I tell you what, looking for a Volkswagen Thing is stinkin’ annoying. I’m sure everyone knows all of this already, but it’s still annoying.
Things were only made in the US for 2 years, 1973 and 1974. So many others have been imported, or if you want to buy one, you have to import it yourself. I’m not sure i want to get into all of that.
Of the Type 181′s available in the US for sale, I would say that about 90% of them are from California, which is quite a ways from most of the country. Even then, I can’t believe the shape that some of these are in, and yet still demanding more money than many other cars. For a Thing to have rust is like another car having some paint chipped, it’s not that rare.
Now I can handle most repairs and work, but I haven’t done, and am pretty sure that I can’t do, any body work. So I kind of need a Thing that has no, or next to no rust. Of course, those are over $10,000.
Even at the Beetle Barn VW Graveyard, there were no Things.
Why do I have such good, expensive taste?
Check The Samba (http://www.thesamba.com) they usually have a number of Things for sale in number of different price ranges in varying states of restoration.
Also AOL autos (http://autos.aol.com/used-list/make1-Volkswagen/model1-Thing/page-1) and ebay tend to have a few.
Good luck!
I hear you man. I had the chance to pick one up (a 73) but I passed it up because of rust around the bottom of the windshield frame. Been kicking my butt ever sense. Now their either over 10’000 or you have to spend that much to get them back on the road. Guess I’ll keep on tryin, I just can’t seem to get them off of my mind.
hey, check out my vw thing. and e-mail me if you are interested.
I,am sure you know the thing or 181 is based on the Kublewagon type 82 from ww2. ,But did you guyss know there are two maybe more making type 82,s today? Hope I can put a link in here if you have lots of $$$ check this out they make hand build Porsches too http://www.intermeccanica.com/kubelwagen.html The other is called Kooble Kar. This one was used in the movie(Valkyrie) cost less too http://www.kooblekar.com
Nice to hear that you need VW Thing. Once of my friend in Manchester has Thing in good condition. Please contact me on the email provided so that I can help you.
The VW Blueprint is also good on the sidebar of this blog.
Thanks
We have some great VW junkyards here in Michigan, but due to the weather the quality and quantity of parts is just no the same as what comes out of California.
I HAVE A 1974 FOR SALE FOR $3500.SOME RUST BUT IN GOOD RUNNING CONDITION.DRIVEN DAILY.EXTRA PARTS BALTIMORE MARYLAND AREA. EMAIL TIMCMANUS@AOL.COM FOR PICTURES
I have a restored 73 Thing for sale. Many extras. Find it on Craig’s List: Holland, MI.
Would you mind listing it for sale in our new classifieds section? We just loaded it and are looking for VW sellers to add their cars for sale:
http://www.theclassicbeetle.com/classifieds/