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My heater works, but the on/off/timer switch has a broken knob, and I have to use pliers to twist the remaining stub to operate it. The part number for this switch is number 181 965 107.

Anyone have this part?

I also need the small black part that holds the speedometer needle onto the copper shaft. I have a 1971 type 181, and the speedo is in excellent shape, except the glass broke (I have a new glass piece) and I lost the darn black part to hold the needle onto the shaft.

Anyone have an old busted up speedometer that would have this part?

Bucko wrote:My heater works, but the on/off/timer switch has a broken knob, and I have to use pliers to twist the remaining stub to operate it. The part number for this switch is number 181 965 107.

Anyone have this part?

Mike Basso's got it for $15, according to his site.

http://www.thingsunlimited.net/

You the man! I sent him an email; hopefully he still has one, and will respond. Thanks.

Anyone with a speedo needle gizmo?

I've got an extra - $12 shipped to you. Its the green lighted one from a 181 with clear white logo stuff still great shape.

You can order from Mike Basso online @ http://www.thingsunlimited.net/
I have found if you have questions, what works best for me is to email Mike listing those questions and part numbers. That gives him a heads up on what your are looking for. Then follow up with a phone call the next morning.
Phone: 518-630-0173

Wolfgang,

Thanks for the offer, but i READ YOUR ANSWER TWO DAYS TOO LATE. I found the heater switch.

But I still need the speedometer center cap that holds the needle to the shaft. Anyone with a spare speedo laying around?

There are tons of solutions for your needed part. First, remember that the Thing speedo is common to all other VW ac of the same era. My favorite speedo expert is Mike Humeston in Idaho. Do a web search of his last name and see if you can find him if not pmail me and we can solve your issue. The search will lead you to other new Thing friends. K

Thanks for the tip. I'll give it a try if another contact falls through. Someone read my want ad, and has responded.

On another note, "THINGS UNLIMITED" called me while I was at the airport waiting on my connecting flight to Germany. He was very helpful, and I ended up ordering the heater switch, master cylinder, front and rear brake wheel cylinders, front and rear rubber brake lines, and the complete metal brake lines set. Since I removed the master cylinder to verify the brake lights remaining on (thanks Marc, the brake fluid was not returning to the resevoir), I decided that 30+ years is long enough for those German parts, and decided to replace with same German quality. The previous owner had replaced the brake shoes, drove for a short while, then parked it for three years, so they are in good shape.

Marc's suggestion of removing the gas tank to get at the master cylinder was a big time saver at getting to the master cylinder, as well as me seeing that the pound and a half of powdered residue that came from the gas tank made me wonder how I had gotten the engine to even run. A friggin' miracle at best!! Good thing I have two tanks, as the replacement is in much better condition inside.

Upon my return home (three weeks), I will install the brake parts and take it for it's first American soil ride. Then, I'll start the body restoration...