Steve's Thing Info

Steve lives in Portland, Oregon. He just bought his first VW in 3/98 and within a week he was compiling information on where to get parts and how to stay in touch with the VW community. Here's what you can get so far:

VW Parts & Service

Heckmann & Thiemann Motors, Inc.
2327 SE Powell Blvd, Portland, OR
233-4809

German Auto Salvage - Boring, OR
663-3006

Always VW
235-2757

VW Thing wiperblades
Here's another one i read. NAPA blade number 60-1250, $5.95 each, apparently just a little filing in the hole. I agree with the people on Martha' s list though, they don't work worth a damn anyway, just use rainex.

Date: Sun, 12 Apr 1998 13:18:25 -0700
From: "Ron" ronh@pioneernet.net
Subject: aviation oils in things

I was recently asked why i would go to the extra cost of running aeroshell 15w50 oil in my thing. If you have ever seen a general aviation engine[cessna, piper etc.] it is plain to recognize that the vw engine is much more of an aviation design type engine than it is an automotive type engine. Why the two are so alike in design I dont know, perhaps some vw engine design historian could enlighten me, I would be interested to know. anyway aviation engines and auto engines operate under very different criteria. the aviation oil is designed to closer accomodate the needs of an aircooled engine in 7 different catagories. This has been ascertained by much testing at the Westhollow research center {shell oil] in Dallas tx. the aeroshell blend of petro and synthetics did just not occur by chance. The centers research on full synthetics found that they are not the answer for aircooled engines. the primary reason was that they turn to sludge quicker than the others. the standard rule is that you would never use automotive oil in an aircraft and it is my opinion that the inverse of this would also be true. I get my aeroshell from Wag-aero 1 800 558 6868 at 4.25$ a quart. Happy motoring! Ron

Wheels for Things

Date: Mon, 6 Apr 1998 14:19:02 EDT
From: KFJC KFJC@aol.com
Subject: wheels: When Who What Why

Things only had true BUS transaxles from 8.69 to 3.73 after that they had modified BUG transaxles ( IRS) . SO the 15 inch bus wheel with the wide 5 bolt pattern ( 60-63 BUS) were stock on the early production 181's and will fit all years. After 3.73 and All US delivery had 14" wheels that will fit all years. Bug 15 inch rims and BUS 14 in rims will rub the front suspension and eventually either the wheel or upper control arm will fail ( Break) . All USA productions cars were made after 3.73, hence the are IRS and they must use 14" thing rims or the equally hard to find early 15" BUS rim. The very first "thing" was delivered to a retail USA customer in Texas on 6.18.1973 and this car is still AS NEW, 5000 actual miles, Yellow with Black Top. Metzler tires on 14" inch rims. Vin # 181 2346 750. But IRS 181 deliveries had taken place since 4.73 in Europe and Mexico. The chassis # for the changeover was 183 2346 525 being the very first IRS transaxle 181. The USA engine was unique from other 181 Production and was assigned the serial code AM 0000XXXX to distinguish this fact. The wider 14 " wheels was always and option for those vehicles delivered before 3.73 . The IRS transaxle replaced the Swing axle trany and there was no option, since the pan was modified to accept the diagonal arms.

Another Thing owner says:
Pop a hub cap off and look for the stamping 5JK x 14 in the area of the rivets and clips. If you find that stamping, you have stock Thing wheels.

Date: Wed, 30 Sep 1998 04:17:30 EDT
From: Grzmnky14@aol.com
Subject: Quick Fix

Aloha Mike, When I adjust the valves on my VW's, I set it at TDC and adjust #1 intake and exhaust and #2 intake and #4 exhaust. Then rotate the crankshaft 360 Degrees and adjust # 3 intake and exhaust, #4 intake and #2 exhaust. Saves alot of time and works well. I got the info out of an old VW & Porshe magazine. Sean

Insurance

Date: Mon, 1 Jun 1998 10:19:13 EDT
From: Looseharse@aol.com
Subject: Re: things-digest V1 #95

Dear Sherry I got classic car insurance from Great American Ins. Co. You can reach the Great Amer. Ins. Co. at 800-252-5233 their address is P.O. Box 429569 Cincinnati, OH 45242-9569, their website is www.gaic.com/classic.htm. I think I paid $140 a year for $6000. complete coverage including collision.

Date: Tue, 9 Jun 1998 21:31:16 -0700
From: "Ron" 
Subject: Fuel leaks etc.

A member recently asked about fixing a leaking fuel tank filler neck. As an aircraft mechanic I am aware of the best fuel system sealer available. I once patched a leaking/cracked carb fuel bowl from the outside with this material and it lasted for years. I recently used it to patch a rusted out motorcycle tank when all other products failed. The product is available from aircraft supply houses and is known as fuel cell sealing compound mil-S-8802-E. Dont waste your time on the automotive stuff that does a real weak job. Get the 8802 . It will seal anything. questions ? Ron

Wiring Diagram:
http://www.chapman.edu/students/lkohrt/schalt/schalt.html

VW Links

Things 181 web board
Rift Vally Explorations VW powered adventures across Africa
Thing Central has an archive of the Thing Digest. Check it out!
The Thing Breakdown list - who to call if you have a mechanical problem away from home.

Back to my '74 Thing home page