Crash of 2020

[74 Thing]

Gary,

Glad you were able to move on with a new vehicle.

You have owned yours 10 years more than I have owned mine and I had a bad accident a few years ago and can sympathize with what you are going through.

Take your time with the new one and build it how you want it.

Take care!

[mondshine]

A small update:
I removed the engine today; what a PITA!
It is difficult enough moving the engine back far enough to clear the studs and clutch, but when the rear of the car is all smashed up, it's extra credit.
I had to do a Sawzall Samurai on the bracket for the engine lid latch to make it work.
Anyway, the engine is out.

I think I will keep the transaxle and the drive axles. My "wrong size" Rockford CV boots still look like new; they might outlive me.

The replacement Thing has the original AM engine, which I intend to remove and crate. I want to use my almost new 1776 which was running beautifully until the big bang.

I think I want to ditch the CIS fuel injection. I have been reading a lot about re-jetting the 34PICT for a 1776. (Dennis?) I want to give that a try, in an effort toward a more stock appearance. If it doesn't work out, there are plenty of other carburetor options out there.

I would like to finish picking the bones by next week. I don't want any of the body parts and I will probably leave the wheels and tires on it so It can be hauled away. Well that's it for now.
Safe travels, Mondshine

[Semper_Dad]

[mondshine]

I know I could part out the body over a period of time, but I would prefer to see it go all at once.

No decision is needed for a week or two; time will tell.

[Dougster43]

Hey guys- Semper Dad you are correct - I would be interested in a right front fender if it is in good shape. Not sure what else is salvageable on the wreck - maybe a few pictures for those of us that might need a few pieces and parts?

[mondshine]

Dougster-

Everything from the rear doors forward is OK and rust free.
I plan to remove the drive train, some electrics, and re-install the front drum brakes. I prefer to let this Thing go in one piece, so once it's gone, it's gone.

Here I am 10 minutes before the big bang.

[74 Thing]

Let us know if you need anything specific Gary when rebuilding your new Thing

[mondshine]

74... Thanks for that.

[Joe 20]

In the Things for sale section of the classifieds there is this guy,surferdudedav who wants to buy a rear ended Thing with a good front clip. He is in Cincinnati, Oh. so he is kind of in the neighborhood and willing to travel. Just FYI. Hope it helps.

[ncpi]

I'm so sorry to hear about this, 34 years is a long time


If you do want to sell parts though, I need a left side visor clip & screw on the passenger side

[Dougster43]

NCPI - Just FYI Thingparts has the clips and screws. Will cost you more for shipping than for the parts!

[mondshine]

Final update on the Crash of 2020...

The Well Traveled 181 has arrived at its new home in Virginia. Ty & Dawn are happy with it. The top went to a Michigan guy.

The new (to me) Thing drives beautifully since I replaced the shift rod bushing and installed my old VS shifter. The original AM engine runs like a turd because it is riddled with vacuum leaks. That engine is going in a crate anyway, so no reason to spend much effort on it. The "new" Thing will get very little use for the rest of this year; maybe 50 miles total.
The brakes stink, now that I am used to front disc brakes; the stock front drums have to go.

I have been spending money like a bachelor, stocking up for this project; which I plan to start in mid December (when I am done using my lift to swap our regular cars over to Winter tires).
Meanwhile, my family room is a mess; cluttered with card tables, bankers boxes, etc., with barely a foot path between them. After 40+ years of marriage, Maxine is very understanding (I hope she doesn't start putting rat poison in my food).

So, summing up, one chapter is over, and another begins.
Should be an interesting Winter.