Description
Lot #468 - Found in Lake Havasu City, AZ, having been stored, non-running in a garage for over 3 years. This Thing was purchased for use off-roading around Lake Havasu. This was a complete, original stock car, non-rusted, no accidents. It was too nice to use for off-roading, so Lyle decided to restore it. This was a complete body-off restoration. All body parts were media-blasted. All the under-coating was removed. Rotisserie prepped and painted. The engine has the original numbers matching Thing case. It has been built-up to 2276cc with 180hp. New components include: 82mm Empi counter-weighted crank, Empi H Beam rods, CIMA forged pistons and cylinders, Engle cam, ported and polished 40 x 35.5 dual spring Empi heads, dual 44 Weber carburetors with K&N air filters, 3/8 Chromoly push rods, solid shafts and swivel feet. Full flowed, clearanced and balanced by J.D. Machine of Lake Havasu City, AZ. Engine is also sand-sealed with stock size aluminum pulley, 8 dowel lightened flywheel with Stage 1 Kennedy pressure plate and heavy duty gland nut. Included is 009 distributor with Comp-u-Fire, doghouse oil-cooled, 1? quart oil sump, Empi aluminum valve covers, breather box and HPC coated The Thing Shop exhaust. Engine is completed with all original Thing sheet metal and all powdercoated. The transmission is an off-road IRS Type I transaxle that includes a 412 Klinkenberg Ring and Pinion, McKenzie's Super-Diff, 091 first gear, close ratio 148/114 McKenzie's 3rd and 4th, welded hubs, steel shift forks, Think flanges, welded cross-shaft, heavy duty side cover, new synchros, seals and gaskets, solid mounts, new shift coupler and shift bushing. The suspension includes the original VW Thing front end with adjusters, new ball joints, tie rod ends and steering box, 4 KYB gas adjust shocks, boxed rear trailing arms, 4 new Thing 411 CVs and boots. Also new are 4 new wheel cylinders and brake lines, new wheel bearings, front and rear, NOS Thing drums, powder coated inside and out, McKenzie's wood-woven shoes, new master cylinder, rebuilt pedal assembly, new steering coupler and new steering stabilizer. All suspension pieces were media blasted and powdercoated. The suspension is completed with 4 new polished 5 lug Centerline wheels and stud kit for wheels mounted with new Mickey Thompson 30 x 7 x 15 Off-Road Mud Terrain Tires. The original spare wheel is included.
The interior features front seats completely rebuilt by The Thing Shop and new rear seat cushion in saddle. Complete new matching convertible top with new side curtains and complete new powdercoated heavy duty frame. New leather wrapped steering wheel, new sun visors, new door striker plates and new original style seat belts with stainless hooks. Completing the package is AM/FM CD Pyle stereo and 4 speakers, mounts and grilles. All original body parts, fenders and bumpers. Custom 2 stage paint job in Hummer Yellow.