a-talk

So I purchased a new Audi beast in the past few weeks. It is an '89 200 Turbo Quattro Avant. She's had a rough life - 233k miles, Colorado car, but lots of stuff has been rebuilt (60k on a K26 turbo, stiffer WG spring, Boge TG all around, working AC, working sunroof, new bushings, control arms etc in front end, newer front brakes with stainless lines). Plus the car came with three boxes of spare Type44 parts, my favorite!

And now for the bad, which will determine the car's fate. Besides the rough interior and somewhat rough exterior, it's been hit on the driver's side B pillar (you can see the door lines in the DSide and Rear pics). Not too hard, but JUST enough so the doors don't align right. My plan is to rent\borrow a Porta Power and try to push the pillar back out. I figure if I gut some of the interior (plastic B pillar trim obviously), and start nudging I may be able to get it back. I'm considering cutting myself a cardboard "template" from the passenger side as a guide.

So that's the story on my latest beast. Hopefully I'll have the time in the next few weeks (holidays) to try the pillar repair. Once I do that I'll know whether it's a "keeper" or a "parter" . .

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/76987/200tqa-dside1.jpg">

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/76987/200tqa-pside1.jpg">

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/76987/200tqa-rear.jpg">

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/76987/200tqa-engine.jpg">

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/76987/200tqa-interior.jpg">

AudiSport4000

I like it!

Pre95

I have flexed out several B pillars by sitting in the passenger seat (back to the passenger side b-pillar/door area... bring a pillow...), placing a 2x4 on the bent be pillar (remove trim of course), and using some leg strength to push it out a bit. Doing it on a warm day would help a tad, it doesnt take *that* much pressure to get it to move a little bit. How far off are your gaps? If under a half inch I'd say go leg power! Have the rear door open as well (so the door doesn't act as a rigid support for the b-pillar).


... also using the same method (only kicking the 2x4 positioned where you want the pressure, not just pushing out) I was able to un t-bone a buds audi fox. Moved the B-pillar from about 3 inches in (almost contact with the drivers seat), to close enough that the door latch worked yea it didnt look pretty but it was functional!

Good score!!!


.... worse case scenario higgins has a donor vehicle

a-talk

So you just pushed out with your legs, using the 2x4 to protect the metal? Or did you have some sort of lever-action going on w/ the 2x4? The pillar is not pushed in very much, as the seams are not far off. I'll definitely give it a shot!

Pre95

it will disperse the foot power out further, whereas if just pushing with your foot would really only push out the point that your foot is making contact with. If it's just barely off I would think you could do it without the 2x4 and just give a good leg push...

a-talk

There just wasn't a good place for me to push from - center tunnel was too close, lower frame rail on the other side was too far. If I pushed against the seat I was clearly going to break something.

So back to the hydraulic approach .

Pre95

so i definitely have been in awkward spots like this. I wouldn't suggest using the seat as a brace (it seems you agree, something will break). As for the hydraulic approach I just feel it's complete overkill for how much you need to move it. I guess just be easy on her and it should be fine