I now have the MR2 front struts under compression as well as the rear. I cut and fit another piece of the uni-strut to span the distance between the front strut tops and then used all thread rods to compress the assembly. The VW bug’s entire frame is now up off the platform and is being supported only by the struts.

I now have the VW bug’s rear end struts compressed and the entire rear engine cage off the platform. I have both the mounts for the front strut compression constructed and in place. I need to go ahead and use another uni-strut member to compress the front end struts to determine the height of the front strut mounts. Again, I will be constructing the real front strut mounts with the spherical bearings.

I am finally getting around to posting some more pictures. These pics are of the front strut cut outs and the rear strut link creation.

With the MR2 rear struts compressed and the VW frame up off the platform, I need to refocus on the front end. I am building these front strut mounts mainly for comperession and link angle. I will redesign these mounts later on with the use of spherical bearings.

These new slide shows show the refitment of the VW bug body and the rear MR2 struts going in.

The rear VW bug strut link has been tacked together and is in place on top of the rear struts. I have also compressed the whole rear end with the turn buckles and chain. The entire engine and frame is now up off the platform and being supported only by the rear struts.

With the VW bug rear strut link mount angle established, I will start to construct the link out of 2″x 2″ steel tubing. I will need to cut out small portions of the link tube to get the mount angle and will then weld on the MR2 strut mounts I have already created.

I have now positioned both VW bug strut mounts on the struts and compressed the assembly with the uni-strut. I am using 2 – 800lb. capacity turn buckles, some chain and a big “S” hook to compress the entire rear end. The engine cradle is now up off the platform and is supported only by the rear strut springs. I can’t use the uni-strut for the frame member so I need to cut a pipe to fit. After I determine the mount angle I can cut this piece.

All of the components have now been constructed for both rear strut top mounts. Both strut mounts have been tacked together and are ready for fitting. Next up, strut compression.

Continuing with the second rear strut mount. I have cut a rubber washer for the cushioning of the strut top vs. the metal strut mount. This washer is made from 70A butal rubber which is very stiff as well as chemical resistant.