The VW bug's rear suspension is ready for springs #228
Posted on December 30th, 2009 by Tim in VW Beetle Turbo Build
The main framing pieces for the VW bug's rear suspension are now tacked into place. I used the floor jack to jack the frame up from each rear corner and there was no frame deflection at all. I have also removed the wheels from the wooden boxes so I can jack the rear end up [...]
Plan the VW bug rear strut link's front support #227
Posted on December 29th, 2009 by Tim in VW Beetle Turbo Build
I am using some 1"x1" steel tubing to strengthen the entire VW bug strut towers and rear engine cage assembly. I am using the foam board to get an idea as to how long and at what angles to cut the tubing. Later I will stiffen up the front and the rear suspension with some [...]
Vw bug rear strut link tacked in place #226
Posted on December 28th, 2009 by Tim in VW Beetle Turbo Build
I have now tacked the VW bug's strut-link to frame connectors into place and removed all the bracing. Its amazing how strong a couple of tack welds are, I can push and pull on the assembly with all my weight and it doesn't budge. I have a couple more pieces of tubing to weld on [...]
The VW rear strut link and connectors are ready for tacking #225
Posted on December 26th, 2009 by Tim in VW Beetle Turbo Build
I now have the VW bug wheels completely vertical and locked into position. Both of the strut link connectors have been aligned and are now ready to be tacked into place. I am very close to a rolling chassis.
Continue with rear end alignment- Panel in place #224
Posted on December 24th, 2009 by Tim in VW Beetle Turbo Build
The VW bug's rear strut-link alignment continues. I now have the paneling clamped in place to hold the link straight side to side and front to back. I will need to insure that the wheels and tires are perfectly vertical before final alignment.
Use cheap panel to square the VW bug rear strut link #223
Posted on December 23rd, 2009 by Tim in VW Beetle Turbo Build
Alignment of the VW bug rear strut cross-link is proving to be trickier than first thought. After spending so much time lining up the front strut link, I will use it's alignment to help with the rear. I have purchased a cheap piece of paneling from the hardware store and will use the square factory [...]
Remove, drill out and grind the VW rear strut link connectors #222
Posted on December 18th, 2009 by Tim in VW Beetle Turbo Build
Both of the VW bug's rear strutlink-to-frame connectors are now finished. I drilled five holes in them to increase the weld bold. I will now refit and align them before tacking them on.
Test fit the VW bug rear strut link connectors #221
Posted on December 17th, 2009 by Tim in VW Beetle Turbo Build
Now that I have my angle iron strut-to-frame connectors cleaned up, I can test fit them to see how everything is going to line up. I will be drilling holes through the weld surfaces to increase the weld penetration and increase the bond. first I need to really get it all lined up perfectly.
Cut & clean up the VW bug rear strut link connectors #220
Posted on December 15th, 2009 by Tim in VW Beetle Turbo Build
I used my foam board templates to trace the profiles of both the 2" and the 3" sides to my steel angles. These angles will connect the upper VW bug strut link member to the lower plate frames on both sides. Once aligned I will weld them on to get my rolling chassis.
Rear strut link alignment continues- Plan frame connectors #219
Posted on December 13th, 2009 by Tim in VW Beetle Turbo Build
With the VW bug rear strut link height determined, I need to create framing members to connect the link to the main frame plates. I am using the foam board again to create these members. I am using a 3" and a 2" strip of the foam board and cutting them to fit. I will [...]
