Latest news with #WDDetailing
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Volkswagen's Quirky 'Thing' Roars Back to Life After Decades
In a recent video, the team at WD Detailing uncovered a remarkable piece of automotive history: a Volkswagen Type 181, affectionately known in the U.S. as the "Thing." This particular vehicle had been tucked away in a barn for over five decades, accumulating a mere 6,800 miles (approximately 11,000 kilometers) since new. Its pristine condition and unique backstory offer a fascinating glimpse into automotive design and history. The Volkswagen Type 181, introduced in 1969, was initially developed for the West German Army. It later entered civilian markets under various names: "Kurierwagen" in Germany, "Trekker" in the UK, and "Safari" in Mexico and South America. In the United States, it earned the quirky moniker "Thing" during its brief availability in 1973 and 1974. This vehicle's design drew inspiration from the World War II-era Kübelwagen, sharing mechanical components with the Volkswagen Beetle and Microbus. Notably, the Thing featured removable doors, a fold-flat windshield, and a convertible roof, embodying a utilitarian yet playful aesthetic. Upon discovering the Thing, the WD Detailing team faced the challenge of reviving a vehicle that had been dormant for 50 years. Despite its long slumber, the car's body was in exceptional condition, with minimal rust and all original parts intact. The interior, though dusty, showed no significant damage, preserving its original charm. The restoration process began with a thorough exterior wash, revealing the vehicle's original paintwork. Attention then turned to the engine bay, where the team carefully cleaned and inspected the air-cooled flat-four engine. The interior received a meticulous cleaning, preserving the original seats and fixtures. The Volkswagen Thing holds a unique position in automotive history. Its unconventional design and military origins set it apart from other vehicles of its era. Built on the Beetle's platform, it combined reliability with a rugged, off-road-ready appearance. The Thing's versatility and distinctive look have earned it a cult following among enthusiasts. This barn find underscores the importance of preserving automotive history. Vehicles like the Volkswagen Thing offer insights into past engineering practices and cultural trends. For enthusiasts and collectors, such discoveries highlight the potential value hidden in forgotten garages and barns. The revival of this 1970 Volkswagen Thing by WD Detailing is more than just a restoration; it's a journey into the past, bringing a piece of automotive history back to life. It serves as a reminder of the timeless appeal of unique vehicle designs and the stories they carry through the years.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Classic Dodge Power Wagon Gets The Love It Deserves
Read the full story on Backfire News Someone kept a nice 1975 Dodge Power Wagon in their backyard under one of those temporary shelter things for the past 37 years. As you would expect, the classic truck ended up getting incredibly filthy, looking like a genuine barn find vehicle. Thankfully, it was finally rescued and given a thorough cleaning, the pickup getting the love it absolutely owner actually confirms that for a while the truck was in fact sitting inside a barn, so it came by all that dust rightfully. Then he parked it under the temporary structure and life happened. One thing that makes recovering this truck difficult is the fact it's large and has a camper shell in the bed, adding to the already massive weight. The professional detailers who signed up to rescue and clean up this Dodge, WD Detailing, struggle big time with getting the Power Wagon out of its resting spot and onto a waiting trailer. They have to take the camper shell off so it will even fit in the trailer, learning just four small C-clamps are holding it onto the bed sides. Thankfully, the owner doesn't want the camper anymore, so they take it off and dump the rotting thing. When it comes to cleaning the Dodge, the detailers have to remove layers of dirt and grime – it's really disgusting. They also find out one of the lug nuts was welded on for whatever reason. Sometimes you find the craziest things on old vehicles. But they push through, cleaning the exterior, cab, and even the engine compartment. The engine itself is done for and there is no gas tank, just an old can and a hose under the hood the owner used to supply the engine back when it did run. While the truck is going to need a lot of mechanical work, it cleans up surprisingly well. We just wonder what you would do with this pickup? What engine would you put in it? Image via WD Detailing/YouTube
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Low Mileage Barn Find Porsche 356SC Gets Some Proper Love
Read the full story on Backfire News A Porsche 356SC is a special car, but finding one that's been stashed away for almost 60 years is really something. However, this classic wasn't kept washed and polished the whole time, which we realize is mind blowing for anyone who realizes its value. Obviously, to the owner, it just wasn't worth the hassle. What's crazy is this classic Porsche only has 17,700 original miles on it. That's why the exterior and interior as so incredibly well preserved, like an automotive time capsule. In fact, the interior looks almost brand new. As the final iteration of the Porsche 356, the SC was introduced in 1964 as a step up from the also-new C. The SC came with a a higher compression ratio, upgraded carbs, more aggressive camshafts, larger intake/exhaust valves, and other upgrades. All that meant more power for the driver to enjoy, 107-bhp and 91 lb.-ft. of torque, to be specific. While it wouldn't be considered quick or fast by today's standards, back in the day it was a hot little ride many enjoyed on the street and track. Plus, these days a well-preserved Porsche 356SC can sell for big money. Seeing one in this state might be disturbing, but the owner at least kept it whole and in overall good condition. We still would've kept it clean even if we wanted to park it for decades, but he obviously felt differently about it. Thanks to a thorough professional detailing job performed by the guys at WD Detailing, they make the classic Porsche truly shine again. It looks like a show car in the footage, which is seriously impressive. Usually, barn finds don't clean up nearly this well. Check out the video, it's amazing viewing. Image via WD Detailing/YouTube
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Left For Dead: Barn Find Volkswagen Thing Gets Fully Detailed
Read the full story on Backfire News Someone drove a Volkswagen Thing into a barn 50 years ago, parking the German contraption. Little did they realize at the time it would sit for half a century before getting pulled out and detailed by some being dirty, this Thing is wonderfully well preserved. With about 6,800 miles on it, there's no wonder the VW doesn't look too shabby. According to the owner, it could possibly have been the first one imported into the US. Under all the barn dust is a beautiful example of the VW Thing. But the worst part of the classic German vehicle by far were the wheels, which had quite a bit of surface rust. You perhaps have owned a car with wheels that looked similar and just accepted their corroded state. But the guys at WD Detailing take pride in their ability to clean up cars and make them look fantastic. They use their own wheel cleaner and it does a great job of removing most of the grime and some corrosion sitting on the metal. But you'll notice the rust is still present to a degree. The rest of the classic Volkswagen cleans up nicely, including the engine compartment in the rear. Also known as the Type 181, the Thing was created by Volkswagen as a cheap and different open-air adventure vehicle. You can remove the roof and doors, plus fold down the windshield, similar to a Jeep, getting a fully open air driving experience. Just don't expect to do any serious off-roading in one. With the same platform as the Beetle, only widened and a few things rearranged, the Thing was a super yet fun way to get around. But the classic rides haven't become serious collector items, fetching rather modest amounts on the market these days. Image via WD Detailing/YouTube
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Filthy Barn Find 1967 Mustang Gets Another Chance
Read the full story on Backfire News For some, seeing this barn find 1967 Mustang just left to rot is traumatizing. After all, it's a dream ride for the Blue Oval faithful and even quite a few non-gearheads. But this little pony car is getting another lease on life after receiving a full detailing and some mechanical in a barn since the 90s, the classic Ford is covered in a thick layer of dust, plus bird droppings. The wheels are buried up the rims in the dirt floor, requiring the team rescuing it to use heavy machinery and literally drag it out of the barn. At first glance, the interior doesn't look too bad. At least it isn't covered in mold or has any obvious rodent nests, garbage, or biohazards. But it's in need of some obvious work. However, the detailers note the interior reeks 'like a hamster cage.' That's foreshadowing, because later as they were hosing out the engine compartment, a little mouse decided to make its escape from the place it called home before the humans moved the pony car. They later find the mice nest under the backseat. This is why removing seats on a vehicle that's sat for a long time is wise. Theres' more in the glovebox and trunk, too. The overall structure of the Mustang seems rather sound, making it an ideal candidate for a restoration. Sure, the paint has all kinds of imperfections and there's some corrosion on the body, but honestly it's not that bad. While the Mustang cleans up well enough, getting it running is a different story. The engine will turn over, but they can't turn the key in the ignition, so the guys can't tell if there are other issues to be addressed. Would you just fix the Mustang and enjoy it as is, or would you take this pony in another direction? Images via WD Detailing/YouTube
