A 2009 Sigma three-seat tube chassis was a starting point for the Carwash buggy, which has been transformed from a pile of parts to an extreme machine capable of conquering the toughest trails. The YJ grille and hood give square-headlight guys something to root for, and the front and rear Rockwells with 54-inch TTC Claws make it nearly unstoppable. With three seats, there is room to carry a replacement spotter-just in case the original one can't hack it.A 2009 Sigma three-seat tube chassis was a starting point for the Carwash buggy, which has A.K.A. Carwash Mike "Carwash" Karwath of Union, Kentucky, has built quite a reputation over the past couple of years as he built up his 2009 Sigma chassis into a terrain-dominating implement of fun. This tube-chassis buggy polarizes the most hardened trail veteran with its mix of well thought out design, good looks, and quality fabrication. It is one helluva nice rig that any of us would be so lucky to have under our Christmas tree. Prepped for battle, the ultimate test of two years of hard labor was a week of hard fun. Specifications Owner name/city: Mike "Carwash" Karwath/Union, KY Occupation: Shop owner/Fabricator Vehicle model: 2009 Sigma Estimated value: $60,000 Engine/aspiration: 468ci Vortec Gen VI OHV V-8 Transmission: TH400 Transfer case: Stak Monster Box 3-spd Suspension (f/r): Triangulated 4-link, 2.5x18-in Fox Air Shocks/triangulated 4-link, 2.5x18-in Fox Air Shocks Axles (f/r): 21/2-ton Rockwell/21/2-ton Rockwell Axle ratio: 6.72:1 Wheels: 20x14 steel Stazworks double beadlocks Tires: 54-in Mickey Thompson TTC Claws The front suspension consists of a Rockwell 21/2-ton axle located by a triangulated four-link suspension design that is managed by 2.5x18-inch Fox Air Shocks. Inside the front housing is an Ouverson spool and 6.72:1 gearing. A POS steering ram turns the massive Mickey Thompson TTC Claws, and Ouverson pinion brakes are matched to Wilwood four-piston calipers. And just in case stuckage were to occur, a Warn 9.5ti with 100 feet of Viking rope is on call and ready for duty.The front suspension consists of a Rockwell 21/2-ton axle located by a triangulated four-l Mike Karwath, Team #11 Most looking forward to: "Tank Trap. Seems to be the biggest challenge of the week. Some seem to roll right through it and others have problems every part of the way. There also seems to be no rhyme nor reason to this success or lack of success. So I'm anxious to see how my team fares in the 'Trap." Not looking forward to: "The Mud Bog. Ugh. Mud sucks. 'Nuff said." Playing in his iPod/CD player: "Next four songs from the random playlist: 'I Go To Work' by Kool Moe Dee, 'Drink to the Dead' by Clutch, 'Gimme Back My Bullets' by Lynrd Skynrd, and 'Break 'Em Off Some' by Cypress Hill." Karwath says: "The big toenail on my left foot grows at a 45-degree angle, to the left." Functionality is the name of the game in the cockpit. Easy-to-read Auto Meter Sport Comp gauges are mounted across the dash, sharing real estate with a 12 Volt Guy switch panel. Keeping the occupants secured are PRP high-back buckets with Corbeau Camlock belts. A custom ammo-can center console makes this rig seem attainable to the common man.Functionality is the name of the game in the cockpit. Easy-to-read Auto Meter Sport Comp g The propane-powered Gen VI 454ci Chevrolet big-block has been bored to 468 cubic inches and has been balanced and blueprinted. With such goodies as higher-flowing heads, Crane cam, midrise Chevy aluminum manifold, Speedway AHC block-hugger shorty headers and a 90-series Flowmaster, the engine has hit the dyno with a verified 420 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. Mated to the big block is a TH400 transmission that has a B&M torque converter, Art Carr reverse manual valve body, and Derale cooler with fan. The transfer case is of the Stak Monster Box three-speed variety.The propane-powered Gen VI 454ci Chevrolet big-block has been bored to 468 cubic inches an The rear axle is spec'd almost identically to the front, with Ouverson 2-inch, 47-spline axleshafts and an Ouverson spool. It also has 6.72:1 gearing and a POS hydraulic ram for steering. However, the rear steer adds a Stazworks rear centering setup. Similar to the front is a triangulated four-link suspension that uses 2.5x18-inch Fox Air Shocks with a Currie Antirock sway bar. Again, Ouverson pinion brakes with Wilwood four-piston calipers are used.The rear axle is spec'd almost identically to the front, with Ouverson 2-inch, 47-spline a By Four Wheeler Staff Enjoyed this Post? Subscribe to our RSS Feed, or use your favorite social media to recommend us to friends and colleagues!
