North GA 1973 Veteran's Addition

[Heiferman]

Hi folks. I have been lurking for a while hoping one day I would again own an airculd machine. I started in 1986 with my first car being a 1968 Beetle. Then I got a beat up '69 Baja and I built a pretty nice Franken Bug Baja Prerunner that is still running around Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Then a couple months ago, with retirement looming, I scored a 1973 Thing up in North Carolina after months of scouring the classifieds, Facespace and Craigslist for my next project. I have always wanted a 181 and finally! I have one! Well - We have one!
I brought him home in the rain through the mountains of NC with my adoring wife who not only approved the purchase but was excited about it!

We rolled him off the trailer and into the garage.

Made an assessment...

And got to work!

Always some hidden stuff up in there but we are up to the task.
It is possible that this 181 may have been on here before or may be recognized. But there is plenty to do. A little pan/frunk and bumper work and inside body work, pedals and cables, brakes, exhaust and get the seats sorted. The biggest project is the electrical. I have been down that road before on a few old Toyota trucks and Beetles so "I ain't sceered!"

I will try to post here from time to time to keep you all up to date. I am retiring in 86 days so the speed should pick up!

Enjoy!

[fastmc25]

Awesome project. Looking forward to seeing ilupdates 😎👍

I retired USAF IN 2013 after 31 yrs. Congrats on your upcoming retirement 😎
_________________
Peace,

Paul




1973 Type181 Kubelwagen (Thing 2 ) 2110cc
1971 Transporter (Pickle) 1914cc
1961 Deluxe Beetle (Christine) 1776cc
1973 Adventurewagen Baja Bus (Clyde) 3.4L
1970 Formula Vee Beetle 2276cc

I identify as: “A Pissed Old GI ”

[fastmc25]

Awesome project. Looking forward to seeing ilupdates 😎👍
_________________
Peace,

Paul




1973 Type181 Kubelwagen (Thing 2 ) 2110cc
1971 Transporter (Pickle) 1914cc
1961 Deluxe Beetle (Christine) 1776cc
1973 Adventurewagen Baja Bus (Clyde) 3.4L
1970 Formula Vee Beetle 2276cc

I identify as: “A Pissed Old GI ”

[Semper_Dad]

Congrats on your new acquisition.

My recommendation (if the budget allows) is to ditch the entire old electrical system and install a complete new one from the Thing Shop.

45+ years have made the wiring brittle and the copper has increased resistance. Not to mention all the modifications previous owners have made.
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Walküre Restoration Thread: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=737492