ICON EV VW Derelict "WildThing: Modified VW Thing

[@thomaswelcomer8443]

I can just imagine you smiling because of the remarks of "surprise" from the fans. The one thing that always shines thru no matter what the project - your passion and the quality work! Thanx for both....

[@davegeorge2307]

Very tasteful, owned a 1974 in 79-83, while in the Marines...big fun in that car. Love the low back seats! Really a beautiful car you've built! Semper Fi.

[@stevebirks2186]

I love that Thing - Mr Wood ! - I have loved these strange VWs ever since I saw one in an old movie - in the 1970's - You sure have done a great job with that baby ! - And also kept the integrity of her too !Well done ! Thanks for sharing your vid !

[@greg1268]

you're right, I wasn't expecting that! Especially the donuts right at the beginning! My jaw hit the desk. I had no idea that Things were so spartan! Or that you could take the doors off. Cool project, keep it up. Thanks for posting this video.

[@NoPaintGarage]

cool build. I'm not into electric vehicles, but I can appreciate the time put into it.

[@ZippoVarga]

You have "Models" of ICON, like the Derelict and Reformer...Have you given thought to the EV line up catch name? For example, simply ENVY or Evolve? Just throwing out ideas. Great to see the ICON brand branching out even more. Cheers! Zip~

[@Apoteoza]

Derelectric?

[@EvilDeadFan11]

I've liked looking at things. However being aware of the power or lack thereof and the maintenance, rattles etc.. I've never ever have wanted to own this one. However with this one.. I'm super jealous! An EV powertrain in a thing with ICON touches just seems so perfect! Great job!

[@ashleya8971]

Been to many car shows ride a Harley,Rarely has a car had such an impact as your 1958 Rolls!!! Thee!perfect car. Thanks

[@JeepTJay6]

The VW purist in me says....Crew authenticity! This is absolutely amazing!!!! Awesome work guys!

[@mtmtrax5]

Excellent project idea. And I'm glad I am not the only one that believes that driving should never be autonomous; you should always enjoy the actual bond and control between man and machine.

[@donelmore2540]

I bought a ‘64 Bug in nice shape on Bring a Trailer last year. Sight unseen, I had it shipped to Flash Drive Motors north east of Austin and they did an electric conversion. It’s got a Hyper 9 High Voltage motor and 7 Tesla batteries (3 where the gas tank was and 4 behind the back seat). Torque is about 4 times stock and HP is about 3 times stock so it is shockingly quick to the uninitiated. 11:54 11:58 We added front disc brakes, coil over shocks, LED lights, A/C and seat heaters. The coolest thing, to my mind, is that we kept the pea shooter exhaust so it looks bone stock. Still to chase down are the sloppy steering, shifting throw (very long), heater and various rattles and bangs. Range seems to be around 170, but I haven’t run it down to zero to find out.

[@coreymulkey2056]

Jonathan you are such a badass rock star! this should definitely be a small portion in a very large collective comment section of kudos! love the work don't stop doing what your doing, you inspire so many people daily and we live what you do. cheers

[@Zundfolge]

I still wanna see someone take a Thing and adapt a Syncro system off a late model Vanagon to it and make it truly 4 wheel drive.

[@JeepTJay6]

Zundfolge would be really cool, but also really expensive. Syncros are worth there weight in gold these days. I sold my mint 82 non Syncro pop top about 8 years ago and now see similar vans go for 2-3 times what I got for mine. I can't imagine anyone cutting up a rare 4wd for a project like this. Maybe if it was already wrecked... Would be an awesome project though. ;-)

[@Zundfolge]

ICON is one of those companies that could probably justify the expense.

[@daviemaclean61]

It's not a Thing, but have you seen Bad Obsession Motorsport? They are squeezing Toyota GT4 running gear into a classic Mini.......at a very leisurely pace I might add!

[@trevorsteele341]

Check out the Porsche 597.

[@Zundfolge]

Trevor, you've taken my über expensive and difficult idea and made it look cheap and easy ... good luck finding a Jagdwagen in the US (probably not all that easy in Europe). Even a Type 82 (Kübelwagen) would be easier and cheaper :p

[@capitan_camote_picante6370]

anyone knows what brand are those sun-shades? pelease

[@david929190]

You're really expanding your range of builds with this electric car, I can't wait to see the other ones in the works.

[@martinogold]

I've been waiting for this video for a long time. Incredible machine, if I ever find enough money down the back of the sofa I'll be ordering one. Top work!

[@bredlo]

For everyone obsessing over range, why does every vehicle on earth needs to drive cross-country at a moment's notice? This is perfect for someone living within 20 or 30 miles of the ocean... someone who just wants something fun to cruise around town in. A car doesn't take itself seriously - like this one - is the ideal candidate to become an expensive, off-beat toy. I like it.

[@johngilmer]

So...what is the range (conservative use versus extravagant use) of the vehicle? I'm not obsessing over anything, but it's useful information.

[@chriss1914]

Because not everyone and will go as far as saying most people can't afford to own a car as a "toy".

[@tootall5559]

@@chriss1914 There was a ton of money spent on it, and for what? It's still not very large, comfortable or good looking. Electric is for eco-pussies anyway.

[@bobmaxwell9217]

toot tall spoken like a true car guy

[@MrErdner]

@@chriss1914 I think you got it exactly right. Yes, it would be fun to just cruise around locally, but I think most folks would want to have a fun plaything car for vacations. And even if you only live 20 or 30 miles from the ocean, the ocean isn't the only place to go for a fun vacation. I have nothing against the client who ordered it, but if someone gave that to me as a gift, or I won it as a prize, I'd immediately sell it and use the money to buy something like Jonathon's DeSoto station wagon.

[@morpar318]

Hay Jonathan Ward with all the innovation in CNC technology. My question to you is why did you not CNC a new gas filler neck and cap to look the same as the original just slightly larger. so you are able to fit the electronic plug in the spot of the original gas cap?

[@jonnietruth4083]

With this car… You are opening up a world of amazing. I could imagine the big boats of the 1970s making a come back because they are electric. I. E. The Buick LeSabre four-door… The big Cadillacs… The Chrysler Newport… That was a boat… All electric… That would be amazing. For that gigantic 1976 Lincoln continental… All electric… That car was like driving in a cloud. But what a gas hog.

[@singlespeedman]

Hey Jonathon, could you build a larger gas filler neck that looked stock that would fit the EV charger port? It sounds cool in my head.

[@singlespeedman]

Good point.

[@tedfort1698]

Did you put anything into the cap? Seems like it would be nice to incorporate a cigarette lighter or inverter outlet into it for charging/powering things while camping or tailgating. Or even a secondary volume knob for the stereo for the same situation. I just imagine that if I opened the stock neck and it was just empty, I'd be rather disappointed.

[@thor8640]

coolest THING EVER (or Kuebelwagen in German), did not see an EV coming out of your shop. GREAT idea and execution, keep up the great work Jonathan.

[@hankpog3907]

thor8640 the domestic version was called the kurierwagen

[@jameshudson9479]

What a shocker ,didn't see it coming ⚡️

[@warrentopping5764]

another super cool unique icon/ward build....always liked the german design;now I really love the powerplant &all the other space age up-grades!

[@nimblybimbly4002]

I'm excited to see more EV projects!

[@carlosmartoral6268]

Wonderful build on the electric wild thing. What was the cost of this particular electric build?

[@stoneblue1795]

First rate, Jon.... what a cool grocery hauler that one is going to be. Lots of fun.

[@chriscavlovich8602]

I want the sunglasses love them 😆

[@denisleblanc4506]

As a teenager, one of my friends had one. We spent many hours off-road in it. Including river crossings with water over the headlights, sand, and some mud. It had great ground clearance and was light enough to be fun. If you think they were not very comfortable in south America, try it in winter in Canada. Wouldn't do it in EV, but a very interesting concept. I still think the best application of EV/hybrid would be an SUV with a small turbo 4 front wheel drive with and uncoupled electric rear drive (à la RAV4 hybrid). If the gas engine had something like an 8 speed transmission with 2 granny gears, and decent electric rear drive it could be very interesting. Crawling in electric mode on slow tight trails in almost silent mode with regen and battery charging on faster trails, it could be almost ideal until the batteries short out.

[@ronindebeatrice]

Denis LeBlanc The electric on the front would be a better route, you could get better regen and it wouldn't be too hard to convert the 4x4 transfer case to be rear only, with a separate motor for the front.

[@DarronBirgenheier]

The EV conversion certainly does eliminate much of the downside of an original Thing. I REALLY like this!

[@blairwise3339]

we had a Volkswagen Thing for an island car at our summer house for many years and it was awesome. it was a funny thing that Volkswagen things were the vehicle to have on that island and several families had very good examples of them there.

[@ericlarreau5498]

I LOVE this... I've been a life-long air-cooled VW fan, but I'm not necessarily a purist... I love an ambitious build and respect a craftsman that can produce an astounding custom machine that maintains the spirit of the original... I think this Thing, uh, fires on all cylinders, so to speak lol...

[@mikejf4377]

Did you guys modify the transaxle fort he extra HP and torque? Nice video and mod.

[@hastingshastings72]

What do you think , accident or no accident viewable at 3:49?

[@Amtcboy]

Saw three pedals down there, so it’s manual transmission? There’s heater so no A/C? With all those ports/openings and under chassis electronics, how does it deal with rain, washing and water puddles?

[@sslugworth]

My new dream car! Absolutely magical mix of old and new.

[@dominickatx478]

I noticed there's still a clutch pedal... does it have more than one forward gear?

[@timbrown9535]

Does the clutch pedal do anything in your version of this car?

[@halleffect1]

I have an 81 Rabbit pickup, would love to go electric on that.

[@tombrooks8565]

Very cool Thing! This inspires me to consider changing my plans for my tintop Suzuki Samurai.

[@csmith785]

Jonathan, what kind of transaxle are you running in the wild thing?

[@Visionery1]

Fantastic electric conversion!

[@renegadeuvfunk]

Next level stuff here Mr. Ward. Looks so great, such a cool implementation of EV. You, sir, have some serious range!

[@NuisancePanda]

I always love Icon Derelict & 4x4's... but it genuinely bums me out knowing that I'll never be able to own one Keep making these videos, and I'll keep watching 'em. You guys rock

[@malky9645]

Great video as usual and awesome trekker, where were the front seats from as they look like a good option for my 1970 bug

[@alfredovargasgonzalez9592]

Congratulations, pal, nice system. One question: how did you modify the four windows? Could you explain the way to improve them? Greetings from Veracruz state.

[@troyclayton1775]

Hi Jonathon, could you do one of these conversions to a Land Cruiser? What would be required?

[@steveyulenburg129]

Jonathan Ward Do you have anything to do with the folks over at Icon Suspension? Or is your name the only link?

[@Br1anuk]

Fantastic, I had a 1970 VW Beetle Convertible in the same colour. That would've been fantastic converted to electric, but I had a look and in the UK it costs about £20,000 for a conversion. Thats what I paid for my 3 year old E350cdi estate!

[@MrRandomcommentguy]

I absolutely adore the widely spaced bolt pattern on old VW hubs

[@guyward5137]

Cool VW always interesting vehicles

[@areitu]

Amazing build...I'm glad to see that EV conversions are becoming a thing! What are the heat exchangers beneath the car cooling off?

[@Sashazur]

Probably the batteries.

[@MightAsWellK5]

The opening sequence of these videos is usually a flyby shot of the vehicle with some great audio of the Borla exhaust.....either the "Rowdy" or "Restrained" version depending on the customers preference. In this case, clearly you have opted for the Borla Electric version....... VERY restrained, and quiet. :)

[@beaubeaukitty5301]

That is a beautiful build gotta love it

[@jeffscomp]

Did you use a lithium battery for it?

[@F430RS1]

What headlights did you use?

[@peewee7405]

Well done, you guys are masters of your craft.

[@marknugent8933]

Mr Ward - Is it possible to put a price tag on the finished project ?

[@brockcampbell8727]

So cool! As alway, over the top build quality.

[@grandpamcdonald]

Feels like the soul is missing from it.

[@michaelstawczykjr.701]

What transaxle are you using?

[@MrGsWorkshop]

Awesome! Glad to see an Icon EV!

[@tony_25or6to4]

Love it, but it appears that there is no rear seat leg room.

[@snoopylily1141]

Did you give Thing an electric power steering column?

[@andycapo9you]

Really awesome car! Like all of yours! Just a point: that speedometer is asking for a chrome circular frame! looks really good, but, with a chrome frame it will be just perfect

[@paulinanila]

Around how much would something like this be?

[@pappanpools]

like every derelict its truly an amazing piece of art

[@alefgardhero]

I like it. First Electric conversion I could say that about. Looks sharp. Why do you guys always put white letters in? I'd love to see a BR with them out.

[@albertbrooks8652]

Great job as usual Jonathan.. .

[@liquorsystemsofutah484]

ANOTHER epic Icon ride!

[@MalcolmDesigns]

Cooooool! That would be perfect on Nantucket (island) where I live.

[@fanciscop]

I would love to see a land cruiser 40 series with this conversion! cheers from Portugal!

[@LillyandMemsey]

What brand/model are the wheels?

[@seejager6595]

Where and how could I modify a thing to be the same as this one?

[@seejager6595]

pls respond!!

[@ot0m0t0]

Leave it to the Icon to destroy another perfectly good.... HAH just kidding I love it. Cant wait to hit the lottery and make you build me a 40s rusty Olds.

[@ethanesmith]

What's the transmission? Why the clutch pedal?

[@donandnanelmore8278]

Good for you--I didn't notice the clutch pedal, but did notice the Hurst shifter. By and large, electric cars don't have trannies.

[@Serps-ii9zc]

A lot of factory built electric cars don't have transmissions, a lot of these aftermarket EV conversions actually maintain the stock trans and just use the electric motor to spin it. Makes the conversion easier that way.

[@ethanesmith]

Stealth EV thanks for the reply. I've never driven an EV outside of a golf cart. I'd love to try one with the clutch. Now...I need you guys to do your magic on my '91 Westy Vanagon! Although it does have an automatic.

[@copuis]

so, as always I love the little details you guys work on but I wonder if the thought of, putting solar panels somehow on/in the roof or bonnet? or would that be an interesting design on something where that extra power could be used to power things like hvac, or camping fridges in a bigger ev

[@guitartar09]

does that have an AC system?

[@Linken200]

Fantastic video, especially loved the last part after 12 min mark, really nailed why I've been following you and your work for many years. Keep it up!

[@lawriemcleod4911]

Super cool Jonathan! never expected a project like that,..... but again you nailed it. Are you expanding your operations? how can l contact you? My abilites and skills would complement your factories goals.

[@misterthatguyjake]

Is it still a manual transmission? I thought most EVs didn't need a transmission.

[@EnsVibes]

those headlights are killer, care to share the brand? Im interested on ones for my vw bus

[@ambienteterrazas]

did he mention the range?

[@johngilmer]

Still looking for the range in the video.

[@lsh3rd]

Patty and Selma Bouvier never had it so good!

[@HFV_Junkyardin]

But it's it still air cooled?

[@GOTTshua]

I would have kept the original dials/gauges for their look. So glad you took all the rattles out of it.

[@odditylocker]

You extracted it's soul. 74 thing owner here

[@christianstephens6050]

Do you allow people to bring their own car to you for the derelict treatment? Or do you prefer to have a type of vehicle in mind and find it yourselves? I'm from Australia and love landcruisers so if you ever need anything sourced let me know.

[@sneeking2487]

Who's the company who made this EV kit, link?

[@stevenminnick]

Very cool guys! I'm kinda jealous of the future owner. Nicely done.

[@truthseeker8483]

What no Dynamat in this one?

[@Chelsea-kr6mq]

Ever since I watched 50 first dates, I've been obsessed with these. And Switched at Birth made me want one more.

[@shrimpflea]

An electric with a clutch pedal...I like it!

[@linovieira5260]

super cool built you should try these bumper rubber top's on the fj 40's

[@kamui1001]

What is the range???

[@mksdad]

Love that thing lol would like to see an ev original Mini Cooper, ww2 jeep, or 240z. Keep up the amazing work 😉

[@thehappytexan]

With your build quality, that would be the perfect vehicle for tooling around a small tropical island. No need to worry about the stupid expensive gas.

[@rudystone2324]

Stock Trans-axle?

[@markusgustafsson7690]

them glasses are amazing

[@gregdavid1544]

Neat car. Always thought an electric thing would be a cool project. Only critique I have is that it is a 74, not a 73.

[@benjyth]

Came here to say this. To those wondering, 74 has air scoops on the side while the 73 just has vents in the body panels high and to the rear of the back wheels, but without the scoops.

[@scotty2307]

Front trunk? Frunk?