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VW Thing axle removal ?

Posted: Fri Mar 04, 2011 4:47 pm
by Boilerboy
I'm new to this Forum. Restored several VW beetles. Now have '73 Thing with double-CV axles. Can anyone describe the tool I need to remove the 'recessed head' bolts (6) in the CV joints? Looks like a Star fitting...? I'm trying to disconnect the axles so I can tow this car to my home for restoral....

Thanks
Email: brittany1945-rjh@yahoo.com

Re: VW Thing axle removal ?

Posted: Fri Mar 04, 2011 5:59 pm
by sideshow
You need a "triple square" M8 for the CV bolts, unless you can put the thing in neutral. Most Air cooled shops will offer something like this;
http://www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.asp ... C-C10-7011
Image
Professional tool trucks are also a good source.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triple_squ ... ple_square

Re: VW Thing axle removal ?

Posted: Sat Mar 05, 2011 5:51 am
by Boilerboy
Thank you very much. (Do you think that it is necessary to disconnect the drive/tranny if I am towing this car several hundred miles??)

Re: VW Thing axle removal ?

Posted: Sat Mar 05, 2011 6:17 am
by Glenn
Boilerboy wrote:Thank you very much. (Do you think that it is necessary to disconnect the drive/tranny if I am towing this car several hundred miles??)
There's no need, just flat tow it with the tranny in neutral.

Re: VW Thing axle removal ?

Posted: Sat Mar 05, 2011 6:28 am
by sideshow
Assuming the tranny isn't broken, they tow the same as a swing axle car.

Re: VW Thing axle removal ?

Posted: Sat Mar 05, 2011 7:20 am
by Boilerboy
Tranny is fine. Car actually runs, but I would not drive it very far. It should tow OK...I have one of those fixed triangular-shaped tow bars that fit over the front axle. Very stable.

My last project was a '62 Austin-Healey 3000; I couldn't have done it without the benefit of experienced folks who were willing to share their time with me. I appreciate your help....and will probably be on the forum in the coming months. The "Thing" is a bit different than the old Beetles.

Regards.
Ron

Re: VW Thing axle removal ?

Posted: Fri Apr 22, 2011 6:13 pm
by Kubelmann
With the correct VW tow bar, you can tow a air coolled VW over the road as far as you pay attention and remember not to back up...