How to get "rare" Thing parts

Kubelmann · Post by **Kubelmann** » Wed Apr 04, 2007 10:45 pm

I have nearly 1,000 sq ft of Thing parts, Not to mention my other complete Thing cars and other classic VW stuff. Any other suggestions for lurkers? The question is::::::

do you want to talk, buy or stockpile parts? K- mann

bciesq · Post by **bciesq** » Thu Apr 05, 2007 8:13 am

Do you have a '73 rear breast plate (no heater holes)?

Do you have any of the old two spoke black steering wheels that would fit a '73 (small steering wheel shaft). Bucko's military 181 has one and it looks much better than the standard steering wheel.

Do you have a drivers side tail light lens (original Hella -- the turn signal color on my Omega replacement looks "off")?

I'm sure I could think of a dozen other things for the Thing.

Kubelmann · Post by **Kubelmann** » Thu Apr 05, 2007 12:44 pm

Vince Sadowski has the 73 only rear apron for sale on The Samba. That is a truly "RARE" part. I have not seen many that are not on a Thing as an original part. There are aftermarket ones that kind of look original. I will check to see if I have a good tail light lens. I do not have the German steering wheel. You might want to check with Ken Crimmins. He has many military Thing parts. I agree with you the military steering wheel does look mcuh better than the US T-1 steering wheel. I have a Momo steering wheel on one of my Things and a classic Dino wheel on my other Thing. Both look and feel and work way better than stock imo

deafen · Post by **deafen** » Thu Apr 05, 2007 9:02 pm

K-Mann, do you have the non-standard OG cigar lighter socket? I know I could just dremel out the hole and install a regular lighter, but I'd like to stay original if I can.

Kubelmann · Post by **Kubelmann** » Thu Apr 05, 2007 10:24 pm

I have one new og one that is planned for my Thing road car. It is the original factory item with the rubber seal with the 181 part number on the front. It is the only one I have ever owned. I guess I would actuallly sell any VW part for the right price. After all this entire deal is about funding my VW addiction. But a more economical solution for you would be to install either a BMW motorcyled power plug or a John Deere power plug. Both of these are eavy duty and have the original Euro female power port. They are used on both of these to power the heated clothing used in biking and tractoring. They are very high quality and look somewhat similar to the original VW Thing part. Both companies get about $40 for this part. Go to any BMW motorcycle or John Deere Tractor dealer or check it out online. or if you want the real part plan to pay more than BMW or Jonny Popper asks...

Kubelmann · Post by **Kubelmann** » Thu Apr 05, 2007 10:28 pm

This is fun.. Thingster Volks are posting and asking stuff I can address. It just does not get better than this for me. Please bring it on. Hey y'all lurkers come out of the closet and make this a really cool thread in honor of the VW Thing and what spring brings to the Thing...

MedicTed · Post by **MedicTed** » Fri Apr 06, 2007 5:51 am

I have lots of things I want for my Thing. But for some reason, y'all expect me to pay for them.

My big one is a good front beam. Mine has rusted and been plated, but I'd still like to replace it. Unfortunately, my banker (wife) says no more parts for a bit.

bciesq · Post by **bciesq** » Fri Apr 06, 2007 8:36 am

Kubelmann wrote:Vince Sadowski has the 73 only rear apron for sale on The Samba. That is a truly "RARE" part. I have not seen many that are not on a Thing as an original part. There are aftermarket ones that kind of look original. I will check to see if I have a good tail light lens. I do not have the German steering wheel. You might want to check with Ken Crimmins. He has many military Thing parts. I agree with you the military steering wheel does look mcuh better than the US T-1 steering wheel. I have a Momo steering wheel on one of my Things and a classic Dino wheel on my other Thing. Both look and feel and work way better than stock imo

Thanks for the referral to Ken Crimmens. He thinks that we can get a military steering wheel on my '73.

Kubelmann · Post by **Kubelmann** » Fri Apr 06, 2007 10:05 am

You are most welcome. I am enjoying this thread. It seems to be helping folks find the parts or information of their dreams. Keep the requests coming. Vince still has that rare apron listed for sale on the Samba classified ads..

bciesq · Post by **bciesq** » Fri Apr 06, 2007 10:35 am

Kubelmann wrote:Vince still has that rare apron listed for sale on the Samba classified ads..

I saw that. I was going to see if he was planning on attending a VW show in central Fla. Ft Walton is a *little* far from Orlando.

Kubelmann · Post by **Kubelmann** » Fri Apr 06, 2007 12:24 pm

Actually he has been out Arizona/Nevada way in his motorhome.