Oh man. I really dig this thing. It's soo wrong it's right. IF I may offer my opinions, take them or leave them.... Once you get the bodywork done. I think rescribing the body lines will really make it look good again. I would cut out the "backing" of the grille shell, and get a photoetched grill for it. It's only fitting. I also think in my opinion, that it needs to be painted a high flake blue, with a pearl clear, a 'chute on the back, and gold leaf decals for it's name of exacting what you called it... "The Thing" which I believe is a perfect name for it. I really think it has potential to be wild. One other thing I would change about it, would be to heat, and turn the pieces hanging down in front of the rear tires, to give it a faring look to it for aerodynamics. I can already envision it and it makes me happy inside!