1973 VW Thing Type 4 Powered, Disc Brakes, 4spd Manual 2366cc Type 4, 9.5:1 Compression, ~200hp Excellent Documentation, 30 Years of Records/Receipts VIDEO WITH LISTING VIN: 773-273-8257 E Engine: Type 4 (004.101.101A, 004.101.102A) Transaxle: VW IRS, 73 Thing, Open Diff, 4.125 (AV1502) We’re selling this awesome, awesome ‘73 VW Thing on behalf of a gentleman in Michigan who has owned it since 2014. This is definitely not your average VW Thing. Not only has the exterior been restored, but the interior gone-through and the engine upgraded to a hopped-up type 4 (Porsche 914 motor). Please take a look through the photos and read through the list of mechanical modifications, as they are extensive. This car has been off the road and in indoor storage for the last four years, so while it is a runner driver as-is, it could use some minor refreshing prior to embarking on any major drives. Things to be aware of are that the brake pedal is a little soft and the car does crackle and backfire on deceleration. Drain the tank, bleed the brakes, and enjoy. The ingredients are all there for a seriously killer hot-rod Thing. Exterior: The body was restored in 1995-96 and will come with receipts for the job. The doors, fenders, and bumpers were all replaced with new units from The Trim Store in Arizona, floors and I-beam were repaired and refinished as well. The color is ‘96 Dodge Viper bright yellow, PPG #83431, and has help up really well through the years. This car shows no spots of bubbling, peeling, or cracking aside from a small spot on the underside of the windscreen surround; it has been responsibly owned and garage kept since being restored. Chrome shines nice and bright, with no pitting. Centerline wheels with BFG Radial TAs are currently installed on the car and are in excellent shape, but the stock wheels will come with the car as well. Stock wheels look great, no significant oxidation or dings, just very minor age. There are currently fiberglass quarter flares on the rear of the car to accommodate the wide rear wheels, and the stock flares will come with the car too. Convertible top and side curtains are in very nice shape – they seal up tight and fit just as they should. Top is free of any punctures, damage, or fade. Weatherstripping is fresh, not dry and cracked. Doors open and close nice and smoothly, panel fitment is spot-on, and the windshield does fold flat down to the hood for a wind-in-the-face driving experience. Interior: Again, please defer to the photos and video. Interior looks really good. Autometer tach and oil pressure gauge have been added, as has a Dolby head unit and Alpine speakers. All function just as they should. Odometer reads 34,957….motor is of course not original and true mileage is unknown. Stereo sounds great and speakers have been installed in the cargo area under the rear window. Lights and signals are functional and bright, glass and light lenses are all clear and crack-free. Seats look great. No punctures, significant scuffs, or damage to the vinyl. Rear seats fold flat for cargo-carrying. The car will come with a set of perforated rubber floormats as well as a set of wooden duckboards. Underbody/Under the Hood: Please take a look at the underbody photos, as the car is documented in detail. There is evidence that the rear floors have been repaired/replaced, nothing else noteworthy to call out. No through rust or significant damage or leaks. This car fires right up, idles nice and steady, pulls hard through the gears (seriously, this THING moves!), tracks straight, brakes straight, and sounds amazing. Disc brakes have been installed up front. No creaks or concerning suspension-related tendencies; ride is excellent. The owner’s use of this car tapered off about four years ago, so there are the typical minor to-dos in order to make this car a reliable routine driver, but it’s clearly “one of the good onesâ€. Engine Modifications: VW/Porsche Type 4 engine. 2366cc, 71mm x 103mm. AA pistons and cylinders, 103mm, 9.5:1 compression. Machine work from Rimco. Headflow Masters heads. Stainless steel valves and seats, 46mm-44mm. BAS FAT fan shroud and genuine 911 fan. 45mm Dellorto dual carbs. Spark plug angles changed. Web 86A camshaft. Stock Porsche 914 crank. Full flow case with external cooler and filter. Berg oil pump and cover. Kennedy type 1 flywheel. Kennedy 1700lb clutch. Full stainless exhaust. Approximately $7500 invested in engine alone. Reportedly 210 horsepower. Records: 2014: Rear carpet kit, Dynamat install, replace rubber bumper overriders 2013: Install Pertronix Ignitor II and inline thermo switch, battery terminals, weld on exhaust 2012: Pressure wash underside, change transmission oil, remove CVs and clean and install new boots/bolts/grease, change eight carburetor jets, adjust valves, change fan belt, change coil, fix leak from oil pressure switch, replace missing motor mount bolts, clean clutch cable and install new rubber. 2011: Replace ignition coil, fuel filter, fuel pressure regulator, install high capacity oil sump, cast aluminum breather system, Billet steel pulleys, IDF air cleaner, balance tires (30,970 miles) 2007: Front disc brake kit, 5 lug VW, bearings and seals. Replace steering stabilizer shock, steering spindle bolts, shim brake pads, balance tires (27,600 miles), replace battery, replace wiper blades, change oil. 2000: Rebuild convertible top frame and refinish. Install reproduction convertible top, custom assembled of black vinyl at Tradesman Upholstery of Michigan. Replace line for heater, replace fuel pump, replace distributor. 1999: Refinish and install rear fenders, install refinished 15†Centerline wheels, alignment, new BFG Radial TA tires. 1998: Replace fuel tank, hoses, sending unit, brake master cylinder, adjust brakes. 1997: New powder coated rear bumper, new hubcaps and wheel trim rings. 1996: Service front wheel bearings, replace left outer wheel bearing and seals. Replace seat padding, floor mats with holes. Replace ignition switch. 1995: Gasket kit, valve cover gasket. Fan belt. Distributor cap, condenser, rotor, points, plugs. Replace front and rear shocks. Adjust clutch. Replace heater motor. Prep and paint whole car ‘96 Viper Bright Yellow PPG #83431. Replaced fenders and doors on both sides, replaced windshield as well. Parts all from The Trim Shop of Arizona. Done at Hostetler Auto Body of Michigan, $7500. Repair floor pans and I-beams, add seat supports. Install AM/FM/Cassette, 150 watt amp, speakers. New side curtains and side curtain bag. Soft plastic windows. 1993: Install sway bar kit. With any further requests, questions, or to discuss purchasing, please contact Jake at Chicago Car Club at 773-273-8257 or .
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