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1974 VW Thing Custom Buggy - Wild Thing

1974 Volkswagen Thing Custom Buggy Left Front
1974 Volkswagen Thing Custom Buggy Left Rear
Out back is a custom-fabricated... 
   
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1974 Volkswagen Thing Custom Buggy Left Rear
Out back is a custom-fabricated swingaxle assembly sprung with King coilovers with remote reservoirs. Billet four-piston rear disc brakes slow the Thing's go.
1974 Volkswagen Thing Custom Buggy Rear Engine Detail
A lightweight, aluminum, four-cylinder,... 
   
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1974 Volkswagen Thing Custom Buggy Rear Engine Detail
A lightweight, aluminum, four-cylinder, four-valve-per-cylinder DOHC engine serves as the powerplant. This GM Ecotec engine has been slightly tweaked, and its 170 hp pump out enough power to capably scoot this play rig around. The exhaust was custom-fabricated.
1974 Volkswagen Thing Custom Buggy Roll Cage
1974 Volkswagen Thing Custom Buggy Rear Radiator
A Ron Davis aluminum radiator... 
   
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1974 Volkswagen Thing Custom Buggy Rear Radiator
A Ron Davis aluminum radiator handles the cooling chores along with two Spal electric fans. A small tube cage on the rear supports the engine and components and provides a little aft protection.
1974 Volkswagen Thing Custom Buggy Headunit
The team at Tatum fabricated... 
   
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1974 Volkswagen Thing Custom Buggy Headunit
The team at Tatum fabricated a custom steel dashpanel to house a Sony stereo, VDO gauges, and the lighting switches. The layout is clean and classy. A billet steering wheel also adorns the interior.
1974 Volkswagen Thing Custom Buggy Pedal Set
CNC pedal assemblies handle... 
   
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1974 Volkswagen Thing Custom Buggy Pedal Set
CNC pedal assemblies handle the clutch and braking chores, while an Optima RedTop provides the starter juice. The interior flooring was stripped and redone in a dark gray carpeting.
1974 Volkswagen Thing Custom Buggy Custom Aluminum Fuel Cell
Since the Thing is a rear-engine-based... 
   
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1974 Volkswagen Thing Custom Buggy Custom Aluminum Fuel Cell
Since the Thing is a rear-engine-based vehicle, there wasn't much under the hood in front. But after Tatum consumed a good portion with its long-travel suspension setup and steering rack, only a small standard fuel cell would fit. But by making a custom odd-shaped aluminum cell, Tatum was able to squeeze in about 22 gallons to alleviate any fuel worries on long trips.
1974 Volkswagen Thing Custom Buggy Remote Reservoir Shocks
1974 Volkswagen Thing Custom Buggy Billet Sidesteps 1974 Volkswagen Thing Custom Buggy Front Detail
1974 Volkswagen Thing Custom Buggy Billet Suspension Components
The billet A-arms, knuckles,... 
   
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1974 Volkswagen Thing Custom Buggy Billet Suspension Components
The billet A-arms, knuckles, and disc brake components look great and offer excellent performance at the same time.
1974 Volkswagen Thing Custom Buggy Front Coilovers
Here's another view of the... 
   
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1974 Volkswagen Thing Custom Buggy Front Coilovers
Here's another view of the beautifully machined arms with a King coilover nestled in the middle.
1974 Volkswagen Thing Custom Buggy License Plate
A fitting description of this... 
   
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1974 Volkswagen Thing Custom Buggy License Plate
A fitting description of this unique vehicle.
1974 Volkswagen Thing Custom Buggy Action Shot

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1974 Volkswagen Thing Custom Buggy Dirt Action 1974 Volkswagen Thing Custom Buggy Rear Action

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