Can you guys give me a brief overview of what interchanges between things and other types?
What differs between a 181 and type 1 motor besides the fan housing?
Do they utilize a T1 or T2 trans?
Is the beam 181 specific, or is it a T1 or T3 unit?
Brakes?
Anything else worth mentioning?
Thing newbie...
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Marc
- Moderator
- Posts: 23741
- Joined: Thu May 23, 2002 12:01 am
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BobMiller
- Posts: 115
- Joined: Tue Jan 21, 2003 12:01 am
Thing newbie...
Mr. Pancake
Although I am the Forum Moderator from the Kit Car Forum, I am also involved in THING's and saw your posting.
First, a breif overview might say that "most" of the mechanical parts came from the Type-I and Type-II parts bin and most of the obvious body related stuff is Type-181 specific. The best way is, of course, to get a THING/Type-181 parts manual and follow the first three digits of each part number as a source code.
To answer our specific questions: Only the 1973 THING had the unique fan housing, the 1974's didn't. This was because the 73 came with a gas heater and the 74 needed the air supply for the fresh air heater. The "original" engine was the AM case and came with a two piece skid plate to protect the sump area.
THING's all used a Type I transmission, although I believe there were some differences in ratios. Earlier Type 181's were equipped with swing axles and reduction boxes, but no THING's were so equipped.
The majority of the THING front suspension pieces are Type-181 specific. The Tube assy. having additional braces and the different mounting positions for Type-181 specific ball joints are two of the most significant.
Rear brakes are a combination of VW parts with the drums being Type-181 specific, the front brakes are Type-I
There's lots more to mention and learn about THING's. Try reading down through all the exisiting posts and putting up your own questions as well and sit back and enjoy being one of the unusual, a THING owner!
Check with the above link for lots of additional confusion and information.
(All of the about answers are thought to be correct but are subject to arguement and challenge, but that's why we own a THING!)
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1966 MANX SR2 (Karma Coachworks), 1974 VW THING
[This message has been edited by BobMiller (edited 01-27-2003).]
[This message has been edited by BobMiller (edited 01-27-2003).]
Although I am the Forum Moderator from the Kit Car Forum, I am also involved in THING's and saw your posting.
First, a breif overview might say that "most" of the mechanical parts came from the Type-I and Type-II parts bin and most of the obvious body related stuff is Type-181 specific. The best way is, of course, to get a THING/Type-181 parts manual and follow the first three digits of each part number as a source code.
To answer our specific questions: Only the 1973 THING had the unique fan housing, the 1974's didn't. This was because the 73 came with a gas heater and the 74 needed the air supply for the fresh air heater. The "original" engine was the AM case and came with a two piece skid plate to protect the sump area.
THING's all used a Type I transmission, although I believe there were some differences in ratios. Earlier Type 181's were equipped with swing axles and reduction boxes, but no THING's were so equipped.
The majority of the THING front suspension pieces are Type-181 specific. The Tube assy. having additional braces and the different mounting positions for Type-181 specific ball joints are two of the most significant.
Rear brakes are a combination of VW parts with the drums being Type-181 specific, the front brakes are Type-I
There's lots more to mention and learn about THING's. Try reading down through all the exisiting posts and putting up your own questions as well and sit back and enjoy being one of the unusual, a THING owner!
Check with the above link for lots of additional confusion and information.
(All of the about answers are thought to be correct but are subject to arguement and challenge, but that's why we own a THING!)
------------------
1966 MANX SR2 (Karma Coachworks), 1974 VW THING
[This message has been edited by BobMiller (edited 01-27-2003).]
[This message has been edited by BobMiller (edited 01-27-2003).]
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Bob Ingman
- Posts: 2869
- Joined: Mon Mar 19, 2001 12:01 am
Thing newbie...
63 I have posted this here in the past and I think it is probably the same as the one Mrk has posted. Thanks mark. We have a 181 Facts and Figures Parts Interchange thread. I just bumped it to the top.How`d you find us here? Good luck. Bob Ingman
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63pancake
- Posts: 123
- Joined: Tue Nov 13, 2001 12:01 am
Thing newbie...
Hey guys, thanx for the info. I've been prowling Shop Talk for a while, about two years I think. Just recently I seen a Thing on the street and it sparked my interest. Looks fun, it's different, just wondering how I can modify one to suit my needs. That site is great Marc, thanks!