Swing Low, Sweet Chariot: (was: Re: Crash. Or, I've toured the

["Douglas Hurst Quebbeman" <dougq@iglou.com>]

> It happened.  It's over.  This American _is_ stupid.  I take it all back.  I
> can't believe it. I wish I were dead, but apparently it ain't gonna happen. 

..disaster snippage..

> This truly sucks.  It sucks so much I can't describe it.  Well, I could, but I
> couldn't forgive myself for posting it.
> 
> Thanks for any help/support/advice, I did a little 2 minute dance of delirium
> in the snow praying that I'd wake up from the nightmare, hands flailing, eyes
> shut, etc., etc.....then I realized I was freezing to death in the middle of
> ******* nowhere with a severely damaged car and started walking and got a tow
> truck.

Alex, I'm going out on a limb here, but as much as we love these fine
machines, they are *just that*- machines. Built to take accidents and
keep the driver/passngers alive if need be. I'm just thankful the 
only damage you experienced was afterwar when you started beating
your head against the most convenient hard surface!

In other words, I'm glad you're ok!

Say, I've been looking for a door open chime relay... did your 5k 
have one? 

JUST KIDDING!

Ok, now, about the subframe, the 5k only has a fron one; they didn't
design it like the Coupe Qs, by turning the front subframe around 180
degrees to create a rear subframe. A truly good frame shop will be 
able to straighten the body (no, got no BTDTs, just know a few good
frame guys). But without a doubt, you'll likely have to replace all
the rear suspension, except maybe the springs & shocks. But all
the links and bushings should be replaced. Don't straighten anything
except the unibody frame.

Of course, your insurance company may have different ideas...

good luck and best wishes,
doug
--
-Douglas Hurst Quebbeman (dougq@iglou.com)            [Call me "Doug"]
    QuattroClub USA# 4536              Audi International # 100024
       74 100LS Auto, 77 100LS Auto, 84 Coupe GT, 86 5Kcstq   
"The large print giveth, and the small print taketh away."  -Tom Waits