It is now time to remove the VW bug frame from the MR2 3SGTE engine and drivetrain. After unbolting everything I can lift the frame with my shop crane. I left the front end together so I can roll the frame foward and away from the engine. Once clear of the rear end I can remove the front end as well.
The M2 steering rack is now sporting both brackets. After welding in both nuts I welded the saddle piece in place and created the top strap. I now have the bracket clamped in position and will weld it in after final alignment.
I can now start to create the passenger side steering rack bracket. I am making it out of the 1.5″x1.5″ steel tubing and a small piece of steel for the saddle. I will also weld some nuts to the inside for the top strap.
With the VW bug’s driver side steering rack bracket in place, I can start to figure out the other one. Again alignment is critical to insure proper steering function.
Now that I know where the MR2 steering rack is to be located, I can start to manufacture the mounting brackets. The first bracket will be the positioning bracket, the one to locate and hold the rack in place. This bracket will consist of three parts as shown in the video.
I cut a steel plate the same size as my foam template and then determined where the MR2 steering rack should be located. I then cut a hole in the steel plate for the MR2 power steering pump. I went ahead and mounted the pump to the plate. I will now align everything and create the brackets for the rack itself.
I am building a plate to hold the steering rack and pump in place in the VW bug’s frame. I will position everything on a template I cut out of a piece of foam board.
A very important part of the VW bug chassis is the steering rack attachment. The rack mounts need to be very strong and alignment is critical. I am just trying to get an idea as to how everything is going to fit. The MR2 steering rack is a couple of inches longer than my build so I found some shorter tierod ends at the auto parts store and they seem to fit nicely.
I have now cleaned up my shop and disassembled all the wooden jigs. This video is basically the VW bug’s rolling chassis review. looking at a bit more detail on how everything is constructed.
I have reached a big mile-stone in my build. The entire engine and chassis is up on it’s own and rolls very nicely. I have done a lot of jumping up and down on the front and rear suspension and it seems to perform great. I will install the steering rack next and then remove the frame from everything else to finish the welding.