1974 VW Thing - Volkswagon - LS1 - Offroad

When Michael Parks called from his Bluetooth while cruising down the highway in his VW Thing, stating that we should check out his ride, we were intrigued. When Michael finally sent us a photo of his ride, our jaws dropped and we asked for a ride. Over the years, his family has been a solid force in the off-road industry, which has lead to the forming of SMP Fabworks in Sun Valley, California. He and his son Steven wanted something different from what they see in the desert while still retaining the ability to drive it to the beach on Sundays.

Vehicle:
'74 VW Thing

Owner:
Michael Parks

Chassis:
Prowlers' chromoly caging

Engine:
LS1 Corvette V-8, C&R cooler, Odyssey batteries

Drivetrain:
Mendeola transaxle, 935 CV, Sway-a-Way axles

Suspension:
Custom Prowlers, Sway-a-Way shocks

Steering:
Howe power steering

Brakes:
CNC pedals and master cylinders

Tires/wheels:
Beadlock wheels, Pro Comp X-terrain tires

Interior:
Aluminum dash, Auto Meter gauges, Lowrance GPS, Racer-X communications, Mastercraft seats

Other Parts:
Lightforce lights

Favorite Off-Road Area:
Southern California, Nevada, Baja

The majority of the fab work that went into Michael's VW is from Prowlers. The car was inspired by the Class 1 cars you see running around Baja. Michael asked them to build a worthy desert runner while leaving it mild enough to drive past police officers on the road without hassle. Check out the trick giant air scoop that was built into the body, that's something usually reserved for street racecars. The 35-inch Pro Comp X-terrain tires are wrapped around black beadlock wheels. The body of the car is stock; there are no fiberglass panels on it. SMP Fabworks had a hand in certain sections of the rollcage, seat mounts and handled all race prep. The bumpers and rocker guards are also from Prowlers.
The majority of the fab work that went into Michael's VW is from Prowlers. The car was ins
Aside from looks alone, one feature of this Thing that stands out is the LS1 Corvette engine packed into the rear of the chassis. Custom Built Motors out of Ontario, California, built the 5.7L V-8 engine with an estimated 450 horsepower and more than 500 lb-ft of torque. Michael turned to Prowlers Speed & Custom to build a custom set of headers that would work with the chassis design.
Aside from looks alone, one feature of this Thing that stands out is the LS1 Corvette engi
Just making its way into the cabin is an oversized C&R cooler mounted between the rear shocks. Hidden away is a Prowlers fuel cell, MSD ignition, dual Odyssey batteries and a Mendeola transmission.
Just making its way into the cabin is an oversized C&R cooler mounted between the rear sho

The aluminum dash that was created for the VW is holding six Auto Meter gauges, a Lowrance 5200 GPS, a Racer-X communications system, and a head unit wired to a trick audio system installed by Sound Master of Hollywood, California. The car has been built to be ready for anything from Baja to the Beach.
The aluminum dash that was created for the VW is holding six Auto Meter gauges, a Lowrance
Mastercraft seats and belts are found both front and rear.
Prowlers is also responsible for the stout suspension design. The rear trailing arms are massive and should be plenty strong for anything Michael puts the car through. Here you can see the Mendeola transaxle connected to the hubs via 935 CVs and heavy-duty Sway-a-Way axles. CBM Motorsports in Ontario, California, completed all the transmission work. You can also see how skid plates have protected the entire under belly of the car.
Prowlers is also responsible for the stout suspension design. The rear trailing arms are m

Custom chromoly control arms move the front end 22 inches controlled by 2.0 triple-bypass shocks and coilover Sway-a-Way shocks. The 1-inch Heims and 1.5-inch uniballs keep all parts moving in a symbiotic fashion. Front track width measures 92 inches.
Custom chromoly control arms move the front end 22 inches controlled by 2.0 triple-bypass
Hidden under the upper shock mounts is the remainder of the audio system. A head-turning ride like this needs to be able to bump some tunes while cruising down Pacific Coast Highway, right?
Hidden under the upper shock mounts is the remainder of the audio system. A head-turning r
The CNC pedal system is hooked into 2-inch hollow spindle disc brakes in front and micro stub disc brakes in the rear. Michael also added a Howe power steering system making turns much easier on the road.
The CNC pedal system is hooked into 2-inch hollow spindle disc brakes in front and micro s

All of the shocks found on this Thing are from Sway-a-Way. There are 24 inches of rear wheel travel. Michael used 2.5 triple bypass shocks and 2.5 coilovers. The rear track width measures 84 inches.
All of the shocks found on this Thing are from Sway-a-Way. There are 24 inches of rear whe
We love how the original body was retained instead of going with a new fiberglass shell. The factory steel keeps this Thing cool and all of the original lines intact.
We love how the original body was retained instead of going with a new fiberglass shell. T