Ur-Q Strut housing

[Ben Howell <howebj0@clem.mscd.edu>]

fellow Q-heads,

  I have got a rather big problem that needs immediate attention. I need 
a strut housing for my 83' TQC. I really don't want to go into it right 
now, but let's just say that I REALLY need one badly! 

  Here's what I've been told; The strut housings on the Ur-Q's are unique 
to the car so it HAS TO BE for an Ur-Q (argh!!!, confounded specialty 
parts!). On the 5k strut housing, the hole where the ball joint goes in, 
is in the wrong place but the I.D. for the shock insert is correct. On 
the other hand, the 4k's strut housing has the correct location for the 
ball joint, but the shock insert hole is to small. Now, I've been 
considering patching the 2 parts together to make a correct part for my 
application, but I don't know how good of an answer this is to my 
problem (maybe in a pinch it would work).

  Anyway, This is a dealer ONLY part (convienent, huh?) and the want at 
least $900.00 for this beauty. I don't think I'll be bending over anytime 
soon for that price! I also don't really feel like dealing with Shokan's 
prices either, actually I don't like dealing with them period. plus, I 
don't even know if they have it. I have been told that there is a bunch 
of wrecked Ur-Q in England and I should try a few of the bone yards over 
there. 

here's my questions:
1) Does anyone know of a place where I can get one, aside from the dealer?

2)Does anyone have any thoughs or feeling about patching the two parts 
together?

3) Has anyone heard this same thing about getting the parts in England?

4) Does anyone have any suggestions at all, any ideas would be very helpful.

A million thanks in advance, Ben
howebj0@clem.mscd.edu