Fine tune VW Bug metal removal for 3SGTE clearance #92

After removing the bulk of the VW body sheetmetal, I need to fine tune the sheetmetal to perform the trial fit of the VW body over the MR2 3SGTE motor and framework.

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Bulk VW Bug metal removal for 3SGTE clearance #91

Before I can trial fit the VW bug body over the frame and the 3SGTE motor, I have to remove the bulk of the rear metal from the inside of the bug body. I set my camera up so you could see the plasma cutting but I kind of get in the way a bit.

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Reinstall basket over the VW Bug’s 3SGTE Motor #90

Now that the 3SGTE motor and VW Bug frame are “as one”, I need to insure that the bug body will indeed fit over the entire assembly. I am reinstalling the locating basket over the engine build area as a guide for cutting out the interior or the bug body steel.

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VW Bug MR2 motor mounts complete ready for body fit #89

Now that both the Toyota 3SGTE side motor mounts have been completed, I have rebolted and realigned the whole rear engine cage. I can now start measuring for the VW bug body cut outs.

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VW Bug Toyota MR2 Finish welding 3SGTE frame plates #88

Once the Toyota MR2 3SGTE motor mounts were tacked in place, I removed both VW bug frame plates to finish all the welding. I welded both motor mounts and all of the plate contact points. I also through bolted both motor mounts for safety.

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VW Bug MR2 The 3SGTE motor hanging free on motor mounts #87

The Toyota 3SGTE motor is now fully supported by the new motor mounts. The whole rear assembly is basically being supported by 2-2×4 supports on the rear and the platform in front of the engine cradle. The motor mounts are just tacked in place right now, but I will be removing the plate frames once again to finish all the welding.

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VW Bug MR2 Finish tack welding the 3SGTE pass motor mount #86

The passenger side 3SGTE motor mount is almost complete. I must get the weld rod down in between the VW bug frame and the Toyota 3SGTE motor to tack weld the bottom of each motor mount bracket.

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VW Bug MR2 3SGTE Initial passenger side motor mount setup #83

After cutting out the VW Bug 3SGTE motor mount pieces with the plasma cutter, I can now line them up with the engine and the frame. I must trim the pieces a bit before I can hang this motor mount from the shop crane like I did with the drivers side.

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Transfer VW Bug 3SGTE motor mount profile to steel #80

With the VW bug 3SGTE passenger side motor mount template created, I must transfer the profile to the steel angle iron. I will cut these brackets from 2″x2″x3/16″ angle iron.

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