Shoptalkforums.com

Hey guys in advance sorry for the stupid questions but trying to learn. How much different is the T-1 pan and the 181 can they be interchanged with modifications?

I doubt you'll want to modify a Type 1 (Beetle pan) for a Thing (Type 181), as the Ghia pans will work with no modification! The Thing and Ghia pans are virtually the same.

All you'll need to do on the Ghia pans is add your seat rails.

The difference is in the width of the floor panels.

Although the ghia pan was used to make the shape of the 181,,, Remember that the Thing holds one unique quality. It is ribbed for "HER" pleasure. Seriously, the rib patterns on a Thing are unique to the Thing ~~ the rib pattern on the Ghia offers another kind of "support" I only posted this to reintroduce and age old aphorism that has sparked wonderful posts from some of the greatest of all Thing lovers.. "Ribbed for her pleasure" Ya gotta love your Thing or nobody else will. Love starts at home, where the heart is... K-mann

I know totally zip about Ghias and Things, trying to learn, but on the Thing is it structurally relying on the pan as well. What kind of Ribs does it have compared to the others?

A thing relies on the VERY tall side "rocker panels" to hold the car together (not underrails likee a vert).

The pans are close to a ghia.. same profile.. the ribs are slightly different.

AND.......you will find that you have to unweld the front braces that are atached to the pan!

I have tried to repair a Thing battery tray with a non thing part. The corners are the wrong shape. They lack the curve. I highly suggest that you use Ghia pan section or prepare for some mighty fine extra work and a medium good trun out for your efforts. Thye are shaped way different. Get those nice heavy Danish Ghia pans sections and have at it. I had a bunch last summer that we let go at $100 each for full sides. Timing is everything.