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TimGud Samba Member
Joined: March 03, 2002 Posts: 6459 Location: Rio Rico Arizona
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Posted: Sat Apr 10, 2004 7:57 am Post subject: |
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Your husband sounds like a smart man, he got something for you that he can work on and spend alot on guilt free. Sounds better than getting power tools! LOL Seriously though, welcome. |
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babyhummer Samba Member
Joined: November 08, 2003 Posts: 4
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Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2004 12:29 pm Post subject: |
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Hey guys, Girl from S.C. checking in. Just got my THING back the other dayfrom the shop and I absolutley love it. I sold a show worthy Ghia to purchase the THING and every person I knew thought I was crazy, well it's the best decision I have ever made . I dont' know much about this particular VW but I am learning, and fixin to have lots of fun with the boys. bye ya'll |
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Old and Grey Samba Member
Joined: April 21, 2004 Posts: 33 Location: Winnemucca, Nv
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Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2004 6:05 pm Post subject: |
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Hi
My names Lee I just picked up a 74 last month from my departing Boss. It's a Kick..
This is my 3rd Vw. Bought my fist car from a dealer in76 it was a 67 Kombi..Loved it..have had a 69 Blue Baja for the last 3yrs. and picked up the Thing about a month ago. My old Boss and I used to take his Thing and my Baja out in the Desert with the kids, but have been to busy the last 2 yrs. He transfered back east and I Just had to GRAB IT before anyone else found out....DROP THE TOP,WINDSHIELD,DOORS, Throw in the DOGS and hit the trails..
I think I have the Only Thing between Reno and Salt Lake
Orange..Soon to be Desert Camo..
Great Form
Thanks _________________ From the last vestages of the Old West
Where the Men are Men
And the Sheep are nervous |
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Joanna Lau Jaime Samba Member
Joined: October 05, 2003 Posts: 22 Location: Manila, Philippines & Hong Kong
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Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 7:04 am Post subject: Hello from Hong Kong ! |
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Hello ,
My name is Ramon and my wife's name is Joanna. We are from the Philippines but we are now spending a lot of time here in Hong Kong as we are now working on the CLUB BEETLE of H.K. a premiums business that we set up here in Hong Kong.
We have had the opportunity to buy a German type 181 last year in Manila, Philippines .
My friends, My wife and I really worked hard to clean the Thing and get it fixed to run. We really had a blast running it one night with the windshield and the top down.
It is now in the process of a full restoration in Manila and I cannot wait for the Thing to be finished, so we can get to enjoy driving it again !
Last edited by Joanna Lau Jaime on Tue May 04, 2004 6:17 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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swampseller Samba Member
Joined: March 31, 2004 Posts: 13 Location: deepsest, darkest Florida
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Posted: Tue May 04, 2004 7:14 am Post subject: My Thing Herd |
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From the left,
'74 all original 29Kmiles (to be perfected for show), '73 overloved(with paint) but solid (currently for sale on SAMBA classifieds), '73 chopped to 2 door and lifted freakshow that I drive almost daily. Great for towing behind my Navigator as a spare! I love collector cars, and have 5 antique Jags, but VW Things can't be beat for history, utility, rarity and (most important) lovability. Have you noticed that Thing owners are rarely jerks? It's just one Thing after another... _________________ Things are getting better... |
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Targus Samba Member
Joined: March 20, 2004 Posts: 66
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Posted: Sat May 08, 2004 8:14 pm Post subject: |
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Hey swampseller,
I'd love to see a side wiew of your 2 door Thing.
Sounds like a pretty cool setup! |
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DraginInk Samba Member
Joined: March 02, 2003 Posts: 1945 Location: Down By The River
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Posted: Mon May 24, 2004 9:39 am Post subject: Aloha |
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Just picked up a 73 last week and I'm enjoying the ride... but it's even more fun when I hear "Can I go for a ride in it". Lottsa plans for it, the first is to make that green go away ...doors , engine lid and hood got primered yesterday. It sits pretty next to my 65 Kombi The bus gets a face lift over the summer so I needed a driver...been looking for a long time for a drivable Thing on this rock and now "I get" When the bus comes back to life the Thing will get the works....
When do we say when???
Aloha,
Doug _________________ PHUCKANCER!!!
Aloha HBB & Mr. Wolfe |
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germansupplyscott Samba Member
Joined: May 22, 2004 Posts: 7093 Location: toronto
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Posted: Fri May 28, 2004 6:00 pm Post subject: |
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hello thingers,
my name is scott lyons and i live in toronto, canada. i know brian jones (our moderator) from the VW scene here in ontario. (hey brian, what's up?) i never knew much about the forums here at thesamba until recently.
my family has two VW's, a '79 westfalia and a '74 thing. the thing has been restored and has been put on the road very recently, just a few weeks ago, after over two years of work. i made a website for the project, which i tried to keep up to date over the time i spent on the car. i bought and restored the car for my wife to drive in the summer and she loves it, as do my children. they get to go to and from school in the coolest car. i just added some new photos of the car as it is today.
http://homepage.mac.com/punkinfair/'74_VW_Thing
i also run a website selling VW parts, germansupply.com.
i look forward to hanging out here at this forum, it is a good one! _________________ SL |
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bljones Resident Wit
Joined: February 08, 2002 Posts: 2377 Location: ontario canada
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Posted: Sat May 29, 2004 5:55 am Post subject: |
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Welcome aboard, scott! good to see you (finally) show up! _________________ OG JHC
Author of Original Rant #1
"It stingd itself to dead... now that is control on you"
2% |
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vwkombi1966 Padawon Learner
Joined: August 11, 2002 Posts: 604 Location: Oak Harbor WA
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Posted: Sat May 29, 2004 1:54 pm Post subject: |
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hi everybody! my name's dave. i have been into VW's for about 5 or so years. in order, i've owned:
- 1971 micro bus
- 1963 karmann ghia type 141 (coupe)
- 1966 kombi
- 1967 beetle (coupe)
i've owned a few VW's, i even got the split bus i've ALWAYS wanted (only have the 66 kombi now)! but the "thing" of my dreams still remains elusive! :scatter: i'm a newbie to type 181, but i love the style (so ugly they're BEAUTIFUL!! ), and love how unique they are! i hope that a few of you would help a "new guy" out a little, and drop a little knowledge on me! i'm not QUITE in the market for a new thing YET, but i will be SOON! i'm just waiting to finish up with a few bills that restoring my bus created! and, i'd like to do a little "homework" on type 181's before i just toss a coupple thousand dollars around! shortly after, i'll be on the prowl for my 1st type 181! is ther any pointers that i should pay spacific attension to when looking for a thing? i'm sure the usual VW stuff (battery tray, body pans, ect. ect.) but, i'm not too sure about the spacifics of 181's! i know that they were imported here for two years, and that 74's have "ear muffs" (i like the way they look), but what else? thanx to all for any help, and i look forward to hanging out here too! _________________ Aircooled VW: more expensive than CRACK!
- 1968 Squareback (Scarlett)
- 1969 Westy |
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181 Gears Samba Member
Joined: April 10, 2003 Posts: 19 Location: Aiken, SC 29801
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Posted: Thu Jun 03, 2004 8:30 am Post subject: |
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whoops.... sorry about that. Real message shortly...
Last edited by 181 Gears on Thu Jun 03, 2004 9:14 am; edited 1 time in total |
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181 Gears Samba Member
Joined: April 10, 2003 Posts: 19 Location: Aiken, SC 29801
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Posted: Thu Jun 03, 2004 9:12 am Post subject: The Southeast Answers The Roll Call. |
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Hello everyone. First of all, The Samba rocks. This is THE place for all things Volkswagen. It's really great that we have this level of community interest for our passion.
You guys started the roll call and I'm answering. I believe the first shape I saw when I was little was the VW Beetle. I've been hooked ever since.
I've posted some photos of my 1973 Thing. This was my first vehicle at age 15. Now at 28 I dig it more than ever. My father and I were lucky to have found it in such great condition. No rust -- all original parts. There aren't many of these without rust in eastern North Carolina. I'm the third owner.
About 5 years ago I rebuilt the engine (stock 1600cc) upgraded shocks (KYB), rims (15" spun aluminum Centerlines), tires (205/75 R15 Duelers), replaced the side curtains, and reupholstered the seats. The summer of '97 was spent taking the vehicle apart, sanding, priming and painting (metal flake blue). Two major factors that drove the DIY job - 1) It's a great feeling to work on your own vehicle; hopefully learning something new. In my case, bodywork. I have much respect for those who can do it well as it is quite an art. 2) Budget. Things can eat up quite the savings as the room for upgrades / restoration can be expensive. Most recent items added (not reflected in photos) are a S&S Header/Exhaust system and a not-too-fancy Pioneer stereo system.
Thanks for the opportunity to share my vehicle and ramblings! Take care and send some thoughts as I dig opinions/critique.
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nawie181 Samba Member
Joined: June 03, 2004 Posts: 13 Location: Hanson, MA
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Posted: Thu Jun 03, 2004 6:59 pm Post subject: |
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Hello,
My name is Paul and I have lurked here for a while and have finally decided to answer the roll call. Here is a picture of my '73. This is my 3rd VW and second Thing. I've had it for over 5 years now and have gone over it pretty good. Luckily it was relatively rust free when I stole it from the unknowing previous owner for $450. (With a non-rusted, unbent top frame even!) I learned from past VW mistakes and have done pretty well with this current car. There is no better feeling than driving around on a hot summer night with the top down and doors off while being serenaded by the 1641cc symphony!
I have personally gone over almost every square inch possible on this car, and it is an almost daily driver for a majority of the year. I haven't gotten the heater working yet, but I hope to by this winter. I sent it to Ark Mirvis, but couldn't afford his $450 fee at the time so I wear many layers and use the hard top and Thing Shop glass windows well into November.
This site is a great resource for Things on the web! I love coming here and reading what other people have to say about these quirky cars. Well anyway thanks for reading my ramblings.
Paul
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istewart Samba Member
Joined: July 24, 2004 Posts: 62 Location: Tracy, CA
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Posted: Sat Jul 24, 2004 7:49 pm Post subject: |
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Hello. My name is Ian. I am from California. I have a yellow '73 Thing that has been in the family since 1976. It was towed behind my grandfather's ex-motorhome for quite a while, and eventually ended up being garaged and taken out for show since it's the rarest one we have next to the 1960 double-cab. It needs a little bodywork and some paint (and perhaps a proper rollbar) but other than that I like it. I may take it to the Deustch Stahl show in Lodi in September. |
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thingchick Samba Member
Joined: July 14, 2004 Posts: 17 Location: me or my vw? I'm in Japan, my Thing's in Canada....
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Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2004 8:03 pm Post subject: |
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Mina-san, Konnichiwa! (Hello Everyone)
I'm a VW girl from Northern Alberta and long time owner of a '74 181. I'm currently in Japan trying to accumulate enough yen to give my baby a much needed resto when I get home.
I acquired my Thing from my father when I was 18 - it was purchased by my father's dealership and used as a shop car for years. Once in a while he would drive it home and take us for a spin -it was a nice change from the puke-green '73 bay window that we were usually carted around in . It wasn't as fun however in the dead of winter when the seats were rock hard and we had to dress with extra layers just to guard us from the freezing drafts coming in from the oh-so-form-fitting doors. A gas heater had been installed, but that only meant that we had to avoid melting our boots on the one spot that emitted heat from under the back seat .
Eventually the car was parked - everthing, from fenders to the gearshift, was dismantled and left piled in the back seat for years . When I was old enough to start thinking about cars I negotiated a deal with my father - if I put in a designated amount of hours at the shop the car was mine...DONE!
Now, many years and many kilometers (miles ) later, and despite the abuse she's taken from people who are jealous that they don't own a car as cool as mine (stolen emblems, slashed top), she is still my one and only and I wouldn't trade her for the world.
I can't wait to get home and get her on the road again! I miss the sound of an air-cooled engine..... _________________ It's a girl Thing |
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bljones Resident Wit
Joined: February 08, 2002 Posts: 2377 Location: ontario canada
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Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2004 9:18 am Post subject: |
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Welcome aboard, everyone!
thingchick, good to see another canadian around here...and a woman to boot. (alright, that fulfills two minority quotas!)
ian, nawie, jake, kombi, nice rides! nice contributions too!
Keep the questions, comments and good advice coming.
Alone, we can do our own Thing.
Together their ain't no Thing we can't do! _________________ OG JHC
Author of Original Rant #1
"It stingd itself to dead... now that is control on you"
2% |
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MonsterThing Samba Member
Joined: July 23, 2004 Posts: 6 Location: Ft. Worth, TX
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Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2004 9:41 pm Post subject: i was destined to have a Thing... |
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the first car i ever bought/owned was an orange '74 Thing. after i'd had if for a year or two, my dad went and bought a grey one of his own. i eventually sold mine to him and got out of the VW scene for a few years. then, a few years ago my dad passed away, so i now have his grey thing. he really wanted to fix it up, so in memory of him, that's what i'm doing. as most of you know, it's a slow process (especially for a full time college student) but i'm having a blast along the way. _________________ Greg
1974 Lifted Thing
2003 Lowered Hemi Ram 1500 |
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radioman Samba Member
Joined: April 15, 2004 Posts: 430 Location: Irmo, SC
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Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 6:14 am Post subject: |
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I bought my '73 Thing two years ago. Previous owner had it for ten years to tow behind his motorhome. In ten years he had put less than 8k on it. Had new paint (original yellow) ran, relatively rust free, all parts but needed some attention. Rebuilt the brake system, new top,added TS show bar, new shocks, new OEM type distributor, tires and wheels. I love it. Winter project is to R&R the gas heater.....I never tried it for fear of blowing myself up. I am retired and do the work myself. Only problem is I only know of a single other Thing owner in my area (central SC) and it is a pain to have to mail order everything. Shipping kills me. You folks in the west are fortunate to have ready access to parts and places where you can go and see them before they show up FedEx. I will post a picture of my car if I can find out how to. Computer talk leaves me numb. Thanks ,Bill |
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Big Luni Samba Member
Joined: December 29, 2003 Posts: 427 Location: Hartford, CT
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Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 8:00 am Post subject: |
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Finally got a digital of mine up...
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Big Jim Samba Member
Joined: May 27, 2004 Posts: 291 Location: Denver
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Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2004 8:59 pm Post subject: another Thing - or, at least, most of one |
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My name is Jim Ulmer from just west of Denver and I usually go by Big Jim. I bought a '74 Thing a year or two ago from just west of Chicago. A previous owner had cut it down to a 2 seat roadster. It sat in the back yard for a while. All we had done was to completely replace the brake system except drums. This summer, we got it running, converted to an alternator, and added some chrome sheet metal. The seats were shot so I replaced then with a set from a late model Chevy pickup with integral seat belts and sholder harnesses. Since it has already seen subatantial modification, I wasn't too worried about American seats. We've got a lot of projects going but the Thing will receive perodic attention. We will eventually use it as a toad behind the '77 Motorhome I'm currently refurbishing. |
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