Greetings -
Again i am new to this whole thing thing, forgive the stupid questions. Where are good sources to locate things for sale, i have tried 181 registry as well as samba and ebay.
The other issue is what should i be looking for as far as pros/cons of a canidate vehicle...i would think the obvious like rust on frame and etc...but what are the particuliar issues i should be looking for?
I would gladly accept any advice....
thanks
Tips om locating/purchasing
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Bob Ingman
- Posts: 2869
- Joined: Mon Mar 19, 2001 12:01 am
The two things than come to mind immediately are
1. be sure it has a Thing 181 front beam suspension.Ball are joints both installed toward center as opposed to parellel joints.
2.If it is a 73 be sure to get a gas heater with it or knock off price to compensate. You can invest a lot of $$$ into the system.
These are a couple of things that someone might have taken before selling the car to get money back. The engine case and trans are thing specific as well but not as important from a $$$ standpoint. If you are a purist collector there is too much to mention but if you want a driver or fixer upper you can sacrifice some of the above but do not let anyone sell you a Thing without the Thing beam unless you plan to lower it and even then money has to be deducted to even it up. Good luck. Bob Ingman
1. be sure it has a Thing 181 front beam suspension.Ball are joints both installed toward center as opposed to parellel joints.
2.If it is a 73 be sure to get a gas heater with it or knock off price to compensate. You can invest a lot of $$$ into the system.
These are a couple of things that someone might have taken before selling the car to get money back. The engine case and trans are thing specific as well but not as important from a $$$ standpoint. If you are a purist collector there is too much to mention but if you want a driver or fixer upper you can sacrifice some of the above but do not let anyone sell you a Thing without the Thing beam unless you plan to lower it and even then money has to be deducted to even it up. Good luck. Bob Ingman
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MNAirHead
- Posts: 9570
- Joined: Mon Sep 08, 2003 6:12 am
First step is to scrape up the cash and have it ready....
Where--I found ours in a local paper after searching all over the continent. Seems as if Things are like Split busses -- they're a much better deal if you find them outside the collector community. I've seen some very good ones on www.collectorcartraderonline.com and hemmings.
Project cars -- unless you can get a pair of things that are complete ... find a very good condition or restored thing.... there are only a few vendors and parts aren't as affordable as Bug parts...
Things to Look For -- rust between the fenders and wheel wells... front end nose damage... missing front beam (like Bob Said)... rust in the rocker panels ...
Location -- it will cost you less to transport one accross the country than it will to piece a local project back together.
T.[/quote]
Where--I found ours in a local paper after searching all over the continent. Seems as if Things are like Split busses -- they're a much better deal if you find them outside the collector community. I've seen some very good ones on www.collectorcartraderonline.com and hemmings.
Project cars -- unless you can get a pair of things that are complete ... find a very good condition or restored thing.... there are only a few vendors and parts aren't as affordable as Bug parts...
Things to Look For -- rust between the fenders and wheel wells... front end nose damage... missing front beam (like Bob Said)... rust in the rocker panels ...
Location -- it will cost you less to transport one accross the country than it will to piece a local project back together.
T.[/quote]
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MNAirHead
- Posts: 9570
- Joined: Mon Sep 08, 2003 6:12 am
Forgot a place to look --
Join your local aircooled group and spread the word... I know of 10 local things that never see day light.
The prior owner sold us our 73 because I offered to give him a first right of refusal and had an indoor place to store it..... was worth $1500 to him for the 2 factors.
T.
Join your local aircooled group and spread the word... I know of 10 local things that never see day light.
The prior owner sold us our 73 because I offered to give him a first right of refusal and had an indoor place to store it..... was worth $1500 to him for the 2 factors.
T.
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Jersey Thing
- Posts: 60
- Joined: Sun May 16, 2004 6:45 pm
Thanks for the 411...at the risk of sounding stupid, i am a newbie,what would the cost of the gas heater/and how would i know and how do i install. where do i locate the beam and the rocker panels.A gentleman is sending pics. Were are the best places to look for parts.I look forward to hearing from u.
THANKS MUCHO
THANKS MUCHO
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MASSIVE TYPE IV
- Posts: 20132
- Joined: Fri Jul 07, 2000 12:01 am