Oops, front transmission mount broke

[will]

Went for a spin a couple days ago, and thought I was gonna scatter parts on the highway. Turns out the metal/rubber on the front tranny mount separated. Tranny would pop up against the pan, engine go down pulling the throttle cable. So I find a guy in Corpus that has the mount and tons of knowledge. (seems every town has at least one like that) He tells me to loosen the cradle mount bolts up, and force the engine/transaxle back enough install the new mount. Well, guess what.....some idiot has welded the rear bumper brackets to the bolt heads! Not sure I can even access it with the 4 1/2" grinder, so I jury rigged the old mount, drilling two 5/16 holes all the way thru it, and installed two grade 8 socket head bolts. We'll see how much vibration transmits thru the mount and go from there. I suppose at some point I will cut the brackets off and install new brackets made for the bolt to go thru, along with new bolts.

[Jack Duncan]

Yes, cut that mess off with a torch and put it back the way it's suppose to be. Bolts through the bracket is the smart way to mount the bumper. The front mount broke because of torque and twisting from braking and power on situations. After replacing the mount, install hold down straps across the top of the trans and on the rear of the engine. You can buy them in kit form with instructions. It should especially be on larger engines with a lot of torque. Don't mean to be a "Know it all" but I did my research and put the kit on mine.

[will]

Yes, cut that mess off with a torch and put it back the way it's suppose to be. Bolts through the bracket is the smart way to mount the bumper. The front mount broke because of torque and twisting from braking and power on situations. After replacing the mount, install hold down straps across the top of the trans and on the rear of the engine. You can buy them in kit form with instructions. It should especially be on larger engines with a lot of torque. Don't mean to be a "Know it all" but I did my research and put the kit on mine.

I'm here to learn......First VW I've ever dealt with. I appreciate the tips.

The brackets that are welded to the bolt heads were cut. They were designed to go under the bolt head. Someone was just to lazy to remove the bolts to put the brackets on. I'll be looking for the strap kit. Also, Dale, of Dale's Import Service in Corpus suggested I go to solid mounts. Not sure about that tho, I want to research and see what sort of vibration issues that will result in.

[ckolek]

running solid mounts on my buggy with little to no vibration issues at all.. remove the bolts and fix your car correctly after all its your life and other people on the road with you!!

[will]

running solid mounts on my buggy with little to no vibration issues at all.. remove the bolts and fix your car correctly after all its your life and other people on the road with you!!

I'll be going to the solid mounts eventually. I see no safety issue with the cradle mounting bolts as they are.(doesn't mean I won't be changing them out) As far as the front mount, I'm confident the two grade 8 bolts are stronger than any bonded rubber mount will ever be.