1974 VW Thing Custom Buggy - Wild Thing

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The billet A-arms, knuckles, and disc brake components look great and offer excellent performance at the same time.

Here's another view of the beautifully machined arms with a King coilover nestled in the middle.

A fitting description of this unique vehicle.