Radius Rod crossmember damage.

[wedgedout]

Ive had my van for ages, but it's been sat idle and off the road for various reasons.

This year, I've decided I want it ready for next summer so I can get some pleasure out the damn thing again, as of all the vehicles I've owned, this is the one I've loved and missed using the most.

It's an 83 Caravelle, the 1.9WBX engine is long departed, I've got a DK gearbox coupled to a 1Y at the moment, but the plan is GTI MK3 AGG.

Anyway, while it's being repaired, I dropped the fuel tank, radiator and front end parts off, as I need to address some bodywork at front, and I wanted to make sure everything was tip top.

I unhooked the spare wheel tray, and it moved to the left.. the cross member it mounts to behind the radius rods at the front have taken a hell of a smack at some point and it's buckled.

The van has always been heavy on front tyres, I always put it down to my running it on very badly cut springs and silly wheels, but now I've got new shocks, AVO springs -60mm and some properly rated 17" tyres on Porsche wheels.

Last thing I want to do is scrub out brand new rubber.



I can cut, weld and all that stuff, but I'm worried about alignment, any suggestions on A) Where I can get a new radius rod cross member, B) alightment details between raidus rod mounts and C) other possible repairs

[silverbullet]

Photos of the damage would be a good starting point. Sounds like a hydraulic body jig is needed but you risk further damage when its pulled about.

[boatbuilder]

Probably get it from a donor van or straighten what you have. Measurements.... you'd just need to take some reference points from a straight van. There's a bit of adjustment in the radius rod itself to get the correct castor setting.

[wedgedout]

Someone on t'other forum has kindly furnished me with a part number

251 803 665 cross member is still available new from vw classic parts (Thanks Mr Talbot!)

I've emailed Bjoern directly.

I'm also told on the same post, that the measurements are in the Bentley Manual, so I'm off to find a copy.

[boatbuilder]

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