Accident Golf III Gti 20 years and "reference points"?

Hello Forum,

On Saturday, November 20, 2004, my Golf III was severely damaged in the rear left during an accident in France.
My opponent drove into the rear left side of my car with his T2 bus. As a result, my rear left wheel is now completely misaligned within the wheel well; the entire left side is deformed up to the driver's door, and the sill below the driver's door is dented.

I think replacing the rear axle, as well as the wheel bearings and possibly the shock absorber, is essential.
However, I am concerned that the entire structure has been distorted. My question regarding this: are there any "reference points" on the chassis that can be used to measure frame distortion?
As far as I know, it might be possible to install a new rear axle and hope that the results are correct after adjusting the alignment/camber.

Thanks for your help!

Best regards
Achim

Hi,

...but I don't want to scare you... but I think it would be cheaper and ultimately better if you found a well-maintained Golf 3 body (regardless of the equipment), and then you would install your own components.

Your description sounds very much like a messy construction site...

As for reference points, I can't tell you, but I think you can't measure it with the band measure anyway, and you need a ruler for that.

Best regards,

Jan

Hello!
There are a lot of such points all over your car. There are many symmetrically placed points, matching body panels, the rear axle pickup, the ends of the frame, etc. And the easiest way to check is to lift the car and measure with a straight edge and compare them across. However, this is only considered as a diagnosis or as a basis for further proceedings.
The rear axle... you can't adjust anything, you just have to replace it. Just get one from some old Golf III from a salvage yard, the mounting brackets and attachments should all be the same. Only the axle components are different on yours because of the disc brakes. If you can get the axle to fit with the new mounting bracket without any force, then you're already halfway there. Then take it for measurement and see what's missing. But I guess your car won't drive straight again without a straightedge and a protractor...

Greetings,

Dominique

hello,

Well, that doesn't sound too good. Regarding these "measurement points", where are they located on my vehicle, and where can I find corresponding data with dimensions, etc...? I will try to upload a photo later today.

Thank you and best regards.
Achim

Poor T2, that was a real classic!!! (if it was actually a T2, and not a dodgy T3
/viewtopic.php?t=7137&highlight=t2+t3+t4


But regarding your golf, I need to agree with Jan, it doesn't sound like you could be doing anything with it. So, therefore, this measurement will also be a waste of time (as I see it objectively from the outside).

This thing will probably only get back on track if a professional intervenes, and that's a big if.

m;

Hi,

You can upload it, but uploading as a "normal user" probably won't work. It's better to post it somewhere online, and then just link to it.

Best regards,

Jan

My condolences,

I'm driving the same car (20-year-old GTI) and I've grown to love it.

All renovations, including Replacing window regulators, interior components, and engine/chassis parts is just as daunting as trying to restore the car to its original condition without a guarantee of symmetry.

But even on my vehicle, the rear axle has a displacement of approximately 5mm. Without an accident

hello,

Of course, it was a T3! Hiermit sollten alle Oldie-Fans schon mal wieder beruhigt sein

I'm having some trouble getting the picture right, but I'm not giving up...
I think it's annoying to keep asking questions without having a clear "picture" in mind... ????

I should probably get my car delivered by ADAC on Friday.


Best regards, Achim

Hi,

Okay, here is Achim's accident photo.

Best regards,

Jan

Hello,

Our Jan is actually faster than the police are allowed Thanks for your help!

So, that's it. Unfortunately, the image does not show the deformation of the rear axle!

Since today, it's back in my garage, and I actually don't think it looks that bad, as I initially thought!
However, it seems that the rear door is not closing properly. On the right side, you can see through the lens between the taillight and the door...

Also, the rear right wheel is no longer straight, which leads me to believe that the axle is bent, possibly along with its fixing points.

Now, everything depends on the expert's opinion. He should definitely be here next week.

As soon as I have new information, I will let you know!

Best regards
Achim

Hi,

Quote:

Our Jan is actually faster than the police are allowed to be.

Pure chance... I just got home and went through my emails, and there it was, right at the top

Best regards,

Jan