Looking to rebuild a Thing

[calib0rx]

Hi everyone. I'm new to this forum and Things. Quick background, my wife has always had a soft spot for the Thing and I'm at a point in my life I'm ready to start looking for a project car to rebuild from the ground up for her.

I'm not in any rush. I want to take my time, and most importantly get to know the community of folks who love and cherish their Things so I make the right decisions before buying one and starting the build process.

I have some experience doing restoration/rebuild work. I worked in a classic car shop in my teens and built a 70 Chevelle SS for myself from a rolling chassis (my bodywork was, well, subpar but damn if she didn't haul ass). After that, I got deep into 4x4's and had a few HiLux's. Unfortunately, a career, kids and a divorce later I don't have anything fun in the garage anymore.

So, that's a long-winded way of saying hi and I'd love to hear your stories and suggestions as I contemplate going down this path. Here are a couple of data points on my build requirements, or lack thereof:

* Must be a soft top at the end of the build
* Not concerned about being period correct
* Aftermarket metal or composite/fiberglass parts are ok, I want to avoid metal work when possible
* Modernized electronics
* Ok with starting with a rolling chassis

[4118thing]

First, I’d ask where you are in Ga. Second, having just done a full body off restoration, I’ll tell you it will cost more than you think. Most people will tell you to buy what you want, enjoy it right now, and avoid the hassle of the “project”, unless you can do 90%+ of it yourself, and you will enjoy the “hunt”, and are in no hurry.

[calib0rx]

I have the time, resources, and desire to do a full body off. I can weld, have a sandblaster, and don't mind the effort of finishing out bodywork and the associated sanding. Only thing I'd need to outsource is the paint.

This isn't about cost. It's about the journey. I fully expect it to take me 3-4 years to finish. This type of project is a labor of love, not one of expediency.

[Captain Spalding]

[55chevy]

Here is one for $1600 not too far from Georgia in Pensacola:

https://pensacola.craigslist.org/cto/d/1974-volkswagen-vw-thing/6685297765.html
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64 Ghia coupe woo hoo fun> https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=751510
So many cars, so little money Holy crap I have 36 vehicles not counting bikes https://www.flickr.com/people/115986104@N05/

[4118thing]

Depending where you are in Ga, I’m just across the line in Western NC, and know of a pretty good stash of parts. Not mine, but real close.

[Jeremy]

calib0rx,

I'm just about finished with the restoration of our thing. Its taken a little over 1.5 years from start to finish. There's some things you definitely want to look out for before you buy a project. #1 is rust. The corners and bottoms of the rockers seem to be the worst along with the mounting holes for the fenders and jack points. rust under the battery tray is pretty typical. Also check the bottoms of the doors and thoroughly go over the top frame. If you get a 73 make sure the heater is in working order. All of the parts listed above add up quickly. Here's some pics for encouragement

[iltis74]

That is encouraging!
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65 Beetle
74 Thing
87 Syncro

[citroen]

You can get a bunch of ideas on Ron and my website we have over 2000 pictures of VW Things with pictures of how we build them http://kubeltreffen181.com