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.
The photo album software is now working as expected. Check out the slide shows on the Photos page. You can see them as a slide show or click on the red text next to each window and see them as individual pictures.
Tim@BackyardBuild.com
With both of the VW Bug’s initial 3SGTE frame members bolted to the main rails, I have squared them up with three boards cut to the same length. I am now in the planning stage for the second frame members which will back up these two. The rear engine cradle has to be very strong to handle the power of the Toyota 3SGTE engine.
I have now drilled out and bolted on the VW Bug rear frame members. Both frame pieces have been bolted on with grade 8 hardware and are backed up with .25 inch plates which fit inside the main frame rails. The frame will be beefed up with another plate in order to handle the power from the Toyota MR2 3SGTE motor.