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VW Thing Parts Tech Tips & Resources
What is a VW Thing?
The VW Thing was modeled after the German Kubelwagen that had been originally developed for military use. The VW Thing is a four door, two wheel drive vehicle built on the wide Karmann Ghia floor pan and utilizing Beetle mechanical parts. It was marketed as a rugged, all-terrain vehicle to compete with Jeep.
What Years Was the VW Thing Made?
In the United States the VW Thing was only available in 1973 and 1974. Although, it was produced in other parts of the world from 1968-1980. U.S. safety regulations that were tightened in the 1970s chased the Thing away from the U.S. market.
How Rare is the VW Thing?
Because the VW Thing was only produced for two years for the U.S. market, several decades ago, they are one of the more rare VWs today. There were only an estimated 25,000 VW Things imported to the U.S. in its two year run.
Is the VW Thing Amphibious?
This is a common misconception. No, the VW Thing is not amphibious. It is often confused with the VW Schwimmwagen, which is the only amphibious vehicle produced by Volkswagen.
Is the VW Thing Reliable?
The reliability of a VW Thing depends on various factors, including its condition, maintenance history, and how it has been used and cared for over the years. Overall, the VW Thing is known for its durability and mechanical simplicity, which can contribute to its reliability.
The Thing shares many mechanical components with the VW Beetle, which is known for its simplicity and ease of maintenance. The air-cooled four-cylinder engines, manual transmissions, and suspension components are relatively straightforward, and parts are generally available and affordable.
Regular maintenance and proper care are important for ensuring the reliability of a VW Thing. This includes routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, tune-ups, brake adjustments, and inspections of the electrical system, suspension, and other components. Rust prevention and restoration is important for keeping your Thing in good shape as older vehicles are more susceptible to rust due to their construction materials and design.
The Thing shares many mechanical components with the VW Beetle, which is known for its simplicity and ease of maintenance. The air-cooled four-cylinder engines, manual transmissions, and suspension components are relatively straightforward, and parts are generally available and affordable.
Regular maintenance and proper care are important for ensuring the reliability of a VW Thing. This includes routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, tune-ups, brake adjustments, and inspections of the electrical system, suspension, and other components. Rust prevention and restoration is important for keeping your Thing in good shape as older vehicles are more susceptible to rust due to their construction materials and design.
What Should You Look For When Buying a VW Thing?
When purchasing a VW Thing the first thing you should do is inspect the vehicle. These are the things to look for:
Major Rust - Surface rust will happen at any bare metal spot on metal and is not the end of a restoration project. However, major rust is deeper in the metal and will bubble, flake or completely "eat" away metal. Major rust may indicate a previously repaired accident or other body damage.
Body Condition - When buying a VW we are MOST concerned with the body shell itself first and foremost. Seats, wheels, engines and transmissions, doors, bumpers and all the other parts bolted to the car can be changed. The body is the foundation and we will always look for the best foundation possible. Look for overall fit and operation of body parts like creases and folds, cracking paint, door gaps, and fender to tire clearance from one side to the other. Where some misalignment is common, too much can be an indicator of a bad accident.
Major Rust - Surface rust will happen at any bare metal spot on metal and is not the end of a restoration project. However, major rust is deeper in the metal and will bubble, flake or completely "eat" away metal. Major rust may indicate a previously repaired accident or other body damage.
Body Condition - When buying a VW we are MOST concerned with the body shell itself first and foremost. Seats, wheels, engines and transmissions, doors, bumpers and all the other parts bolted to the car can be changed. The body is the foundation and we will always look for the best foundation possible. Look for overall fit and operation of body parts like creases and folds, cracking paint, door gaps, and fender to tire clearance from one side to the other. Where some misalignment is common, too much can be an indicator of a bad accident.
Is a VW Thing a Good Investment?
Restoring any classic car can be turbulent and time consuming, but it can also bring joy and a sense of accomplishment. If it is done well, it can also bring in some nice profits. Of course there are never any guarantees. What you can count on is that they aren’t making any more VW Things. The older these cars get, the more rare, and valuable, they become.
Is a VW Thing Expensive to Restore?
The cost of restoring a VW Thing depends largely on its starting condition. The VW Thing shares many mechanical components with the VW Beetle. The air-cooled four-cylinder engines, manual transmissions, and suspension components are relatively straightforward, and parts are generally available and affordable.
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