I can now finish up all 8 bolt holes in the VW Bug saddle blocks by using a larger drill bit. These holes are to mount the blocks to the main frame plates in order to attach the MR2 cross-member.
I need to attach the VW Bug’s rear plate frame members to the Toyota MR2’s rear cross member. I plan on doing this by adding steel blocks at the mount points and drilling vertically through both the frame plates as well as the new steel blocks.
The secondary VW Bug framing units have now been bolted onto the main rails. The two plates on both sides of the Toyota MR2 3SGTE motor will now be welded together.
The VW Bug’s outside frame plate is also through-bolted to the main frame rails. This will require another backup plate to be inserted into the frame tubes themselves. I am welding grade 8 nuts to the backer plates.
The secondary VW Bug plate frame is thicker than the primary plate, this makes it a bit harder to cut with the plasma cutter. I will use my hand grinder to clean up the edges. My camera messed up during filming so I did not get it all.
After creating the VW bug foam template for the secondary plate frame unit, I then traced the pattern on to a piece or masonite board. I again applied foil tape to the edges to protect the board from the plasma cutter.
With the initial VW Bug plate frames in place, I am now creating the secondary frame member to increase the strength of the 3SGTE’s rear engine cradle.
This is the initial alignment of the Toyota 3SGTE Motor. As you can see it sits in a wooden frame that wraps around the entire rear end. The engine should sit completely within the body lines of the VW Bug’s body shell.
I have removed the VW Bugs passenger side frame plate to clean up and enlarge the 3SGTE motor mount hole. I marked the plate when it was on to get a more accurate cut.
After cutting out the VW Bug 3SGTE motor mount hole, it is now time to refit the passenger side frame plate to see how it lines up. As you can see I cut it small to insure I can make it fit without over cutting. I will cut and clean the opening more later.