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Thu May 31, 2012 7:48 pm

Hey guys... I just got my first Thing last weeked. I'm familiar with the bus and bug... But really know very little about Things.

I'm just starting to look at everything, and have noticed lots of holes in the exterior... Any of these original? Or are they all PO add on's?

Also... Can't seem to figure out the top/side windows... It's not fitting right. Wondering if maybe the top has shrunk? Maybe I'm missing something? And the side windows don't fit... Maybe my front windshield bracket is bent out of shape? I tried putting the windows in a few different ways... Couldn't figure it out.

Anyway, I'm really excited to work on it!

Thanks

Thu May 31, 2012 8:20 pm

First thing I see is your windshield is angled back too far. Several inchs in fact. Bring it forward will do a lot for the center bar. The Thing Shop sells some re-enforcement bracket that help support the windshield at the correct angle. Angle of the windshield should pretty much match the angle of the front curtain.

Your top frame is most likely bent out of shape due to the mis angled windshield

Thu May 31, 2012 8:35 pm

VWest77 wrote:

All of the holes are previous-owner modifications. However, the lower set in the pic above are for an antenna, so they could have been done by a dealer. The rest shouldn't be there.

Thu May 31, 2012 9:02 pm

VWest77 wrote: I'm just starting to look at everything, and have noticed lots of holes in the exterior... Any of these original? Or are they all PO add on's?

Most if not all the extra holes are PO modifications. The set near the driver's door appears to be for a standard side mount antenna like the one on the passenger's side. It may have even had a second top mounting which explains the upper hole. Holes on the front doors are from someone putting on some truck mirrors. Glad to see them gone and replace with OEM style.

You should plug up those holes with something. I've found that plastic vacuum plugs work great in filling up screw holes. The plugs come in different sizes and be found at you local auto parts store pretty cheaply.

Thu May 31, 2012 9:47 pm

Awesome Thing!! I have that Right rear corner section somewhere. What month was your thing made? Does the gas heater work?

Fri Jun 01, 2012 6:37 am

mr white wrote: Awesome Thing!! I have that Right rear corner section somewhere. What month was your thing made? Does the gas heater work?

I haven't checked the VIN yet... I'll let you know about the month. Haven't tried the heater yet either. I plan on getting it up and running too. I spent some time on the heater in my '71 bus and was able to get it fired up... So hopefully this one isn't too far gone either.

Thanks for the replies!

Fri Jun 01, 2012 7:50 am

///Mink wrote: VWest77 wrote:

All of the holes are previous-owner modifications. However, the lower set in the pic above are for an antenna, so they could have been done by a dealer. The rest shouldn't be there. wrong side, though, unless the mexican version was on driver's side?

Fri Jun 01, 2012 7:54 am

The antenna holes in my '73 US export car are exactly the same, on the driver's side

Fri Jun 01, 2012 9:01 am

Since the radio/antenna was a dealer add, there is some variation as to the antenna location on the car. Most I've seen have been on the driver side, but I have seen them on the passenger side as well.

Fri Jun 01, 2012 9:14 am

herewego wrote: Since the radio/antenna was a dealer add, there is some variation as to the antenna location on the car. Most I've seen have been on the driver side, but I have seen them on the passenger side as well.

They pretty much put them where they wanted to. POs didn't help matters any (mine on the passenger fender). I believe there is an actual VWoA dealer instructions on where and how to install a radio.

Que in Silverthing in 4, 3, 2, 1,....

Fri Jun 01, 2012 10:53 am

hmmmm.....guess it doesnt really matter, mine on passenger side, in same position though

Fri Jun 01, 2012 11:32 am

And mine has antenna on passenger side... And holes on drivers side... Hmm...

Sat Jun 02, 2012 2:09 pm

i have identical holes on each side.

Sat Jun 02, 2012 3:21 pm

Yarkle wrote: i have identical holes on each side.
That's for when they went to "stereo" format! lol.... :roll:
I don't have a radio, Or antenna on Our Thing... Aside from a modular CB with magnetic antenna....

Look like Everyones pretty much covered the original post issues, Goofy mirrors(replaced already!), and antenna.... A little sheet metal work in that PS rear and you're on the road looking good!

Looks like the running board mounts are PO as well... Don't believe the factory boards had them Huge "L" brackets up the rocker panel..

Sat Jun 02, 2012 3:53 pm

GI Joe wrote: Looks like the running board mounts are PO as well... Don't believe the factory boards had them Huge "L" brackets up the rocker panel..

That got right by me. :shock: I thought at first glance it was some sort of rocker repair.