Create VW Bug front lower control arm mounts 2 #123

The VW bug needs lower front control arm mounts. I am building these from 3.5×3.5×3/16″ box tubing. After cutting each mount out, I need to bend the tabs over to create the actual mount points. I am using a small piece of the 3×3 inch tubing for leverage. Once clamped in the vise I just need to add a little muscle to bend them over.

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Create VW Bug front lower control arm mounts #122

With the VW bug’s front frame nose piece in place, the next step is to create the mounting brackets/tabs for the front lower control arms. I will need to reinstall the main frame rails to line everything up.

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VW Bug Set lower front control arm locations #121

Before I can set the main rails back in, I must set the MR2 front lower control arms in their exact locations. The VW bug frame spacing has been determined by the hub to hub measurment of the MR2 drive gear.

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Initial fitting of the new VW Bug front frame member #120

The initial fitting of the VW bug’s front frame member seems to be OK. I will now mark it’s position on the plywood platform in order to determine the lenght of each main frame rail.

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VW Bug front frame member bent and welded #119

The front nose piece of the VW bug’s frame is now complete. I will need to position this piece to be able to determine the length of the main frame members.

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VW Bug front frame member cut out #118

The VW’s 3x3x3/16″ front nose torsion mount has now been cut and drilled to match the foam template. I will need to bend it to make it fit on the front of the frame.

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Transfer the VW front frame template profile to steel unit #117

I can now remove the VW’s front frame foam template and trace it onto the x3x3x3/16″ steel piece. I will then cut and bend the steel to match the foam template.

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Finish VW Bug front-torsion mount frame member template #116

I now have the VW bug’s front torsion support and frame member template in place and taped together. I also must determine the correct angle for the MR2’s front torsion bars. I created a small angle finder out of the foam board to insure that the correct angle is maintained.

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Start to create the VW bug’s front torsion bar support #115

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.

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Preppin VW Bug chassis for front frame members #114

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.

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