All of the VW bug frame bracing plates have now been tacked on. Both the front and the rear have the angle braces for strength and to keep everything square. I will be turning the frame over to finish all the welding soon.
It’s been a long time since I added some pics, but I am finally getting around to it. MR2 VW bug pics page 5
I am creating bracing plates for the front of the VW bug frame just like on the rear of the frame. There will be eight of these strengthening plates in the front. Each plate will wrap from one frame member to the next and will be welded on both sides to increase the bond.
Now with the VW bug strut bracing in place , I can continue with all of the rear frame bracing to give it strength and to keep everything square. I am also cutting out the caps for the main rail ends.
Before rotating the VW bug frame around to finish the welding, I need to build some plates for extra bracing. I am starting with the rear strut tops. These brackets will connect the rear strut members with the front supports. This will hold the entire strut top assembly together.
I have a few things to do before I can flip the VW bug frame for welding. I need to cap a few frame openings and plan out some bracing angles to stiffin the entire frame.
With the MR2 3SGTE engine and rear end removed from the frame, I can remove the front end gear as well. Everything has now been removed from the VW bug’s frame and it is sitting on jack stands ready for welding. I am happy with the way everything has lined up.
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.