Now debating whether to try to put my 1993 80b4 1.9 tdi back on the road. Biggest prob is the rusty rear subframe...bush mounts almost completely rusted away. Can I repair subframe,  or do I have to find a good replacement?

Many thanks in advance....

Colin 

Only you can say if you can or should attempt a repair. It depends how good your welding is, whether you have a suitable jig to align all the parts, and how important it is to get a 31 year old car roadworthy again.

Economically it makes no sense at all, but if the car has sentimental value to you then the size of your bank balance is the only limiting factor.

Thanks for that! Advice from the head rather than the heart!

I take it that replacement subframes aren't readily available??

Welcome Colin, and thanks for joining. 
As far as I’m aware, a weld repair on a subframe will lead to an MOT failure, so in essence, the answer is no, you cannot weld your rusty one. 
Even if my take on it is not absolutely correct, I would have thought you would be taking a chance on a failure having done all the work necessary to get to that welding stage. 
Alternatives:- List your ‘want’ on the on-line breaker link sites such as Partsfinder - there are others. 
Look up a site called IM Axles ( I think that is what they are called). They do new sub frames for more modern cars. For your model?? - but worth an ask. 
Perhaps you could let us know how you get on.

Kind regards,

Gareth. 
 

 

 

Thanks  Gareth....very helpful. I'll feedback!

C.

I purchased a new axle for my '03 A6 1.9tdi last week through EBay from Proauto EU. My mechanic said it was a bit of a faff to fit as some measurements were a little off, but he got there on his own. He's a very conscientious sort of guy too so he wouldn't have bodged it. Here's the link if anyone's interested,

Axle Beam FORTUNE LINE FZB126 for AUDI A6 C5 (4B2) 2.0 2001-2005 | eBay

It came as described and on time but be aware you will get stung for another £60 or so in import duty when it hits Customs as it ships from Poland.

Back in for MOT tomorrow so if anyone's thinking of getting one I'll update this tomorrow and let you know if it's acceptable to the Ministry of Transport. Hope this helps, I would've been scrapping my car if I hadn't found it.

Dave