Acapulco Database

[Hot Rod Harp]

I think the VIN has one too many numbers. It should be 10 digits.
_________________
74 Thing 1600DP
76 Westfalia 2.0L FI
69 Beetle 1500SP sold
88 Goldwing GL1500/6 sold


RinTinTin in Waldorf Astoria 1956

[PeiLady]

I just saw an "Acapulco" for sale in a city near me. I'm so glad to have this forum to refer to... Thank you!! They have a VIN of 18425544548 on their website... Looking at you pictures I believe it to be a copy. Kind of a bad one at that KBZ Motorwerks in Fort Wayne IN.... Did they ever make these in an automatic? My Dad always had VWs including a Thing. I think I may have to own one. How do I tell what month it was built?

[Kutie]

I recently acquired an Acapulco Thing. It will is 18425421XX. Will post more
photos in future. I am in VA.
_________________
1956 sedan, 1956 sunroofx2, 1957 sedanx2 1957 sunroof, 1959 sedan, 1959 euro sedan, 1959 sedan, 1960 Sedan, 1961 sedan, 1964 sunroofx2, 1964 sedan, 1965x6, 1966x3, 1967 sunroof, 1967 sedan, 1973 Super.
1958 Panel, 1958 Kombi, 1961 15, 1962 So34, 1962 SC, 1967 13x2, 1967 So-42, 1975 Westy
1959 Ghia
1957 Authentic Speedster, 1962 356B, 1965 356c, 1965 912, 1977 911S

[yel-mel]

Here is the proof. This is me in 1975 in Honolulu Hawaii. We rented this Acapulco for a week from Budget ( notice the decal on the side ).
They had blue versions as well as yellow.

[SilverThing]

One of my coworkers remembers his family renting one on a vacation to Hawaii when he was young. He didn't remember much detail about them, unfortunately.
_________________
"I like how everyone likes talking about Zeke's Thing yet he's the only one that's ever seen it." - Katie
"I've seen pictures..." - Jeremy

[Jay Pearson]

Does anyone else remember seeing or renting one of these, there were a number of Acapulco's on the road on Oahu Hawaii in the mid 70's? They were clearly rental cars at the time 1975-78 ish you would see them at the tourist stops, Hanauma Bay, Sandy Beach, Makapuu etc. I remember thinking who designed the tops for these VWs, and why that choice of colors. I'm sure someone else remembers and may know what business had them as a rental car. I didn't see them resurface in the "local" market afterwards, wonder what happened to them.
_________________
I'am and will always be 14 years older than my Bus....

[aircool911]

I owned a legit ACAPULCO, bought from the original owner back in 2001. Wish I'd never sold it. I am about to buy another one.
VIN # 184 2 543 107
Current owner bought 23 years ago in Newport Beach. Its a little rough but will be fun to clean up.
I will keep you posted.

[bobbylast]

https://photos.app.goo.gl/zXzSdgg2GUzaWKZ26
Do these look factory for Acapulco thing running boards?
_________________
IF YOU USED TO BE, THEN I GUESS YOU NEVER WERE...

[bobbylast]

[germansupplyscott]

Bobbylast: do the mounting nuts that are part of the rocker, for attaching the running boards, look factory? They are a blind female nut welded into the inside of the rocker. If so it's highly likely your car is an Acapulco.
_________________
SL

[bobbylast]

I have a mystery but my vin # is in the ballpark. Has running boards and the hard ware is right. Problem is someone sand blasted the entire car and primered everything with dtm. No hints of oem paint. No door stickers or even any wiring. All stamped #s match and motor and transmission are correct although they were out when I got it. Any help is appreciated.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/77B49vV3QVKwP3R1A
_________________
IF YOU USED TO BE, THEN I GUESS YOU NEVER WERE...

[califblue]

Hello, I just sold one that I owned her for 32 years, It was on the SAMBA Board for 3 months...

[Gene Kisner]

Yes, THE AC WORKS GREAT!!
It maintains a discharge air temperature of 45 degrees F.
With the new compressor in place it only cost me 3 to 4 MPH on an five mile long 8% grade. I live in the West Virginia hills and mountains. Everything is either UP or DOWN. We only have two throttle positions, FULL ON or FULL OFF.
If you go to The Samba, Archives, Thing, All Brochures, 1974, Sales Brochure - English, then select the very bottom page. You will find pictures of the Console, the Shift Lever, and the shift Knob.
Next, go to the 1975 Sales Brochure - English, select the next to the last page on the right, the bottom right photo #18, is a photo of the original AC system offered.
Believe it, or not, you can currently purchase this exact AC system from Gilmore Enterprises, Las Vegas, NV. gilmore-enterprises.net The Karmann=Ghia unit is the identical unit for the THING.
The glove compartment door, in several different variations, has always been available. If you were satisfied with loosing the space you could even get one with a cut out for the radio.
Keep the questions coming.
Do you realize how hard it is to restrain myself from adding or changing anything. I have to remove the quartz headlamps and reinstall the originals for judging. I even have to remove the West Virginia University logo license plate for judging, since the "Flying WV" logo didn't exist until 1980.

[sb001]

If anyone wants a project Acapulco here you go:

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/10813155...d433f3b484
_________________
I'm the humblest guy on this board.

1969 autostick sedan, family owned since new
1600 SP engine
Solex 30 PICT 3 carburetor
Bosch 113905205AE autostick distributor

[FJBLF]

[oscarsnapkin]

Does the A/C work, and if so, does it actually do anything? It’d be pretty cool driving around in a Thing in the dead of summer with the windows ‘up.’
_________________
- 1977 CEI Sunroof Bus 2.0L F.I. Hydraulic Lifters
- 1973 Thing

"It’s so easy to laugh, it’s so easy to hate, it takes strength to be gentle and kind."

[Madkel]

Captain Obvious says:
"WOW, that is a super nice and pristine Acapulco."

I know I was kinda blown away by the vehicle and it made me dumbfounded to be able to reply......

Much nicer than my car......
_________________
1973 Type 181 - 2016cc - 091 trans
ITS A FUN RIDE!

[oscarsnapkin]

I always thought the ‘glove box’ doors were a more recent invention and not available when new. In all honesty, you have my dream Thing. I have five year old twins, and only one Thing. Someday I would like to acquire an Acapulco so they can each inherit a 181.
_________________
- 1977 CEI Sunroof Bus 2.0L F.I. Hydraulic Lifters
- 1973 Thing

"It’s so easy to laugh, it’s so easy to hate, it takes strength to be gentle and kind."

[yel-mel]

Gene
This has to be the best example of a Thing AC system out there!
The engine bay is very nice as well.
What is your center console and gear shift.. are they 74 dealer installed ?

I love your joking comment on not getting a response. Thing owners are very unique people. You could post a picture of a Thing landing on Mars & you might not get a comment for a few days ( LOL )

[oscarsnapkin]

Incredible Thing.
_________________
- 1977 CEI Sunroof Bus 2.0L F.I. Hydraulic Lifters
- 1973 Thing

"It’s so easy to laugh, it’s so easy to hate, it takes strength to be gentle and kind."