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Sun Jun 24, 2012 1:19 pm

Hello, This is a first post ... sorry about its length.

I purchased a 'restored' Thing several years ago and was fairly ignorant about them at the time. I put the car in storage after finding that it was not as complete as the seller claimed. The car is now out of storage and I am trying to determine what I have.

First, I am hoping for recommendations for authenticity/parts reference material. Are there any books on this topic? I have the Factory service manual (reprint) and am likely to order a parts list book.

The second issue is the heating system. The car is a 1974 (VIN 184xx...) but during the 'restoration' they seemed to be aiming for a 1973 and added a rebuilt gas heater. I don't believe the car has the proper ventillation system for this. I think the car expects to have heat from the rear. When I checked several years ago I was not able to get the proper dashboard control knob for the gas heater and I believe the floor controls are for heat exchangers. I need to ascertain what I have, what I don't have and then go in the proper direction.

Third, there are a lot irritating things with the 'restoration' job. The front brake drum systems don't match, the wiper motor does not work (unkown issue but might be wiring ... will bench test the motor soon), I don't know if I have all the wiper parts, I need a proper fitting battery, I have already put on proper sized tires ... you should get the idea that I don't feel that the 'restorers' were doing a good job.

On the plus side, the car runs well, paint is good, interior nice, top new and it is a Thing (very positive in my mind).

Neutrals/Negatives ... there are no side curtains, the motor (serial number indicates a 1967-1970 1500) is not original, there is no spare or tool kit, and I have a bad 'feeling' about the work performed in the past.

Anyhow, I am looking to get specific information so that I can determine how to proceed. Ultimately, I am looking to create a good driving, reliable car where all the key components work well.

Cheers!

Sun Jun 24, 2012 2:23 pm

A 1973 thing should have gas heater and will have tin that deletes the heating system (you can tell from the dog house).

1974 Should have tin like most bugs. (vent control by the e-brake).

So without seeing the tin, you really can't tell what they put on it. As you know someone added the gas fire heater (probably the vehicle is from up north) to suppliment the heat.

So if your not going to use the heater, I'd just pull it out and sell it to help finance new drums wiper motor.

Sun Jun 24, 2012 2:49 pm

In this forum you can find this link
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/manuals/thing_parts_manual.php

It is a .pdf of a dealer's microfiche with all the correct parts and part numbers. There are also diagrams for every section. Although there aew some odd parts listed for military models it will def. help you figure out if it belongs or if it's something the previous idiots did to cut corners and save money.

Copy the .pdf to a disc/flash drive and have it copied at FedEX Kinko's. punch 'em and place them in a 3-ring binder. Then all the fun and frustration begins.

Also figure out of you want a stock car or a custom ride, it will definitely make your purchasing decisions easier

Sun Jun 24, 2012 2:56 pm

Welcome to the Amish backwater of the internet squeasel.
I think you will find this a most useful and hospitable group.
I could not help but notice you are located in the SF Bay Area. I am in the south bay between google and apple.
There are quite a few of us 181 folks in the greater Bay Area and we would like to extend an invitation to sometime come down to the Santa Clara area on the Thursday night and show us your Thing. We have 5 in the group at B.L.T.N. VW group and would live to discus and help you with your fun project. www.BLTNVW.com
Please PM me if you wish to make contact and coordinate or get some help.
Not sure what level you ate at with the VW stuff but there are many great general manual.
There are quite a few awesome recourses in the “Technical” Information Directory area of the Samba.
I would especially point out the parts manual.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/manuals/thing_parts_manual.php
I also have some great material posted here.
https://sites.google.com/site/jeffgilleland/vw_archive
We have several 181 type events and rallies from time to time in the area so please PM me and I will put your name & email on the mailing list.
Let's see some pictures of your fine beast. Hope to see you on the Samba and at local event as often as possible.
Enjoy.

Sun Jun 24, 2012 3:44 pm

Awesome! Much thanks. Through the parts PDF link I have identified a few of the items in the parts box and think I can reassemble the wiper mechanism if the motor works. I'll check "below decks" for heater remnants.

I am in the North Bay but would travel down to a btln event. The Thing is not properly registered or insured yet, so it will have to stay home.

I'll post more as I make the rounds of identification and confusion.

I have a bunch of general experience with an assortment of cars. I have no experience with air-cooled VW. By the looks of the parts list I would say that it is the least complex car (and I mean this in a good way), by far, that I have worked with.

Again, much thanks. My excitement about this car has returned. Cheers!

Sun Jun 24, 2012 3:49 pm

@Solomon Grundy ,,, I am a new Samba member and not allowed to PM for 7 days. Is your email on either the CA. 181 archive site (i.e. "Jeff") or the BLTN site? If not, I will contact via Samba PM next week. Cheers!

Sun Jun 24, 2012 4:55 pm

My contact is on my page listed above.

Start here:
How to Keep Your Volkswagen Alive + VW Bible
http://www.amazon.com/Keep-Volkswagen-Alive-Step-Step/dp/1566913101

Then here:
Volkswagen Super Beetle, Beetle & Karmann Ghia (Type 1) Official Service Manual: 1970 through 1979

then here:
How to Rebuild Your Volkswagen air-Cooled Engine (All models, 1961 and up)

Post some pix and get it on the road ASAP so the world can enjoy the pure chewing satisfaction of a 181.

Hope to hear from you soon & maybe we can bring you to the silly side of 481 love. :wink:

Sun Jun 24, 2012 6:51 pm

Here are a few photos, not glamor shots ... bad lighting and bad cell phone camera.

Color is much better in person, not drab as in the photos. The interior is painted a dark textured blue (it looks good ... different ... but could be a sign of botched metal work.

Not stock wheels. When I bought the car the tires were too large and rubbed on the fenders.

I am guessing an aftermarket exhaust that might effect a change back to rear heating.

I'll get better pictures once it is out of the garage.

Cheers.

Sun Jun 24, 2012 7:13 pm

squeasel; nice beast. Looks solid, but she was designed to drive. If she is road worthy get here registered and on the road. Nothing beats the wind in your hair. Can’t wait to see it in action. Get a move on then and see the DMV… so you two can enjoy the CA. coast line.

http://www.airheadparts.com/treffen14/

Sun Jun 24, 2012 7:34 pm

Jeff is correct, there is a handful of us here Thing owners in the Bay Area. I still haven't made it down to Bacon Lettuce Tomato and Nacho's myself. There is also a group (NAG) that meets every second Saturday of the month at the InN'Out in Dublin.

By the pictures you posted it, the body does appear to be '73, lack of "chipmunk cheeks"

Sun Jun 24, 2012 8:43 pm

sixty9fasty wrote: Jeff is correct, there is a handful of us here Thing owners in the Bay Area. I still haven't made it down to Bacon Lettuce Tomato and Nacho's myself. There is also a group (NAG) that meets every second Saturday of the month at the InN'Out in Dublin.

By the pictures you posted it, the body does appear to be '73, lack of "chipmunk cheeks"

Excuse me Bro but the N in BLTN is for kNockwurst, we are after all a VW club. :wink:

Mon Jun 25, 2012 1:10 pm

Looks solid, wish mine was in that shape!

Mon May 20, 2013 6:33 pm

squeasel wrote: Hello, This is a first post ... sorry about its length.

I purchased a 'restored' Thing several years ago and was fairly ignorant about them at the time. I put the car in storage after finding that it was not as complete as the seller claimed. The car is now out of storage and I am trying to determine what I have.

First, I am hoping for recommendations for authenticity/parts reference material. Are there any books on this topic? I have the Factory service manual (reprint) and am likely to order a parts list book.

The second issue is the heating system. The car is a 1974 (VIN 184xx...) but during the 'restoration' they seemed to be aiming for a 1973 and added a rebuilt gas heater. I don't believe the car has the proper ventillation system for this. I think the car expects to have heat from the rear. When I checked several years ago I was not able to get the proper dashboard control knob for the gas heater and I believe the floor controls are for heat exchangers. I need to ascertain what I have, what I don't have and then go in the proper direction.

Third, there are a lot irritating things with the 'restoration' job. The front brake drum systems don't match, the wiper motor does not work (unkown issue but might be wiring ... will bench test the motor soon), I don't know if I have all the wiper parts, I need a proper fitting battery, I have already put on proper sized tires ... you should get the idea that I don't feel that the 'restorers' were doing a good job.

On the plus side, the car runs well, paint is good, interior nice, top new and it is a Thing (very positive in my mind).

Neutrals/Negatives ... there are no side curtains, the motor (serial number indicates a 1967-1970 1500) is not original, there is no spare or tool kit, and I have a bad 'feeling' about the work performed in the past.

Anyhow, I am looking to get specific information so that I can determine how to proceed. Ultimately, I am looking to create a good driving, reliable car where all the key components work well.

Cheers!

Squeasel,
Can you tell me where you got the factory service manual for a Thing?

I ask because I am going to start the translation of the Bundeswehr version shortly.

Yesterday 3:18 pm

Deckard wrote: In this forum you can find this link
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/manuals/thing_parts_manual.php

It is a .pdf of a dealer's microfiche with all the correct parts and part numbers. There are also diagrams for every section. Although there aew some odd parts listed for military models it will def. help you figure out if it belongs or if it's something the previous idiots did to cut corners and save money.

Copy the .pdf to a disc/flash drive and have it copied at FedEX Kinko's. punch 'em and place them in a 3-ring binder. Then all the fun and frustration begins.

Also figure out of you want a stock car or a custom ride, it will definitely make your purchasing decisions easier

This link is nice, but it's strange to see that some references dont apear, like the part number 5 at the page 43...