New to the Thing world, I'll have lots of questions

[MConstable]

Hey guys, long story short, I can't take not having a VW any longer, it's been a while, I have owned a handful of air cooleds, most of my knowledge is with busses though.
Those have gotten out of hand price wise...I've always wanted a 181, so here I am.
I'm looking at a few on our classifieds, one in particular is my favorite, but it might be just a bit out of my price range, I'll get to that later, for now I'd like opinions on this one, and thanks in advance.

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=1871923
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1974 Thing

[MConstable]

Never mind on that one, it's sold, is it that hard to delete your freaking ad??

This one i like, non stock color, wider rear fenders...opinions


http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=1871923
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1974 Thing

[Semper_Dad]

Welcome to the asylum of 181.

Well, the unit you posted looks to be a very nice car if you have more money than time or patience. Road ready and I would put it in the "very good" range.

I still think you can find near road ready, and good looking for around half that price. I'm assume no rust on either.
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Walküre Restoration Thread: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=737492

[Deckard]

Rather than limiting your search to the classifieds here check out craigslist, and use every variation of Volkswagen, VW, and even VolkswagOn on your search, plus Thing, Kubel and 181. I often see a LOT of Things in Tennessee craigslist in better shape and thousands of dollars cheaper than most of the classifieds here.

You can also dona search on onecraigs and the like.

Good luck and check out the sticky about What to look in Thing

[MConstable]

[Yarkle]

Ive seen fun 181's car in person, it is VERY nice.
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Tilda the Mustard Tigress 1973 Squareback (o'''^'''o)

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=771024&highlight=

[MConstable]

Thanks guys.
I have a couple of questions that I can't find the answers to:
First, I'm looking at '73, but it has the ear muffs and shroud heat...the vin says its a mexican '73 though, shouldn't that mean gas heater and no vent scoops?

Also, is there any difference value wise between a German and a mexican produced Thing?

Thanks!
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1974 Thing

[HUGO bOSS]

[iltis74]

I know squat about Mexican Things, but if I had a '73 I would add the side pods. It happens.
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65 Beetle
74 Thing
87 Syncro

[GI Joe]

[MConstable]

So, the 73 had heat channels?
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1974 Thing

[Deckard]

I have yet to see a '73 with factory heat-exchanger tunnels and the like. There might be one out there, but the '73's came from the factory with the Bn4 heater. One key part of the '73s engine is the smooth fan shroud without the hest exchanger ducts. You might see a '73 with it due tonan engine swap. The smooth shroud and the tin which goes with it are exoensive and hard to find since they are 181-only parts

You DO see '73's with the ear muffs/hamster cheeks/ metal boxes above the fenders. Those have been added later and are no indication that heat exchangers have been added.

I do know there are several '74s with both types of heat.

[GI Joe]