Rear Backing Plates

[MySUVW]

Are Thing rear backing plates interchangeable with Bug rear backing plates? The reason I am asking is that I just aquired a set of 1977 standard Bug rear backing plates and they look identical to my Thing rear backing plates. Are they the same? can I use those Bug backing plates on a Thing? Thanks - Roy

[uberautowerks]

Your rear plates are the same, as are the shoes, the hardware and the wheel cylinders.
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--- The major difference between a thing that might go wrong and a thing that cannot possibly go wrong is that when a thing that cannot possibly go wrong goes wrong it usually turns out to be impossible to get at and repair.
- Douglas Adams -
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'74 Thing (White)
'71 Single cab (White too)
'70 Weekender (White three)
'05 Evolution VIII (White also!!!)
'68 F-250 (White over black)

[MySUVW]

Funny how some places advertise them as Thing rear backing plates and charge an arm & leg for them.... lucky, I got these for free, and they are in great shape.... - Thanks, Roy

[kubelmann]

BUT>>>>>>

The original left backing plate was a Thing specific part number 181 609 439

Just because a type one part fits does not mean it is original.

I have a (still factory tagged) brand new pair of factory original German Thing rear backing plates. The Right is stamped with pn#113 609 440 and the left with pn# 181 609 439 When compared to the same year type one part the metal is Thicker. But this is a long debated issue. I have an original factory pair waiting for someone who wants them for their stock resto... Just because something else works fine does not mean it is factory original. The Thing was produced from 68 - 80. Lots of substitute parts were used over those years depending on the end delivery point.