Monday, September 10, 2012

Vacuum Pump and Power Steering

I had some vacation to use before the end of September, so I took the week of Labor Day off and spent most of the week working on the car.  Spent a lot of time but don't have much progress to show.  I mounted the electric power steering pump from a 2003 Toyota MR2.  I got it off Ebay and found a wiring diagram that shows how I  plan to hook up the unit.  One morning was spent at a hydraulic hose shop getting the pressure side hose and fitting to mate the Audi and Toyota parts.  The mount took much longer than I though it would but it tucked away nice and is solid.  I have not put fluid in the system yet so I am hoping for no leaks.


I also mounted the vacuum pump to the same bracket.  The vacuum pump I used was from a 2002 VW Passat.  I also used a Comp Cam vacuum canister from Summit Racing and a vacuum switch to activate the pump so that it only runs when more vacuum is needed.  To mount the pump I used a couple clamps that are intended to mount things to a roll bar, just so happened that the pump motor has a 2" diameter.  Using some grommets and spacers from the local hardware store I was able to isolate the unit to minimize vibration that is transmitted to the car. 


Work on the battery boxes continues, I think I'm done riveting now.  I have the 1/2" insulation cut and installed. Gland Nuts installed on most of the boxes.  I sealed up around the rear seat box using some sticky window flashing that I got from Home Depot.  More batteries to be installed but you get the idea on the layout.


 Front box is bolted in for good now. 


With the front grill support installed, the front three batteries are where the radiator was.  The front of the battery box will be painted black so that it will not show behind the grill.


I also got my J1772 connector installed under the fuel door.  If a public charge station ever get installed in Iowa I will be able charge from it.