VW Thing Just bought one.

[syncroid]

Originally Posted by Joe Bob

Make sure you have a cover on the positive terminal on the battery....one fat kid and the coils from the seat come in contact. Instant fire....ask me how I know.

Absolutely! I used to work at a hot rod V-Dub shop back in the early 80's and we had quite a few people come in with that problem. Seat spring contacts the positive side of the battery and POOF! The seat stuffing on the bugs was like hay.

[Baz]

SWEET Dan! I've always wanted one - I really love that colour - I wouldn't change it myself...also love the winch in front.

It needs a bumper sticker though...."Conserve water - drink wine!"

Just a suggestion

Thanks for the thread!


Edit: OK just saw it's a chain - no winch. She's beautiful all cleaned up....I really really want....

[ODDJOB UNO]

Originally Posted by Joeaksa

Chuck,

Whats the guys name? I know two of the guys flying "missing man" formations in Stearmans around here...

Johnco,

You do not know how hard it is for me to look the other way and not head to your neck of the woods with a trailer right now. Always liked "the Thing's" and yours sure sound like something to save!

Joe

larry owns the thing shoppee and tom wydlich(sp) has the stearman here with us and one other guy.

[syncroid]

I took the Thing down to the shop this morning. I pulled the motor and transmission out, drained the gas tank, and did some other clean up. Oh man, the 23 year old fuel was obnoxious! I still have the smell of it stuck to me. I got rid of the rear tire carrier. The body guys are going to have their work cut out for them filling in all the holes that have been drilled in the body.
I checked the serial numbers on the motor and transmission to see if they were indeed from a Thing. They are. I don't think the top end of the motor is original though. I'm pretty sure its supposed to have dual port heads. (it doesn't) Also if memory serves me correctly, the fan housing on a Thing was shorter then a Bug fan shroud. At least the block is original. I'm not going to be putting this motor back in the car any ways but I will keep it for originality. I'll be building something with some get up and go.

[Baz]

Nice pics Dan...thanks for the update. You don't waste any time I'll give you that! That Av. Green...yikes!

Nice to see this classic receive the treatment it deserves....

"Drive 'em!"

[Joeaksa]

Originally Posted by ODDJOB UNO

larry owns the thing shoppee and tom wydlich(sp) has the stearman here with us and one other guy.

I know Tom pretty well, just never knew he was into the other stuff! Will talk with him later about it... Thanks!

[Joeaksa]

Dan,

The deeper you get into the car the better and better it looks!

Joe A

[RWebb]

wait until you smell the 23 year old gear oil

[rcooled]

Great find!

Good Thing forum here:

TheSamba.com :: View Forum - Thing/Type 181

[syncroid]

Originally Posted by RWebb

wait until you smell the 23 year old gear oil

Ha! I got that experience today too. Was nothing like the gas.

[syncroid]

Originally Posted by Joeaksa

Dan,

The deeper you get into the car the better and better it looks!

Joe A

I have not found a show stopper yet. (knock on wood)

[maxnine11]

If that is not the most corrosion free VW Thing in existence, I 'm sure it would be in the top 5%.

Don't complain about having to fill bolt holes. There are other guys fixing holes in Things that your daughters could walk through ! LOL

[tevake]

^ I'm liking this Thing , the more we see the better I'm liking it. The color is kind a like a Mayer's Manx kind of gives it that spirit of beach buggy.
Yikeees! is right on the alvocado green.
Looks like it has found its way into the right garage.

Cheers Richard

[syncroid]

Update.
I have not really done anything with the Thing since last post until today. Today I talked to a guy I went to high school with that has a body shop in Capitola. He and I have not seen each other since graduation back in 79. He is totally into VWs and has several of his own. He has owned a Thing and is familiar with them. He is a good body man and also knows fiber glass. (a plus) I am going to tow the little beastie over to his shop next Friday. I am also going to send the trans to Rancho Transmissions and have them rebuild the box. I will have them beef it up a bit to handle more horse power.

[billybek]

Wow, how did I miss this thread?

My first car was an Orange 74 Thing. Awesome car for a first driver! Not enough power to get into trouble.

I completely forgot about the little engine guards on the case!

The burning back seat reminds me of when I buddy of mine kicked my aluminum tennis racket under the seat and knocked the post cover off and shorted the battery.
The strings when up in smoke and so did some of the back seat. The goofy door locks prevented Kevin from making a prompt exit from the backseat and I had to reach in, unlock the door and let him out. Man, it stunk inside that car for months! At least it didn't smell like skunk....

Looks like a great project!

[Oracle]

When growing up we had 2 Things.. Awesome cars. No seatbelts in the back
One time the hard rooftop blew off on the freeway! I helped Dad pick it up, put it back and move on...

Awesome memories...