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New Project - Thunderranch Riot VW based Kitcar

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ratbug aka toddy101

439 posts · joined Jan 2003 ·

#849098
Picked up another project the other week. Its a Thunderranch Riot kitcar.
Never seen one before, sort of similar to the eureka concept, but different.
When I picked it up, it had 10years of dirt all over it, the previous owner had it sitting in his back shed for 10 years without touching it. After about 5 washes, its nearly clean. Took about 5 hours to clean the dirt, grime and paint overspray all over the windscreen, is still over the body, but not too concerned.
It came with 4 wheels disc brakes, balljoint front, swing axle rear (I will conver to IRS). Also comes with a 4AGZE toyota 1600 supercharged engine, mostly complete, radiator up the front, allow fuel tank etc, someone has done a bit of work. Havn't tried turning the engine over yet, probably hasn't turned over for 10years.

Anyway, being a subaru enthusiast, and invloved in several subie conversions, I think I will sell off all the bits and convert to subaru. I am currently rebuilding a 2004wrx motor to put into the buggy after spinning a bearing at wakefield at the VW nationals. The 2004ecu will allow me to tune the motor properly with flastune software, so will look at getting the same motor for the riot.

Also putting the subaru 5speed box in the buggy, so all going well, will do the same with the riot.

Anyway some photos.

This is what a complete one looks like...



And this is when I picked it up, so low at the front, had to use the gutter as a ramp aid.





My LWB buggy fits nicely on the trailer, the riot however struggled, got it on in the end though.




I wont be touching this project until I get the buggy back on the road, its in 1000 bits body off, getting the subaru box modified and engine rebuilt. To make matters worse, my Dad is a triumph fan, and found a TR7 at the auctions the same day picked the riot up, I went halves with him and we got it.Picked up up the next day.



Its in fairly good condition considering, no rust, and has had someone do the TR8 3.5L V8 engine conversion in it, just needs finishing off, mainly wiring which is what I love... So going to be busy!
Sharbuilt Beach buggy with Subaru 2L Turbo
Thunderanch Riot with Subaru 2L Turbo
Manxter with FA20turbo
Click here for wiring looms

baghall Ben Hal Outlaw Bushranger

1,021 posts · joined Jan 2010 ·

#849103
Yeh looks like you will be very busy.
Quite like the look of the riot. Prefer it to a eureka.
68 Baja - It's a growing pain!
58 Baja ute - and the pain spreads!
85 T3 Kombi - still growing
89 T3 Kombi - parts car

MickH Hairy Gutted Sloth

3,389 posts · joined Sep 2003 ·

#849154
Haha.....are you going to Baja the Riot????😂 Good score 👍
tssnq.com.au

baghall Ben Hal Outlaw Bushranger

1,021 posts · joined Jan 2010 ·

#849184
MickH wrote:Haha.....are you going to Baja the Riot????😂 Good score 👍
Hahahaha😂😂😂
68 Baja - It's a growing pain!
58 Baja ute - and the pain spreads!
85 T3 Kombi - still growing
89 T3 Kombi - parts car

Bizarre Moderator The artist formerly known as blue74l

12,789 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#849200
bet you paid more for the riot 😀

Would love to see one of them on the road - reckon they look great 👍
Futue te ipsum!!!

RUBY ROSE Casual Dubber

29 posts · joined Feb 2010 ·

#849329
Andrew,

I think Wayne PENROSE VW down south at Unanderra has/had a red body which may be an original. the RIOT company or a rep was based down south here somewere at one time if I can find the add I will send you the details. I am not sure what parts may be available but you could give him a call.
Dave

ian.mezz I never said, I could write or spell

3,913 posts · joined Sep 2004 ·

#849361
get the colour changed 🙅🤪
😂🤪😂🤪😂
car forums. where a lot of peoples good intentions end up taking a good old car off the road forever never ever to see the road again. 🥲

ratbug aka toddy101

439 posts · joined Jan 2003 ·

#849645
Yeah I Have found they were either made/distributed by a company by Port Kembla. Advertised in a VW magazine from 10 or so years ago.
What colour do you recommend Mr Mezz?
Sharbuilt Beach buggy with Subaru 2L Turbo
Thunderanch Riot with Subaru 2L Turbo
Manxter with FA20turbo
Click here for wiring looms

ian.mezz I never said, I could write or spell

3,913 posts · joined Sep 2004 ·

#849650
paint it a new bright car colour , like the ford and holden , but not orange 🥲
😂🤪😂🤪😂
car forums. where a lot of peoples good intentions end up taking a good old car off the road forever never ever to see the road again. 🥲