I need to create the front framing piece to contain the anti-torsion mounts for the front suspension rods. I will be using a 3x3x3/16″ piece of angle steel for the member itself, but first I must again create a template. I am using the same foam board as before I just cut it to the sizes I want and tape it together.
Now that I have the VW bug body removed from the platform, I have removed the main frame rails to be able to line everything up on the front end. I will start the frame build with the front nose piece. This piece will contain the front suspension torque arm connections.
Now that I have fine tuned the locations of all the VW bug sheetmetal, I need to complete the custom frame. I removed all of the fenders, doors and decklids to be able to remove the body from the platform. I will start with the lower frame build, front to back.
I now have all the VW bug sheetmetal in place. This 2nd fitting has revealed that the front wheels are too far forward and must be moved back 3/4″. All 4 fenders appear that they will need to be flaired somewhat to accommodate the Toyota MR2’s drive-train. All in all, I am happy with the results.
I now have all the VW bug sheet-metal positioned for this second mock-up. I must have been having brain malfunctions on this day. I say on the video that the passenger side is 7/8″ lower than the driver side it is actually only 7/16″ lower. This is due to the concrete not being perfectly level. I also say that I am trying to create a less subtle transition on the running board, I meant more subtle…Duh. Anyway I am fairly happy with the way everything is fitting so far.
This VW bug body, no doubt, took a lick sometime in it’s life. I guess thats why the front apron had already been replaced (incorrectly positioned). I had to remove the other front apron and am now trying to reposition the new one as well as the front fenders. I am doing this all at the same time to try and get the front end lined up exactly. This fitting is mainly for front wheel positioning.
The VW bug’s front fenders will also need to be flaired a little. I am supporting the fender with the same all thread pieces. It is nice that the bottom of each fender seems to tuck in at the bottoms. This will help in making it appear that the fender has, more or less, a stock look.
With the allthread pieces in place, I can set the VW bug fender on the car and start adjusting the fit over the rear tire and wheel. I had to cut down a few of the studs to get the fender on.
I now have all 10 allthread pieces in place. I put a washer and nut on each one to be able to fine tune the adjustment of the fender.
The Toyota Mr2’s drivetrain is somewhat wider than the factory VW bug’s, I will need to flair the rear fenders a bit. I will determine this distance by installing small allthread pieces in the mount holes to hang the fenders from.