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 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.
I am finally getting around to posting a few more picture. I have a few more to do to catch up with the videos.
She’s a roller. Both the VW bug’s front and rear springs are now in place and the entire chassis is floating above the wooden platform. With a bit more strut and spring adjustment I will remove all of the wood jigs and test out the strut travel.
I have reinstalled the VW bug’s rear strut springs and the rear of the chassis is now up off the platform. After I do a bit more welding on the front suspension members I will get the front end up on it’s springs as well. Closer and closer to a roller.
The main framing pieces for the VW bug’s rear suspension are now tacked into place. I used the floor jack to jack the frame up from each rear corner and there was no frame deflection at all. I have also removed the wheels from the wooden boxes so I can jack the rear end up without binding and reinstall the strut springs. Getting close.
I am using some 1″x1″ steel tubing to strengthen the entire VW bug strut towers and rear engine cage assembly. I am using the foam board to get an idea as to how long and at what angles to cut the tubing. Later I will stiffen up the front and the rear suspension with some sheet-metal angles.