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My 74 vw thing project
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Tim MacDonald
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Joined: October 11, 2004
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Location: Edmonton alberta
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PostPosted: Wed Sep 19, 2018 7:47 pm    Post subject: My 74 vw thing project Reply with quote

So I was on the search for a driver thing when I came across this poor beat up 74 thing. It has been parked since 1984. I have got it running but it need a ton of work. It actually very solid but is very best up. My plan is to slam it , get everything working and roll it as is. This is my first thing so I will have lots of questions I’m sure

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84 mint original paint westfalia
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Tim MacDonald
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Location: Edmonton alberta
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PostPosted: Wed Sep 19, 2018 7:51 pm    Post subject: Re: My 74 vw thing project Reply with quote

My first question, I think reverse is bad. When I put it in reverse it pops out as soon as I try to go backward. If I hold it it just grinds really bad when I try to go. I have a low mileage parts 69 beetle here. What do I need to do to swap the transmissions? Is this a direct swap?
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57 oval project barn find
88 cabriolet
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74 Thing
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PostPosted: Thu Sep 20, 2018 6:50 am    Post subject: Re: My 74 vw thing project Reply with quote

Swap the CV flanges on the trannys. The Thing uses Type IV CVs.
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iltis74
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PostPosted: Thu Sep 20, 2018 12:24 pm    Post subject: Re: My 74 vw thing project Reply with quote

I don't recall if the R/P is the same or not but I think the Beetle has a bit taller gearing in 3rd and 4th. So a bit less rpm on the highway, probably no big deal, and certainly nothing that hasn't been done before. As mentioned swap the flanges and it should fit right in, should both be IRS. Cool project.
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Tim MacDonald
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PostPosted: Thu Sep 20, 2018 9:30 pm    Post subject: Re: My 74 vw thing project Reply with quote

Thanks for the replies but sorry im dumb with this tranny stuff. What part are the CV flanges? and are the axles the same or do I put the thing axles on the beetle tranny?
CV flanges red arrow or green arrow


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61 so34 flip seat
78 automatic champagne Westfalia
84 mint original paint westfalia
57 oval project barn find
88 cabriolet


Last edited by Tim MacDonald on Thu Sep 20, 2018 9:38 pm; edited 1 time in total
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Tim MacDonald
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Joined: October 11, 2004
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Location: Edmonton alberta
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PostPosted: Thu Sep 20, 2018 9:36 pm    Post subject: Re: My 74 vw thing project Reply with quote

So question # 2
got it in the garage and the drivers side rear tire seems to have a ton of camber . is there an adjustment or possible something bent? I roller it back and fourth and it stayed the same. passenger side is nice and straight


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61 so34 flip seat
78 automatic champagne Westfalia
84 mint original paint westfalia
57 oval project barn find
88 cabriolet
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yellow73kubel
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PostPosted: Sat Sep 22, 2018 9:01 pm    Post subject: Re: My 74 vw thing project Reply with quote

That Thing looks like quite a project, but it's worth salvaging and the result will be worth it!

CV flanges are the red arrow in your picture. Before swapping the transmission, have you tried adjusting the shifter? If it's out of alignment, 2nd and reverse tend to be the first to go. I'd recommend swapping the linkage bushings and greasing everything while you're in there.

A better shot of the driver side undercarriage might help with figuring out that suspension. That amount of positive camber on an IRS would make me suspect damage, but it could be a number of other things. Rear camber is adjustable by loosening 3 bolts and moving the spring plate up or down relative to the trailing arm. This adjustment is challenging to get right, since moving the plate forward and backwards adjusts toe and the 2 affect each other directly.
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ALANSD
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PostPosted: Sun Sep 23, 2018 9:01 am    Post subject: Re: My 74 vw thing project Reply with quote

Looks like a very worthy rebuild. I saw one last summer in a similar spot, andirons was in a yard full of collectible junk. They wanted way too much money for it.
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Tim MacDonald
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Location: Edmonton alberta
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PostPosted: Sun Oct 14, 2018 4:29 pm    Post subject: Re: My 74 vw thing project Reply with quote

so couple more questions:
-Im changing my tranny for a 69 beetle tranny. I noticed the throw out bearings are different. Does this matter? Picture of the clean one is the beetle tranny.

- im also changing the starter as I know the one that was in the thing was good so im putting it on the beetle tranny. I noticed the ends are different. Does this matter? Pic of the clean one is the thing starter



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_________________
61 so34 flip seat
78 automatic champagne Westfalia
84 mint original paint westfalia
57 oval project barn find
88 cabriolet
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Tim MacDonald
Samba Member


Joined: October 11, 2004
Posts: 1346
Location: Edmonton alberta
Tim MacDonald is offline 

PostPosted: Sun Oct 21, 2018 4:10 pm    Post subject: Re: My 74 vw thing project Reply with quote

Switched gears today and cleaned up a door. Used oven cleaner to remove the old spray pain and then added 1 coat of wax to the original paint
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_________________
61 so34 flip seat
78 automatic champagne Westfalia
84 mint original paint westfalia
57 oval project barn find
88 cabriolet
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View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
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