I found one!

[Leith]

A Thing that is.

Hi,
My name is Leith, and I am new here. I have been searching the Ads for deals and such, but just registered, mainly to get some Thing input.

I live in south Louisiana and have come across the remnants of a VW Graveyard. In the yard they have left 4 Buses (T-2s I believe), 3 Bugs, 2 Ghias, and 1 Thing. While looking at them, I noticed some do not have engines, including the Thing, which is probably the one I want the most. The top is gone, the pans are completely rusted out, the rocker panels will need work, the seats MAY (highly doubtful) be salvageable, and there is no engine. I will post a pic below. Body isn't in horrible shape, but this would also be my 1st restoration.

Here is my question:
For a Thing in this much need of TLC, what would be a reasonable price? I haven't had a chance to talk to the owner to see what he wants. I was just wondering what you, the experts, would be willing to invest.
Here is the pic:

[ztnoo]

Only seeing one pic (which isn't sufficient IMO), I'd say $500-800 max.
My guess is there's some pretty ugly stuff in those rockers.

$$$$$
_________________
"Here we don't have a single clock in the shop- time doesn't matter." ----Jake Raby

"The government cannot give to anyone anything that it does not first take from someone else."

When you put the 2 words "The" and "IRS" together it spells "Theirs"

* Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already tomorrow in Australia !

[Leith]

Yeah, I was running out of daylight, and that was the best one I had. If I go back soon, I'll post more.
Thanks,
Leith

[Pinky]

Ooof- It's just my opinion, but judging from the pic, that's looks like it's gonna be an expensive undertaking. The rockers alone would be enough to scare me off.

I'd suggest trying not to nickel and dime yourself to death with that guy and save up a few grand and buy yourself a solid runner. You would be surprised what you can find in the 2.5-3k range if you take your time. Don't run for the first Thing that comes along. They're definitely out there and this is one of the best places to find them.

(Speaking from experience- I've bought waaaay too many rusty incomplete cars on impulse and have finally learned my lesson)

[kuebelwagen84]

[Towel Rail]

[mstatedog]

Looks a hair worse than mine when I bought it. Mine also had no engine. I paid $300 and spent around 7K to completely redo...and 2-1/2 years of my life. (weekends and some during the week....lots of sanding)

dog

[FreakCitySF]

Would you consider making this Thing into a artificial reef?

Titanic picture anyone?

[BugZyla.com]

Looks like you need a tetnis shot just to get near it. I think I would pass unless you can pick it up for $300-$400
_________________
Daryll http://www.azbaja.com P.R.

http://www.bugzyla.com

"Why is there Braille on a Drive Thru ATM?"

[Leith]

First off, I really appreciate all the advice! I figured, especially not having an engine, that this project would definitely take a great deal of time, effort, and cash to get in a drivable state.

[dr.ona]

I would only buy that for the parts....That body isn't work restoring unless you can do the fabricating yourself.
I can guarantee that will nickel and dime you to death....

[bmwloco]

I'd go $100, tops.

[markie61]

[ztnoo]

[Leith]

I'll just take it off his hands for him. After all, I am doing him a favor! Maybe I should get him to pay me to take it!

[bucko]

How fast can you run? I'd haul butt from this one.

Save a few extra bucks and add to your current stash, then get one with less body rot.

Repairing that much rot is going to take a hole lot of panels, and I don't think even Kubelman has that many spare body parts!
_________________
Current VW drives: 1984 Westfalia

Past VW drives: 1967 Beetle, 1973 Beetle, 1977 Bus, 1971 Military Type 181

[Leith]

Ok, so I went back this afternoon and braved the wasps and worse, big ass spiders to get a better look at the body work (of course I forgot my camera). The worst spot is the area on the driver side panel (other than the floor pans). All the other rust is just surface rust, from what I can tell. The engine and front compartments are spotless. The back doors may need to be patched or replaced, but I figures that is the least of my worries. I did get a glimpse at the transaxle from the engine compartment and it was better that I expected. It seems that the only major problem areas are where water sat for a while. And, of course, there is the small task of finding an engine...

All-in-all, I won't make any decisions until I find out what the guy wants for it.

Oh, I also got a Chassis Number:
183 2944 238E
It said Made in Mexico, but I haven't tried to find out what year. Anybody know? Nevermind, found it.

[mstatedog]

ahh....but a thing beam will fetch about $300....and a gas heater? I see other good body parts...hood, fenders, bumper, seat backs, rear view mirror....

[Semper_Dad]

[emersonbiggins]

Borrow some money from someone and buy a Thing with less problems.