1973 Thing Questions-Front Axle Beam and Exhaust System

[burgertimegirl]

Hi everyone. I am the new owner of a 1973 Thing. It has, I believe, a 1969 Beetle engine in it. It needs a new exhaust system, and I wanted to check to see if anyone knows if the Thing exhaust will connect to the 69 Beetle engine without much difficulty. It has a bugle muffler on it now, which looks awful. I want to go to the original exhaust.

Also, I need a new front axle beam. I think the one on there now is from a Beetle, also. Is this safe? Is it OK for me to buy a Beetle front axle beam, or does anyone know where I can get a Thing front axle beam?

Thanks for any help.

[Guest]

I just put a new front axle beam in my 73 thing as well. It's a thing-specific part (part number 181 401 021). The beetle version will fit in a Thing, but it's not as well-reinforced as the original part, and the arms don't have the same degree of travel. The beetle version will also lower your front end slightly.

Contact either Mike Basso at "things unlimited" or Arta at German motor works (thingsforthething.com). They should have them in stock.

I also went from an old beetle-style exhaust to the original dual-muffler exhaust. These are easier to find these days. Ask the same sources above if they have them in stock. They're expensive, but the price has come down slightly in the last couple of years.

[Bob Ingman]

Burgertimegirl, Welcome to the 181 forum. How`d you find out about us?
The information already given to you is accurate. There are advantages and disadvantages to the front beam swap. If you like a lowered Thing it is fine for that. If you like a raised off-road type then you need to get back to the Thing unit. How many lug nuts do you have in the front? How many in the rear? Sometimes they use bug(actually Karmann Ghia) stuff to convert to disc brakes though it is not neccessary. The bug front end is fine for daily driving on pavement. But if it is 4 hole it might look kind of bad and will be a narrow 15 in wheel. The Thing has a wide 5 lug pattern in a wide 14" wheel.
I think the thing exhaust should fit fine on the engine you have in there. Both engines are the same basicly .Its just that one has a single port intake system (the 69) while the Thing came to the US with a dual port intake system. There is a lot of controversy regarding which system is best. None of this however should effect the exhaust. The point being that if you put out a lot of money for special exhaust it had better fit. So to be absolutely sure to double check with your supplier.
Were glad to have you here and hope you`ll continue to post.
We have a couple of threads(subjects) that would be good for you. One is the one that is Introduction. Its just a way of getting to know each other here at the 181 forum. The other is the Show Your Thing (gallery thread). That is where we put up photos of our Things. We like to brag a lot here because we`re all proud of our kubel cars. Good luck. Bob Ingman

[burgertimegirl]

Thanks for the help! I will contact those suppliers about a Thing front axle beam. I have the 5 lug wheels in front and back. Speaking of wheels, do old Beetle or Bus hubcaps fit the 5 lug wheels?

I will go to the introduction thread as soon as I get some digital pics of my Thing!

Thanks again for the help.

Kristen

[Bob Ingman]

Kristen yes the hubcaps interchange. If you have clips then all hubcaps made for clips will fit. The same that fit bug and bus. Good luck. Bob Ingman. PS the introduction and gallery threads are seperate. Were happy to have you as a part of our little group. Feel free to drop by with questions and answers anytime.

[Marc]

Anyone interested in a Kymco 1½" Thing system w/FatBoy muffler? MondoMan (Jeremy) got one by mistake on the "group buy" that he'll need to whack his Sedan to fit - he may want to sell it and get a Sedan system instead. Retail is $480+shipping, he's into it for ~$420, it's been home-ceramic-painted (which is why it can't be returned).
http://www.shoptalkforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=44315