The Tank
Wednesday 27 February, 2013 | By Ken
Known in automotive circles and amongst fans and friends as “The Tank”, Dale’s 2007 MKV Volkswagen GTi was built with a clean, simple approach to automotive beauty. If you aren’t a VW head, you may not have appreciated the subtle modifications such as the Jetta front end, Votex lip, the shaved front bumper, moldings, rockers, rear valences, nor the R32 rear bumper with exhaust delete. This GTi was all about rolling with level of sophistication and class. The Rotiform BLQs combined with the Airride setup meant that The Tank could tackle any obstacle those mean streets of New York could throw at it, and do it all while looking good. While the battle rages on between static and air, Dale aimed to keep his GTi in super-fresh condition, all while acting as his daily and vacation cruiser to car meets and events up and down the East Coast.
This particular Feature was shot over a year and a half ago, on two separate occasions. The first set was shot during H20i weekend at Ocean City, Maryland while Dale and the rest of the SNTRL Fam was just hanging around the strip. The second set was shot on a cool Fall evening with the Tappan Zee Bridge as a backdrop. It was an awesome time while the GTi formerly known as “The Tank” cruised the streets. These days, Dale has moved on, and his former GTi is now pretty much going through one heck of a serious makeover. We won’t get into specifics, but one thing is definitely for sure. The Tank can now only live on through photos and good memories.
For those that aren’t familiar with everyone on the SNTRL Fam, Dale is a contributor on SNTRL that shares much of his passion for automotive culture and fashion. Stay tuned for Dale’ latest project that is presently still under-wrap. We can guarantee that it won’t disappoint!
Photos: Kenny Bascon | Chris Mallari
Wheels
ROTIFORM BLQ’s- 19×8.5 et45. with fresh 215/35’s
Air Ride
Easystreet Auto Pilot (management and gauges | 8 3/8 valves asco valves with silencers on the dumps | 5 gallon DOT stainless steel tank | 3/8s water trap | 2 480 Vivair compressors | Mason Tech front struts with Easy Street bags | Air House 2 rear bags | Custom control arms | FK Koni rear shocks | all DOT lines and fittings | 4g power from battery (60 amp fuse)
Exterior
Jetta front | Shaved front bumper | Votex lip | Smooth rockers | Shaved moldings | Shaved handle cups | Shaved antena | Shaved and smooth GTi rear valance | Chrome mirror caps | Deleted rear wiper | R32 rear bumper w/exhaust delete & painted reflectors.
Interior
Euro headlight switch | Custom molded VDO boost gauge and air ride controller where the ashtray was | 12v source from ashtray moved into the center console | Custom rear floor with matching carpet and 2 folding doors
Engine
GIAC flash | Euro Jet PCV fix | EVOMs intake | Custom fit engine cover | BFI dogbone insert | Forge dv
About the author
Co-founder, Managing Director, Photographer, and editor for SNTRL. To many in the Tri-State, Kenny aka "MAD JDM" needs no introduction. Always out there, always ready, always down.
