Audi 80 1993 TDI Front Strut required

[aj-audi80]

Hi, my first post so apologies if my list etiquette is off.

A few years ago, my Audi80 TDI  (1993) was involved in a front end bump which did damage to the centre of the front, whilst leaving the wings undamaged.

I am in the process of collecting parts to enable this to be repaired. The item which is causing me trouble is the front strut which links the two wings together and provides a mounting point for the engine and for the radiator to sit on.

Physically it is a steel tube with a flat plate welded on to each end, this bolts on to the wings. In the collision, this was bent and die to the strength of it, it seems not possible to bend it back and keep the accuracy.

Despite hunting the ads for local scrapyards (Coventry) and on eBay, and checking with the likes of GSF and Europarts,  I have been unable to locate this, perhaps because I am unsure of the exact part description.

Does anyone know the part numbers for this or know where I could get one from?  The bonnet is also bent, it is possible this could be repaired, but if I could get a new one at a sensible price, I'd have it.

I have circled (or ovaled if that's a word) the strut in the attached pics.

Regards,

Andrew.

 

[Magnet]

Hello Andrew,

Welcome to the forum. 

I can well understand the difficulty in describing this part - to be able to have any chance of finding a replacement. Not meant as being critical, but when I first read your reference to 'strut' , my mind was tuned in to something associated with the suspension. 

Cross tie bar, chassis cross link bar, etc. may be alternatives, but a better description than yours?? Incase it helps, the corresponding upper pressed panel ( from wing to wing) is often called a closing panel, so perhaps lower closing link bar. 

No doubt you have already been there, but have you tried visiting (not phoning) as many Audi dealers as possible. I appreciate that the part will be no longer available but I would be surprised if all the schematics associated with the car have been destroyed. If you fail there,  it might be worth checking with Audi Technical (in writing). These approaches should at least provide a description of the part - hopefully a part number.

If you can eventually find a part number, then it is possible that some sort of dealer network part-still-on-stock enquiry facility exists where dealer stocks are checked nationally. 

Another option:- Are there any 'modern classics' Audi specialist about? - worth a Google. If so, these would be my first port of call. 

Everything fails option:- Get a replacement made. OK expensive and where? Armed with the old unit off and precise dimensions on required length, I would approach your local Technical College -try to wander into the entrance to the workshops with a helpless look, rather than going to reception. They are often looking for projects for the students. 

Hope some of the above may help. Keep us posted.

Kind regards,

Gareth.

p.s. Everything fails option:- I might, and it would have to be a might, know someone in my locality who could be prepared to make one for you, but I would prefer to keep this as a tried- everything-else option, rather then enquiring at this stage.