SP Rides: See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil
By Michael Kitchens
Name: Michael Archer
Age: 45
Occupation: Carpenter
Hobbies: Cars, Family & Friends
Year/Make/Model: 1965 VW Manx
Color: Body: special mix by Matt at Hi-Line Distributors; Rollcage, Pan and Engine Cage: Kandy Red
Murals: Marlene (Twink) at Hi-Line Distributors
Engine: 1914cc T3 turbo; all plumbing stainless steel with AN fittings, MSD ignition, custom header, Car Craft BOV &filter, straight exhaust, Bugpack components
Exterior: Custom molded 3 Wisemen, Manx shell, neon underglow LEDs, chrome mirrors, headlights, bumper bars, spring plate covers
Interior: Carbon fiber dash with beige inserts by Al @ Al’s Upholstery, Autometer Ultra Lite 2 Tachometer, Oil, Cyl Head, Vlotage, Speedometer, & Boost Gauges, Gene Berg Shifter, Formulina Steering with Porsche Insert, custom black carpet, CROW Enterprizes harnesses, bucket seats, custom rear gas tank
Drivetrain & Chassis: Freeway Flyer, 2” narrowed aluminum front beam
Wheels, Brakes, & Tires: Porsche Alloys front: 4 ½ x 15; back: 8×15, EMPI disc brakes, Stainless Steel braided lines, Nankang CZ-668 Front 135R 15s, Cooper Cobra Radials Rear 295 50R 15s
Shout-Outs: My wife Marlene and the kids, my brother Travis, Matt and everyone that helped
Michael Archer has Volkswagen blood running through his veins. His first ride was a 1979 Rabbit that was on its last legs followed by a 1968 VW Sedan around 1987. Although he’s flirted with mini and lifted trucks, he’s always come back to the VW lifestyle. In total, he’s owned seven different VW machines. He prefers their air-cooled simplicity and immediate get-up-and-go in a lightweight package.
“It’s the people’s car. Growing up in Hawaii you owned one, rode in one, or knew someone that had one” says Michael.
Originally purchased from a friend, the car was in great shape but Michael is the type of guy that has to own something he’s built. In May 2013, he disassembled the entire car for a complete rebuild. With a spare engine on hand, the build quickly escalated. By July, the car was fully functional and took 1st Place in Dune Buggy Best of Show at the VW Shaka Weekend.
While his brother, Travis, worked the body at Bob Bardo’s shop, Mike set about reassembling the freshly painted parts and chrome components courtesy of Chad Navarro. Although VW buggies aren’t the most complicated vehicle on the road, the amount of modifications Mike has added is quite large. He took the time to complete the full re-wiring and other mechanical work for the build.
Of particular note is the car’s theme…Iron Maiden fans will immediately recognize their mascot, Eddie, courtesy of the amazing murals on the hood and gas tank sprayed by Marlene of Hi-Line distributors. In a contemplative move, the UK flag from the artwork has been replaced with a German one. Eddie was even given a spiked helmet as another nod to its home country of origin. A nice touch is the embossed “Wise Men” ripping through the bodywork on the right side of the car.
The engine is a 1914cc featuring a T3 turbo. The entire assembly has been polished and fitted with chrome components. It’s quite a site to say the least. Every nut and bolt was either painted, powder-coated or chromed. The transmission is a Freeway Flyer fitted with a super differential.
An aluminum front end has been added for a bit of modernization while the pan has been fully powder-coated. The car features some very rare spring plates, unique for the Hawaii VW scene. This VW rides on some choice Porsche alloys in a 4 ½ x 15 front, 8×15 rear setup with a set of Nankang CZ-668 and Cooper Cobra radials for the front and rear respectively.
The interior hasn’t been neglected, and although sparse in creature comforts, features a deluge of Autometer Ultra Lite 2 gauges to monitor the internals of the car. A Gene Berg shifter matches well with the Formuling steering wheel. A nice touch is the custom Porsche logo amid the center. Comfortable bucket seats with CROW Enterprizes harnesses hold Mike and his wife, Cheryl snug and safe.
Mike doesn’t hold back driving this wise and wild ride. “It’s a good hobby. It’s fun to have other people appreciate your car. The most important thing is to drive it and enjoy it. I don’t build cars to hang out in the garage.”
