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.
VW Bug front frame member bent and welded #119
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Tag Archives: sheetmetal
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Lift VW Bug body to start initial frame planning #113
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.
New pics added to the MR2 VW Bug Turbo Photos Page 3
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.
2nd complete VW Bug sheet metal fitting #112
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.
VW Bug Second fit of pass side 3SGTE frame plate #53
After cleaning up the Toyota 3SGTE motor mount hole, I also cut down the top edge and made if fit better. The VW Bug restoration will continue with the creation of the outside frame members.