New to VW Thing, have questions

[7T3Thing]

My son's first car is a '73 Thing we just brought it home today. Numbers matching (I'm told), Sunshine Yellow, off the road, garaged since 2004, very solid except the top, of course. My son will be the third owner.
Plans are for a driving restoration, maybe deeper work during next winter.
I'll start with a few simpler questions:
The owner said this Thing had an optional 'swing axle', that was both desirable to VW enthusiasts and great for traction. What are the details of this? Distinctive feature to identify?
The front bumper ends appear to bolt to a bracket welded to the front fender. The welds are quite rusty, and don't quite look 'factory'. Owner mentioned original bumpers were just the straight section across the front. Again, details?
On restoration, what color were the floors originally? Body color? How were these painted during construction, each component separately (floor, body, etc) or all together with only primer between panels?
Read 1973 Thing wheels are Thing specific. what is the identifying feature to look for?
Thanks in advance for the help. More questions to come.

Looking forward to creating a quality representative to the Thing legacy.

Searched a little for other restoration threads, some great work going on here.

Thanks,
Dave
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Working with my son on his 1973 Thing

[Ferretkona]

VW Things produced before 1973 were swing axle. Never a option on any year. Swing axles were borrowed from type 2 buses. Gear reduction boxes provide a bit of lift. If you look under rear axle swing axle vehicles have the large chunky boxes close to wheels. If you have a swing axle the Thing may be older than advertised.
Floors were black.
All bumpers had the returns that bolt to fender.
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74 181 Thing
2008 Ford Sport Trac V8 4x4
2008 Ford Escape V6

[JayC]

Hi Dave, welcome to the board. Sounds like you found a nice Thing. Somebody will say it, so how about me... Pictures

The main support for the bumpers is on the underside of the apron with the ends being supported on brackets on the fenders.

If you really do have a swing axle, that would indicate it isn't a 1973 or it doesn't have the original transmission / axles. Check the VIN number in the trunk or stamped on the tunnel. There are a lot of threads here that detail how to decode it and understand year, etc.

The wheels were thing specific, 14 inches. Check the wheel / tire sticky at the top of the thread for all the details.

Good luck with project. Years and years ago I learned most of what I know working with my dad. I know when I started my restoration, this site has a bunch of good people that are always will to provide help and advice.

jay

[Bashr52]

Hey Dave, where are you located? I'm also in upstate and just finished the restore on my 73.

[NOVA Airhead]

[7T3Thing]

I figured someone would ask for pics. Posted late last night, was in a hurry.
Here's a couple of side shots.

It has the gas heater, which I suspect makes it a 73. Title is for 73. VIN says 73.
I'm not familiar with VW axles, so I can't tell if it's a swing axle or a swing shift. Is there a number on the axles somewhere? Anyone have pics of a swing axle? Distinguishing features?

Thanks,
Dave
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Working with my son on his 1973 Thing

[Rev. Scott]

Good looking car. Those would appear to be Thing wheels. Welcome to the forum.
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"I haven't seen one of those since I was shootin' at 'em!"

[GI Joe]

[Deckard]

It does look like a stock '73, with a repaint job at some time or another. VW Things have a thin black plastic bead between the fenders and the car's body, and since yours is yellow it is is probaly painted over. You also have a roll bar, which was a dealer option. The exhaust is non-stock.

The top also has some white tabs or something in the rear over the metal loops.

[Bashr52]

Dave, pm sent.

Thanks