Pre-runner style fenders

TEXASBUGGYS · Post by **TEXASBUGGYS** » Tue Dec 24, 2002 5:45 pm

I am thinking of building some molds this winter for some high cut and wide Thing fenders and would like some input from you guys.
What would you guys like to see in a new set?
I was thinking of smooth headlight area so you can go round or rectangle on them and smooth the tops where the turn signal goes so again you can go with what ya want and not have the bump up there. Raise and open up the front fender area. Finally how wide would ya want on the front and rears? Most are 4" and narrower, is this wide enough? Let me know what ya think. I also read some talk of a 1pc glass front clip, I think it would be an expensive piece to produce a qualitity unit and not to many people would be needing one which would make the cost very high for low volume parts, if anyone makes one I would like to have one for the right price.

Bob Ingman · Post by **Bob Ingman** » Tue Dec 24, 2002 9:04 pm

Your ideas are very good. I like everything you mention.I was the one to first mention the idea of a one piece front kit. Judging from the response so I`d say a lot of them would sell. The trend is toward the pre-runner more and more as restoration cost increase. The pre-runner guys are not worried about originality. This kit would sell.
Too wide on the fenders is not good astetically. Higher is better than wider. I`ve seen some Things with wide fenders and tires that are not even close to them . Nothing looks worse. Have you seen a Baja bug with wide rear fenders ans stock wheels and tires? BAD!
If you read the T-4rum you`ll see they are looking for someone to layup shroud kits. An excellent oppurnity if ever there was one. Good luck and keep hanging out here. Bob Ingman

LB181 · Post by **LB181** » Thu Dec 26, 2002 3:52 pm

I agree with you guys on the fenders. Leaving the the fenders flat for different options in lighting would be good so you aren't limited. If your into fiberglass the Type IV shrouds are a good opportunity. What I don't get Bob is why everyone is worried about making do it yourself kits and stuff to duplicate the DTM shroud. Are the conversions made by FAT and German Auto that crappy. Any time anyone suggests an alternative to the DTM they get shot down since to them nothing is even close to the DTM. Seems like FAT and German Auto would know something about engines based on their offroad experience.

Bob Ingman · Post by **Bob Ingman** » Thu Dec 26, 2002 6:48 pm

I think a lot of it is that the other kits are not endorsed here at STF. No one wants go go against the grain so to speak.
Personally I have a DTM and am going go go it without a kit this time. I dont plan a hot engine. I do`nt live in a hot climate. I dont lug and abuse an engine and most important I drive a Thing. A Thing unlike a bug has lots of room rearward of the engine. If I have to I`ll remove any body panel between me and getting another T-4 engine in there. I`ll run it open in the rear like a GT car or Baja if I must.
Good luck. Bob Ingman

Bob Ingman · Post by **Bob Ingman** » Fri Dec 27, 2002 8:42 pm

I have another idea for the one piece front ends. How about a Kubel option or variation? This might lend itself to another set of rear fenders. A set of motorcycle style Kubel fenders. What do you think. For those wishing a Kubel car without the entire body kit on a bug pan. I like this idea. Good luck. Bob Ingman

TEXASBUGGYS · Post by **TEXASBUGGYS** » Sun Dec 29, 2002 3:53 pm

Thanks guys for some ideas, yea I have been approached about the Porsche style shrouds, just have not gotten to it as I perfer H20 power in the over 200 HP version.
Here is what I am building currently. http://texasbuggys.netfirms.com/

dgemmill · Post by **dgemmill** » Mon Jan 06, 2003 9:29 am

Hi guys,
I am new to the forum and hope I am doing this correctly. I have a 73' Thing with a Type 4 (2467cc) and 091 Bus Trans in it. I am using the German Auto Fan Shrould with the Type 1 alternator and have had no trouble at all. I live in California so the weather is hot, and I run through the desert with no problems at all. I also just installed some Pre-Runner front fenders (2 1/2" taller and wider than stock) from California Imports. They are fiberglass and I trimmed them up to be more Baja oriented. I have about 4" more tire clearance.

Hope this info is helpfull

Bob Ingman · Post by **Bob Ingman** » Mon Jan 06, 2003 9:50 am

deggemil, welcome to the Thing 181 forum. Were always glad to have company. Your Thing sounds interesting. I too am a big fan(no pun intended) of the T-4 engine in the Thing. Which alternator is used in your conversion kit.
There is currently a lot of interest in shroud options since the DTM kit has become unavailable. Your engine is quite large and you live in a warm climate so if there was a cooling problem you would surely know. Glad to hear these things are possible.
Have used the DTM kit and gearing up to do another T-4 into Thing. Next time as a flat non-uprighted version.
Which method of installation did you use in the installation of the 091? I mean is it tipped? Did you use the nosecone conversion? is it solid mounted? etc etc.
We have a thread here to post photos. Hope you can be getting one up for us in the near future. Those So Cal pre-runner fenders are the best I`ve seen for clearance. Andy designed them himself I understand. He has a Thing and they actually came about as a neccessity to improve the situation. Good luck. Hope you`ll hang out here on a regular basis. Bob Ingman