Building a shroud for the radiator fan should insure maximum air flow through the cooling fins. It is a slow process but I want the shroud to fit perfectly. I mounted the fan to the shroud first to make sure that nothing was in a bind. I then cut out the opening and mounted it to the radiator and condenser assembly. It fits, so now I must relocate the power steering fluid can and also the overflow bottle.
I have been waiting on some parts to arrive for the redesign of the radiator assembly. The car starts to get a little bit too warm on hot days here in Dallas. The redesign starts with a large 2 core Griffin radiator and a rear mounted AC condenser. I am also building a shroud for the new 3600 CFM fan unit from FR dynamics.
The dashboard is slowly coming along. I have fit the MR2s gauge package into the VW bug dashboard. I have also finished installing all 3 aftermarket gauges as well as the AC controls and vents. Now I just have to test fit it back into the car.
With the dash panel figured out, I can start to position the MR2’s gauge package. I will use the MR2’s gauges by modifying the gauge surround. I am fitting the gauge pod behind the new aluminum dash panel and cutting out an opening to match. It’s tight but I think I can make it work.
With the outside of the car basically finished, as far as construction, I need to focus on the interior. First up is the VW bug custom dash-board I am using an aluminum tube and panel for the main structure. I will slowly remove and material until everything fits.
I now have all the VW bug running lights working. The tail lights are working out great, I have run them for hours with no problems. I have also added the high stop light that was part of the MR2s wiring harness. Now with the outside electrical complete its time to start working on the custom dashboard.
I have now painted the VW bug with 2 coats of advantage black epoxy primer. I then surface sanded the entire car with some 320 grit wet sanding paper. I am now in the process of putting the car together to insure everything functions perfectly before putting the final paint job on.
All of the initial body work is now complete. I am priming the doors, deck lid and hood first. I painted the back side of all the panels before turning them over to do the front side. I then placed the bug in my home made paint booth and started the painting process. I have final sanded, cleaned and masked off the entire vehicle ready for primer.
This second pass on the shaping of the rear fenders is now complete. Basically the entire car is ready for the first primer coatings. All I need to do now is build a paint booth.
I have so many hours in this hood I could not possibly count them all. I am finally getting around to finishing all the body work on the hood. I am finally getting close to having the entire front end of the VW bug ready for primer. I have also fit an aftermarket rear deck lid. I will need to do a bit more body work on the rear fenders before I can primer the entire car.