>Ok, thanks all for the input.  Seems like the cross-brace is not crucial,
>but does do something for the whole package.  As I looked more closely at

Not crucial?  I guess not, unless you like these kind of things happening
repeatedly.
VW wouldn't waste one cent on a part like this that was 'not crucial'.......
Make one, if you can't find one.  It's that important.
Not sure about the other one, probably a muffler support bracket.  Anyone
else know?

Mike B.