TheSamba.com :: View topic

Fri Nov 21, 2014 6:18 pm

Hello everyone. Im a new thing owner. I have a 73, and as new owner of course I have questions.To start, the little bar that keeps the hood open is not on. What is it missing?

Also, would I be able to tow it from the bumper? I don't need to now, but you never know.

Thanks

Fri Nov 21, 2014 10:33 pm

Just lean the hood back against the windshield, because you can do this the rod isn't very necessary.

There are special VW tow bars that grap onto the front axle tube.

Sat Nov 22, 2014 8:29 am

Welcome to Thingdom!

Looks like your missing the bolt that holds the prop rod on... It's just a keeper bolt and allows the rod to rotate on that expose shank in to your first pic.. Not sure the thread pitch, but any bolt will work(that matches pitch)..

Ref towing: we had a similar setup on Our Thing for Years.... It was towed quite a few times with that and never a problem.. BUT, knowing that there are much more suited Tow bars that mount to the front beam(much more solid piece to attach to), I've since gotten rid of the bumper bar and use a standard Beam mount tow bar when I have to pull it around...
Just pulled it 50miles to my Moms without issue yesterday..

Sat Nov 22, 2014 9:08 am

The "bolt" you need is a shoulder bolt stud that is welded on to the body. The nut size is a 5mm. The shoulder is so you can tighten the nut and the prop will still work. looks like the treaded part broke off and someone tried to drill and tap. We cut and weld a piece from another car about 1 in around to go back stock. On my tan car I added a second rod on the right side for the extra weight of the spare tire on the hood. Tow bar, only use a axle mount. Many bumpers has been ripped off with a bumper mount. You would be pulling from sheet metal.

Sat Nov 22, 2014 9:39 am

Hey lupian20

welcome to the world of THINGS!

hey how bout a nice picture? looks like a decent THING from the partial photos. post a few if you can.

as far as towing,
I'd agree, a front axle beam tow bar is probably the safest,
vs' the old bumper mounts,
ive done 2 Kubeltreffen trips myself towing about 3100 miles.

the ONLY problem you'd find is if you back up. There are methods one can use to help back up somewhat but what happens is you put the bar in a bind and bend it, break it, or cause THING damage.

But, going forwards, no problems, my last trip I ran 70-75mph and the THING was flying along no problem.

hey,
welcome to the Thing world, let the fun begin!
T

Sat Nov 22, 2014 11:30 am

Thanks everyone for the welcome. I am planning to have lots of fun with it. I will try to address little issues but I don't need to worry too much since it is a good looking thing. Im thinking of doing the truck look. Im trying to find a way to do a truck cabin (2seats) and then to the racks in the back, like the lamber truck rack. The cabin prob made of fiber glass or maybe wood. Have anyone seen that?

Sat Nov 22, 2014 11:51 am

Something like this:

Sat Nov 22, 2014 11:57 am

The thing looks really nice if you want to see what the bar mounts too look in the rear the engine compartment it is the same as the front and only tow with a bar mounted to the axle.