Owners manual for my 1971 Thing

bravo122 · Last edited by bravo122 on Fri Apr 13, 2012 7:37 pm; edited 2 times in total

as the topic states i require the owners manual for my 1971 thing
found one for 1973 model but not for 1971.
is there any difference b/w them?
if some one can upload it i will be really grateful

Semper_Dad · Posted: Sat Mar 17, 2012 10:24 pm Post subject:

Probably quite a bit of differences on anything 72 and older. Things like engine specs (dual port v single port), Transaxle (swing axle v IRS), RGBs, there's also a special rear suspension swaybar (for lack of a better term). For older than 72s I don't think the Wiper switch wasn't mounted on the steering column but rather on the dash. So some small electrical differences as well.

Was it a former military vehicle? Things were imported into the US only in 73 and 74 so finding a English version may prove difficult. Spanish maybe.

I find that the owner's manual is more of a novelty than anything else. What you can't find here you can pretty much figure out using common sense.
_________________
74 VW Thing - Walküre
78 GMC Motorhome - Valhalla
"Patina" my ass, that's rust
Recovering Split Bus Addict
World 181 Registry Map: http://www.zeemaps.com/394427 Gitm registared boys!
Officially, there are only 99 181s in the world

bravo122 · Posted: Mon Mar 19, 2012 8:15 pm Post subject:

i want to know the genuine design of the 1971 floor pan

the thing is i found th pan and asked him to make one like this
http://www.jbugs.com/product/141701061.html?Category_Code=vw-thing-floor-pans
but he says this pan is not correct.according to him this came with 1973 onward VW THING
1969 to 1971 had floor same as the old beetle but wider
can some please explain wats the truth

Semper_Dad · Posted: Mon Mar 19, 2012 9:19 pm Post subject:

bravo122 · Posted: Tue Mar 20, 2012 7:27 pm Post subject:

the shape will be that of the VW THING.i am confused about the pattern on the floor

Semper_Dad · Posted: Tue Mar 20, 2012 10:02 pm Post subject:

The pattern on the floor is simply for strength and rigidity. Keeps the floor from "oil-canning" and "popping". If it were pefectly flat the floor would wobble around and seats would probably tilt. The Thing pan has more ribs and waffling because it's wider than a Bug pan.

There is a dip in the floor where the seat rails attach.

Guess I don't understand your question.
_________________
74 VW Thing - Walküre
78 GMC Motorhome - Valhalla
"Patina" my ass, that's rust
Recovering Split Bus Addict
World 181 Registry Map: http://www.zeemaps.com/394427 Gitm registared boys!
Officially, there are only 99 181s in the world

bravo122 · Posted: Thu Mar 29, 2012 12:42 am Post subject:

all cleared now
thanks

but still require owners manual for 1971 thing i am in no mood to pay fo the manual Rolling Eyes

Semper_Dad · Posted: Thu Mar 29, 2012 8:47 am Post subject:

I suppose to make this thread useful, the question of whether a "Owner's Manual" for a 71 181 actually exists. What language(s) would it be in? Were the ones delievered in Mexico delievered with one to the owner?

To the OP. There is an owner's manual available for download in the Technical section of this forum. It's for a 73 though. With some exceptions to some engine, transmission, and suspension differences, it should cover most of what you need.

Wasn't there a NATO field manual on the 181? English version?
_________________
74 VW Thing - Walküre
78 GMC Motorhome - Valhalla
"Patina" my ass, that's rust
Recovering Split Bus Addict
World 181 Registry Map: http://www.zeemaps.com/394427 Gitm registared boys!
Officially, there are only 99 181s in the world

kubelmann · Samba Member Joined: April 13, 2003 Posts: 2962

Although I have a 11"x17" full Color detailed wiring diagram Schaltplan VW-Modell 181 / M63 ab August 1971 chapter 1 -11 (from the Military shop manual) (539.610.00 Printed in Germany 2/72) I have not seen a 71 owner's manual (I have seen some early Safari owner's manuals in Spanish but do not remember the date right now) 1971 Bug owner's manuals are available for about $20.

The NATO War Department Technical Manual you referred to is: TM-E9-803 6 June 1944 German Volkswagen (The Kubelwagen not the Thing) This document along with the above mentioned wiring diagram and ton of other stuff is included on the RoMTOC Thing Data CD. It is the best single source of information on the Thing. Check it out at :

http://romtoc.com/romtoc-thing-data-cd.html

Semper_Dad · Posted: Thu Mar 29, 2012 10:05 am Post subject:

Ron Domeck · Posted: Thu Mar 29, 2012 2:21 pm Post subject:

I have a NOS 1972 in english. Has gear reduction axles, some pics has bus wheels some has Thing wheels, small grab handle, early silver wipers. What looks like a dual port engine.

Semper_Dad · Posted: Thu Mar 29, 2012 2:26 pm Post subject:

Ron Domeck · Posted: Thu Mar 29, 2012 5:45 pm Post subject:

This has specs in KM. Printed in Germany and has one comment "Caution In Germany driving on public roads with the doors removed is not permitted for safety reasons"

bravo122 · Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2012 10:18 pm Post subject:

i want a pdf version or scanned copy
@ron
can u scan the manual of 72 and post it please!!

Ron Domeck · Posted: Wed Apr 11, 2012 5:38 am Post subject:

Sorry, I can't even post a picture so I have no way to copy this.

Semper_Dad · Posted: Sat Apr 14, 2012 7:23 am Post subject:

Perhaps it would be in the best interest for this thread to move down the index and no further posts be made.

Bravo, you may want to make this request at a later time. Things to consider are whether people have the time, equipment, skills or even inclination to honor your requests. Sincere delivery of questions mean a lot.

I for one have no problem continuing to answer any direct questions you may have or I may have knowledge of. I wish you luck in your restoration and curious exactly on how and what your plans are. Maybe a good idea would be to start a thread detailing exactly what you are doing. That way you are giving to the community. People will feel more obliged to give back.

Having traveled much of the world I've discovered that no race or culture has a monopoly on rudeness or arrogance. We all share both the good and bad sides of humanity. I sense that your eagerness to finish your project, language and some cultural differences may have come across wrong.

Once again, Good luck
_________________
74 VW Thing - Walküre
78 GMC Motorhome - Valhalla
"Patina" my ass, that's rust
Recovering Split Bus Addict
World 181 Registry Map: http://www.zeemaps.com/394427 Gitm registared boys!
Officially, there are only 99 181s in the world

EverettB · Posted: Sat Apr 14, 2012 8:58 am Post subject:

Moderator note:
I did some cleanup of this thread as we were getting off the topic.

If anyone has any owner's manual that is not on the site and can provide scans, I would like to add it to the site. Please email or PM me. Or if you are willing to lend me the manual via the mail, I can scan it myself. I will pay all postage fees.
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