When KICKER first partnered with the organizers of the Maloof Money Cup (coming up July 10-12), both parties realized the importance of a “statement-piece” vehicle, a gem that would appeal and blend with the skate community and the Southern California crowd. The final project was a one-of-a-kind ride, a showcase ride for the amateur and professional skateboarder to enjoy.
 
Representing KICKER at the Cup is a 1973 Volkswagen Type 181 Kurierwagen, known in the United States as the Thing, and re-created by the install pros at KICKER World Headquarters. It’s loaded with brain-numbing craziness, including four eight-inch Solo-Baric L7 square subwoofers stacked in the back for anyone fortunate enough to be hanging around the vehicle. Three sets of KS-Series 6.5-inch speakers and tweeters for high-end sound are scattered throughout the vehicle, including paradoxically under the hood. Of course it’s a VW characteristic that helps make the Thing true to its name.
 
“After building this ride and listening to the system, I think I want one,” said KICKER installation specialist Randy Botts. And we hope the crowds think the same!
 
Delivering the audio power to this unique creation are a 1,500-watt KICKER ZX-Series Subwoofer Amplifier, one 650-watt ZX 4-channel amplifier, and a 350-watt ZX stereo amplifier. A Vizualogic VMOD media management center and a seven-inch monitor were installed to regulate the fun. Two Kinetik HC800 power cells were put in place to assure reliability.
 
Adding to the interior visual and physical experience, the seats were reupholstered by TMI Classic Automotive Interiors, courtesy of the KICKER install crew.
 
To make the exterior mesh with the eye-popping interior layout, this classic ride was also geared with 17-inch GR Wheels (which only does classic VW wheels), Dunlop rubber, and a custom paint job for rolling in style.
 
The athlete lineup sporting the KICKER logo at the Cup next week is impressive to say the least. Ryan Sheckler, Greg Lutzka, and Lauren Perkins represent in the Street Skate section, and Pierre-Luc Gagnon and Jake Brown represent in Vert.
 
The Maloof Money Cup is the premiere showcase for amateur and professional skateboarding, and KICKER is proud to be a part of the fun. The three-day festival takes place July 10-12 at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, Calif., during the opening weekend of the OC Super Fair. Last year’s Maloof Money Cup boasted the largest purse in the history of professional skateboarding with more than $450,000 in prize money awarded in three professional U.S. Championship Competitions – Men’s and Women’s Pro Street, Men’s Pro Vert and the U.S. Amateur Championships.