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I have had a 71 superbeetle convertable for years and I just recently fell head over heels in love with the Thing. I am trying to decide which to buy and am curious regarding the differences between the 73 and 74. I am especially interested in the area over the back wheels of the 74 that sticks out that does not seem to be there on the 73, what does it do? Thanks.

That muff is the topic of endless debate among thingers. Of more value is the fact that the 73 Thing was equipped with a gas heater while the 74 was sent with fresh air heat like the bug. Thus the muff. If you live in a cold climate it matters.
Mechanically the rest of the car is near the same for both model years.
Best of luck. Bob Ingman

Those are called muffs (not found on the '73s) and they allegedly direct air into the engine compartment. I have for some time wondered how effective they are and have considered changing them for a more efficient design.

The '73's had gas heaters whereas the '74s had the fresh air heater boxes. There have been some debates about which is better, but it seems those with gas heaters are adamant that this is the superior system. I have a '74 with no heat and I am looking for a solution.

There are other differences between the two that I do not recall. A great source of information is at www.topica.com where there is a thing email group with wonderful people that know far more than I.

Good luck and welcome to Thingland,
Rick

Welcome,

Here is a good Q&A site on things...

http://www.thethingshop.com/faq.htm



Randy