73' VS. 74"
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73' VS. 74"
I am looking to buy my first VW Thing and I would like to know what the difference is between the two years (73' and 74') is one considered better than the other?
Mike
Mike
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If you're concerned about year, still check the VIN and the title (a good practice for buying any car really). If it starts with a 183-, then it is a '73. Likewise, a '74 starts with a 184-.
Sometimes, owners will add them to a '73, or delete them from a '74. Usually if it the latter, the slats will look different. Then there are those who literally piece parts from various Things of different vintages together for a deceptively fine looking final product if the weldwork, bodywork and paintwork is done nicely. You can find "clips" for sale in the parts department of the classifieds from the usual suspects. Typically, it is front clip or a rear clip, and they are specifically designed for those looking to delete the original which has rusted away or has been mangled in an accident.
Having muffs or not having muffs is more a matter of personal preference for Thing owners in general, assuming they have a preference. I have seen some statements about functionality but I have not seen data evidence, just anecdotal evidence.
Sometimes, owners will add them to a '73, or delete them from a '74. Usually if it the latter, the slats will look different. Then there are those who literally piece parts from various Things of different vintages together for a deceptively fine looking final product if the weldwork, bodywork and paintwork is done nicely. You can find "clips" for sale in the parts department of the classifieds from the usual suspects. Typically, it is front clip or a rear clip, and they are specifically designed for those looking to delete the original which has rusted away or has been mangled in an accident.
Having muffs or not having muffs is more a matter of personal preference for Thing owners in general, assuming they have a preference. I have seen some statements about functionality but I have not seen data evidence, just anecdotal evidence.
- MNAirHead
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Thanks for the reply... I bought a 74' yesterday, I think, I will check the numbers tomorrow in the day light.
I do like the look without the muffs, but look forward to slowly fixin this one up.
What I need is a good THING repair manual, somthing that shows specs, wiring diagrams and step by step repair. This one I bought has a rebuilt engine with electronic ignition. There are no wires connected to the voltage regulator and plenty of extra un-attached wires through-out the rig.
Thanks Mike.
I do like the look without the muffs, but look forward to slowly fixin this one up.
What I need is a good THING repair manual, somthing that shows specs, wiring diagrams and step by step repair. This one I bought has a rebuilt engine with electronic ignition. There are no wires connected to the voltage regulator and plenty of extra un-attached wires through-out the rig.
Thanks Mike.
- Kubelmann
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I suggest that you go to:
www.romtoc.com/datacd.html and check out the RoMTOC Thing Data CD
It is one of the best Thing Data resources available and is constantly updated.
www.romtoc.com/datacd.html and check out the RoMTOC Thing Data CD
It is one of the best Thing Data resources available and is constantly updated.
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- Kubelmann
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Those German manuals are included for reference because some of the pictures are very helpful even if you can't read German. There is a microfiche parts assembly doc and a parts cross over guide that are both in English but there is no service manual except wiring diagrams and the gas heater manuals. Check out the Thing parts folder it has lots of my pictures of the various Thing parts. Also check out Thing trivia for some customizing and other procedures like tune up specs and such.
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