Before I mount the radiator into the front of the VW bug nose area, I am going to mount the AC condensor to the radiator. I spaced the two units out by 3/4″ to allow for good air flow through both. I used a 1/2″ x 3/4″ aluminum extrusion to accomplish this. Next up mount the units into the car.
I now have everything to complete the radiator assembly. I am using a 3400+ CFM fan to cool the 3SGTE stroker down. I will mount the fan to the radiator using long slender screws and rubber bumpers.
In order to get the radiator to fit into the VW bug front end, I will need to remove a bit more of the original sheetmetal. Removal of this sheetmetal will require that I add additional bracing to strengthen the front of the body. Once this bracing is in I can remove the required steel and fit the radiator.
I have finally received the radiator. This is a replacement radiator for a pontiac fiero V6. The size is perfect for my application. It appears that I will have to remove just a bit more of the VW bug’s front sheet-metal to get it to fit nicely.
While I am still waiting on the radiator to arrive, I have gone ahead and hard mounted the gas pedal. The gas pedal bolts on with 2 bolts through the firewall.
While I am waiting on my radiator, I have decided to finish up the clutch pedal mounts and start mounting the gas pedal. I had to modify the clutch pedal mounting bracket to get it to bolt to the fire-wall.
With the main steering column and pedal mount bracket complete. I need to start planning for the radiator and condenser. I will need to cut more of the steel out of the front of the VW bug body to get it all to fit. I will need to incorporate more bracing in the front end to be able to remove enough of the steel to allow everything to fit.
With the footbox bracket finished, I can reinstall it and test the function. This bracket has turned out to be very strong and I can hang from it with no deflection. With this major piece complete, I can now move on to the front and start planning for the radiator mounts and other items.
The main footbox bracket is now complete. It contains the clutch pedal, brake pedal and steering column mounts. I will finish it outside of the car.
Finish cleaning up the upper pedal mount bracket. I had to add some steel to stiffin up the assembly. I am ready to reinstall the mount and weld it in.