigid part of the chassis/body.(The right side control arm can not be welded to the body.) This car does not have a chassis like a bakkie but has an intergrated chassis/body called a monocoque.Normally the wishbone inner mounting is welded to a strong/rigid part of the body/chassis. Moving the mounting point will also effect the suspension geometry (Wheel alignment) and will result in effected vehicle handling. I suggest that the vehicle be repaired to original condition by the panel beater before the customer accepts it back. If he is in doubt - he must take it to his nearest AA Test & Drive center for an after accident inspection report. Hope this helps