Kit Car

Taking A Glance At Thunder Ranch

OPTIONS:
Top and side curtains	$1,650
2,275 VW engine, 170hp with strengthened transaxle	$2,750
Porsche alternator, fan assembly with SS breathers	$2,000
CNC four-wheel disc brakes with large five-bolt pattern	$2,850
Removable hardtop	$2,500
Leather interior	$1,000
550A Beck 550A is a new body configuration allowing a larger front/rear wheel size, 6-inch wheels in front and 7-inch wheels in the rear. Additionally, the rear body section comes with 550A air inlets and an optional headrest (add to the Basic Kit price).	$2,000
550A-6 Beck 550A-6 uses the 550A wide body with motor mounting for a Porsche 911 six-cylinder engine. The transaxle can be from either a 911 or a 914. Frame modifications include a four-link DeDion rear suspension, Panhard bar, Aldan coilover shock absorbers, and a modified 914-6 headers exhaust system (add to the Basic 550 Kit price).	$3,500

Additional Parts Needed To Complete Deluxe Kit Assembly:
Complete VW Type 1 engine including all accessoriesA Porsche 356, 912, or original four-cam motors can be usedVW '66-77 complete front beam except for the actualbeam. Use disc brakes from Karman Ghia
VW '61-72 complete transaxle assembly, drum to drum including shocks. Ring gear must be flippedMichelin 165XZX-15 front, 205MXV-15 rear
VW Type 1 single action brake master cylinder and reservoir
VW Type 1 steering shaft and tube. Length must be cut to suit driver
VW Type 1 gearshift lever and shift tubeBattery and cables
VW Type 1 wiper assembly (90 drive only)
VW bus clutch cable
VW accelerator cable
VW 12-volt starter motorAssorted nuts and bolts for attaching the pedal assembly, master cylinder, engine, transmission, trailing arms, and rear shocksSteering wheelOptional 911-style fan assembly. Includes shroud, alternator, blower, and hardware

Thunder Ranch 718 RSK
Deluxe Kit: $13,945
Cars Starting AT: $33,750
The RS series followed the world class-winning 550. In 1957, the Porsche factory decided the 550 Spyder had reached 100 percent of its potential. At the end of its development, the 550 was equipped with a 135hp engine and a space frame. Called the RSK, the 550's successor, the RS stood for Rennsport, and K was the shape of the front suspension. The type 718 was born. The first car had a 1,500cc engine and one seat. It raced in Formula 2 events, first winning in Rheims, France, in '58 while driven by Jean Behra. The suspension changed and the motor was increased to 1,600cc with 148 bhp. In '60, the K was dropped from the nomenclature of this series, and RS60, then RS61, and RS62 were used for this type 718 racecar. About 16 of the cars were built. Four were factory racecars. No private-owner streetcars were ever built.

Thunder Ranch decided to replicate this racing legend with modifications to the original racecar styling that allows the replica to be used on the street. First designed by Chuck Beck, Thunder Ranch uses the single-crossmember 550 frame, moved forward slightly to allow the panel from dash to floor to cover it as it does in the 550. After the frame is fabricated, it's powdercoated. Thunder Ranch's handlaid DPCD blended polyester body is then bonded to the frame with adhesive and rivets. The hood, engine cover, and doors are hand-fitted with new or handmade hardware.

Thunder Ranch CHANGES to the 718 RSK:
1) 550 Frame-The 550 frame allows a low doorsill that can be maintained for easy ingress or egress
2) 550 Instrument pod-The instrument pod and curved cowl allow the use of street-needed gauges
3) 550 Windshield-The 550/Speedster windshield is street-safety glass and DOT legal. The glass, frame, seals, and hardware are readily available and fit the RSK styling.Optional plexiglass windscreens are available upon request
4) Rear Body Solid-The body section aft of the firewall is solid and laminated with the rest of the body at the time of manufacture. This simplifies the construction and bodywork, and prevents any possibility of unintended engine cover "fly-up." There is a trunklike lid over the engine bay that provides quick, easy access to the engine and transaxle