Engine for 1973 Thing

[mgalvin]

Bought my 73 Thing last week and only drove it for one day, then the engine went out along with the master brake cylinder (sp).

The owner said she didn't know that anything was wrong with the Thing.

Now have to either get new engine or have this one rebuilt.

Any ideas of costs? I'm in San Diego in case someone knows of a really good affordable mechanic.

michaelg

[74 Cosa]

This could cost anywhere between $400 to $2400 for a stock engine rebuild. All depends on the condition. It also depends who is doing it. If it needs new heads and jugs, it could be a lot. What actually happened? Maybe its a carb issue or distributer or plugs and wires.

[Ferretkona]

[mgalvin]

Was driving up my hill in 1st gear and then went sluggish and then would kick over.

Won't even move in neutral. Shop said it needs a new engine and quoted over $3k.

[181freak]

yo9u can probably go to bap and get a new engine for like 1200.. and just swap out your carbs etc.. that would probably be the easiest way...

good luck..i have been there before.. just after you spend some money.. you have to spend some more $.. but the payoff will be great in the end!
_________________
1973 Thing
96 Golf

*Looking for any Dealer Items from
MIKE GRADY VOLKSWAGEN in South Carolina!!!

[J Flare]

Where in San Diego are you located?

[mgalvin]

I'm located off the 15 in RP, close to Poway.

Brought it to a shop over the weekend - they told me that they could rebuild the engine. Now to find out that the company they would call it out to are two months behind.

michaelg

[J Flare]

I've had pretty good luck with a place called Peanuts off of Lake Murray blvd and the 8 freeway.Give em a call at 619 461 5711

Good Luck

[caspar]

are you pulling the engine yourself or are you towing car to mech. ??

i live in temecula, just north of you, i had my engine rebuilt by a guy in yuma, az. just about 3 hrs east.. the guy's name is jim burnite, if you want i can get the phone # for you.

there is vw show nov 11 th in yuma. i will be going back and forth until the show. after you talk to jim, i am willing to take your motor over there for you, so you save on shipping.

another thing to think about is what do you want your "thing" to do/ i went up to a 1776 motor.

i used to live in yuma, and had two engines rebuilt by jim(2 different motors) he has built engines for the give away buses for the jerome show for the last couple of yrs(r longer).. he is a good mech. and he is not that expensive.

you can email if you like
[email protected]

speaking of the yuma show look in shows forum for info

caspar

[mgalvin]

Thanks casper, greatly appreciate the offer. I ended up bringing it to Johnson's VW Bug in Santee, should hear back from them on monday.

michaelg