Building custom cars in my backyard

It is now time to remove the VW bug frame from the MR2 3SGTE engine and drivetrain. After unbolting everything I can lift the frame with my shop crane. I left the front end together so I can roll the frame foward and away from the engine. Once clear of the rear end I can remove the front end as well.

I will use whats left of the VW bug's rear support box to create a engine and tranny stand so I can remove the frame. I need to flip the frame over to be able to finish all the welding so I will have to remove everything.

The VW bug's MR2 steering rack is now tacked in place. The unit works great and the u-joint on the steering shaft clears the frame fine. I rolls and it steers, what more can you want?

The M2 steering rack is now sporting both brackets. After welding in both nuts I welded the saddle piece in place and created the top strap. I now have the bracket clamped in position and will weld it in after final alignment.

I can now start to create the passenger side steering rack bracket. I am making it out of the 1.5"x1.5" steel tubing and a small piece of steel for the saddle. I will also weld some nuts to the inside for the top strap.

My first attempt at making the MR2 steering rack bracket came up a bit short. I made the bracket a bit too large. I remade the bracket and it fits great now. Now that I have the drivers side bracket in place I need to plan out the passenger side. I believe I will make this bracket from some 1.5"x1.5" square tubing with a piece of hard rubber sheeting in between.

With the VW bug's driver side steering rack bracket in place, I can start to figure out the other one. Again alignment is critical to insure proper steering function.

Now that I know where the MR2 steering rack is to be located, I can start to manufacture the mounting brackets. The first bracket will be the positioning bracket, the one to locate and hold the rack in place. This bracket will consist of three parts as shown in the video.

I cut a steel plate the same size as my foam template and then determined where the MR2 steering rack should be located. I then cut a hole in the steel plate for the MR2 power steering pump. I went ahead and mounted the pump to the plate. I will now align everything and create the brackets for the rack itself.

I am building a plate to hold the steering rack and pump in place in the VW bug's frame. I will position everything on a template I cut out of a piece of foam board.