VW THING project is progressing rapidly. This 1973 type 181 Volkswagen Thing is getting a makeover

Body work, new paint, engine head work, air cooling system fixes and more for the 1973 vw thing. Things are going for crazy money right now 30k+ for nice drivers. This one is not for sale though.

[@tonygiraldes7848]

I’ve had my 1965 Bug since 1970 and my 1965 Bus since 1978 and they are super easy to work on once you get the hang of dropping the engine. This must be super simple for you two compared to what you normally work on 😊

[@turbo8454]

I rebuilt an engine in a '72 Beetle a long time ago (well before the internet). Apparently there were "long stud" and a "short stud" engines. I forget the particulars of which one I had but I set the valve lash for the other one. When the engine warmed up, the lash closed up and eventually some of the valves would be off their seats far enough to cause some compression loss. The engine then ran like crap. A few days of head scratching and I eventually figured the problem out.

[@robertborchert932]

Scott! Leroy's cruiser is looking fantastic! The orange paintwork is absolutely brilliant. Sidenote my brother, I am planning a complete reboot. Real life. Been there. Starting over, at 57. I have followed your adventure for a long time. This is the alternate universe of KZbin, mind you. Shared passions, man. Today, it's a scary proposition. Damn the torpedoes, I'm on the way. Watching you work with your son warms the heart. This humble orange Thing makes me happy. She's beautful! Do you have a Webasto heater up front, I deal with so many things daily. Bear and I are on the way to Utah, leaving California. Big change. My happy Saint Bernard is going to experience real snow. Feel free to reach me with any questions, let's make it simple, I should see your reply here. 25 years with VW, years before that with carburetion and air cooled. YT is a minefield, man. On the other hand, I am the real deal. Hard knocks, you guys are the same. I have many passions, and this includes Buses and the Detroits. Nuff said.

[@hydro2wheel]

The before and after is just a thing of beauty! I am very happy for you now that you have it back after it has been properly repainted. It could not be any more fortunate to have such a loving and caring owner like you. I nearly hit the ceiling with excitement when you showed your copy of John Muir's book. I recall many years ago that you admitted that you did not know anything about Volkswagens and I suggested that book to you. You can learn more that you ever wanted to know about them from John's love, time and dedication to helping everyone who loves them. Strikingly similar to your life's dedication and why we all are here watching your episodes.

[@jfv65]

it looks great! glad you decided to keep the orange. it's so delightfully 1970's! Perfect. (i seem to remember you could also buy a beetle or Karmann Ghia or a typ4 1600 in this color. )

[@pinwizz69]

All VW models you could get that color. I had a 72.5 (mid 72 VW ran low on engines so they got some from Porche to fill orders and mine had one of those engines with the Porche id on it) VW bus red and white. A friend of mine had the same orange as his Thing.

[@dodgeguyz]

The VW Thing is one of the best looking cruisers there is. Yours looks amazing. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it completely!

[@jamiesuejeffery]

Dad and I pulled one of these. It was literally a shade tree job. I think he had the engine on his chest while he climbed out. Reinstall was the same. Amazingly, we got a short block for it.

[@louiscoryell5058]

Brings back memories of my fried #3 on my 411. Valve dropped at 60 mph with appx 65000 miles. Rod never bent! Easy fix with heads refurbed and new liners.

[@michigandon]

Looks gorgeous! I'd actually be afraid to drive it now, if it were me.

[@AlisonFort]

Enjoyed the Thing story - thank you for showing. Even Leroy looked fascinated!

[@frozenhouse5362]

I've been working at a body shop for a bit now and extra tips I learned was if you're painting the door, it's better to take off the mirror and belt molding (the trim at the bottom of the window) for a better paint job in the end. The mirror can get in the way, and if you're unlucky, the clear coat could stick in that gap between the door and the belt molding.

[@natevanlandingham1945]

Love all the videos the last few days 👍. Thanks Tell Tyler to put up some of his content and projects.

[@garyrobinson8991]

Happy to see it’s going to be back roadworthy & looking great !

[@bradklingensmith]

My Aunt has a pure white Thing. Was a Cali car for decades and now a western North Carolina car. We had a 411 wagon in the same color as your Thing.

[@michaelfinney2160]

Great job on the restoration ! Probably didn’t look that good on the show room floor ! Bet it’s the best looking VW in Tennessee ! Have a Blessed Day

[@kb5hxt]

I rebuilt my 1963 bug with that book by David Muir in 1968. It had been hit and we waited for the insurance to settle, drove it 3 miles to the body shop, drove home and the oil light came on. I had not checked the oil level. They are notorious for leaking oil and was probably all gone. The rebuild was my first and successful. I think I still have the book, it is black & white. I'm glad to see they still have it in print.

[@michaelmoore2202]

Great job on the body and interior! Looks brand new!

[@timothysmith5769]

I imagine that you fellas would be stunned to learn that most vehicles have their engine in the front of the vehicle. It's the little Things that make life worthwhile.

[@Limeylad73]

It’s nice to see someone take pride in their work, as do you Scott 👍🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@Friedbrain11]

That paint job was done great! That's a pro's work!

[@peterbeyer5755]

I was worried about the VW when the lightning struck near where it was parked, glad to see it wasn’t melted or blown to bits.

[@michaelehrlich1952]

In the 70's I had an Air Force buddy that had a thing. The only thing I didn't like about it was the rear engine noise ! They have zero fire wall insulation! well actually I can't remember if they had any at all other than thin carpet. You should consider putting Dynamat on the fire wall for noise dampening.😎

[@daveogarf]

The spray booth fans totally drowned you out!

[@BusGreaseMonkey]

Only for a few seconds… sorry

[@phil1fox]

That looks fantastic Scott. Oz is the Man! Congratulations

[@walkure1812]

Congratulations on your getting your Thing back. Love mine. Just finished a rehab after an engine fire.

[@marksmith-ew7ir]

Mice to see the thing back in its colour again, it needed the love put back into it

[@markfoster6110]

It does look great .. you will now have to learn how to look after the engine ! A bit like a gm diesel they need a bit of tlc in the right places! My experience is 009 distributor . accurate ignition timing . Keep it clean . All the time ware on . Good fuel . Don't flog the hell out of it on hot days ! Great stuff bus man! Hi from down under

[@billspoonts]

Gorgeous paint job! Wow - he is really talented.

[@duanelundgren7985]

You're gonna ANOTHER BUILDING before long, my friend!!! :-) :-) :-)

[@donw3912]

The paint turned out great!! As for the engine...alot easier...and lighter then your usual day to day wrenching:-) It sure is a Thing of beauty now Scott:-) Now for the Mustang...a wee bit longer to get it done I know.., I'm really happy for you to get your VW up and going again:-) Is it better then Christmas as a kid?? My hunch is it's a tossup:-)

[@h.h.legacydiesel6724]

Scott, so glad to see the V.W. thing back in your hands after painting, l agree with you the paint, inside and out looks amazing. My wish for you is that you're going to order a bunch of new Hi performance parts, the price of gas ⛽️, you may as well have an over abundance of fun. New, modern 5 angle valve seats, hi compression pistons, lumpy cams and all the latest headers and exhaust. I can see you ripping up the red sand now, maybe some paddle tires❕️😛😬 all kidding aside, it's an awesome daily, with a little more umph. You deserve it. Have fun! 👍🤘✌🏻👌🏻⚠️🤏💰🌤 🇨🇦 😎 🧡❤️.

[@phillipdean9879]

Hi Scott, quickest way to make it rain is bring a car home form the paint shop. Works every time for us! 🇦🇺🍺

[@wallacegrommet9343]

When I worked in wholesale German VW parts, a piston and cylinder liner set was about $50 in 1980!

[@briandavis9975]

Wow it looks brand new well done OZ your the man ask him if he does coaches if so have his people get a hold of my people and let's make it happen. Lol he does great work. It should last for years Scott enjoy brother.

[@lloydrobinson7081]

the thing looks great, keep the clips coming

[@joekool5005]

Love the orange! Looks great. Gee.... I remember that book.

[@donlum9128]

Very nice restoration

[@rosshannemann7772]

Nice colour Scott

[@robertdavis6708]

If I remember correctly, my 2150cc stroker engine needed aligned bored to accept the new Scat crank. If you rebuild Scott be sure to consider that process. Nice thing. My buddy Butch had one in the 70's and it would pass everything but a Bar. Wasn't a straight piece on it after three years.

[@greyjay9202]

Fit a quiet pack tuned extractor exhaust system, and a Bosch 009 centrifugal advance distributor to that motor, and you'll get a significant performance boost, and a nice, quiet exhaust note. Weber also makes an excellent direct fit carburetor for those motors.

[@hydro2wheel]

The Bosch 009 is unfortunately an overhyped performance killer. Without the vacuum advance they limit the power band to a narrow margin of the RPM that an engine can operate through. They are VERY popular to this very day due to that fact that they are extremely robust, dependable and lack the vacuum advance parts that can fail when out in the middle of nowhere., especially within the off-road community. For a daily driver though they leave a lot of drivability and broad power delivery capability that most folks appreciate when driving in traffic on the tarmac.

[@robertborchert932]

@@hydro2wheel absolute truth! Most folks don't understand the air cooled, they foolishly follow the group think and go with the 009. Vacuum advance works, and it works for a good reason. Truth, I am old school. One of my hobbies is boats. I built some serious powertrains back in the day, and Job One was understanding the drive, be it screws or jets, and how that boat was going to be used. As a side note, in my younger days, I worked with Mike Riley, a dear friend, in Costa Mesa. I joined the Carburetor Shop in the late 80s, on a unique adventure. Mike was a long time customer of mine when I had a motorcycle shop in Southern California. We opened a motorcycle shop in the rear of his business, just for the pure fun of it. Well, it was soon discovered that I have an ear for carburetion. I blueprinted countless carburetors with Mike, for street vehicles, and for performance applications. Pretty rapidly, I dealt with the specialty applications, it's in the blood. I dealt with the crisis cases, for the pure sport of it. That's a longer story, but I've loved dealing with it, built many systems that you've seen on Discovery Networks. shows you've enjoyed. Hot rods. Mike hated the panics, and left me to solve the problems. I was younger then, and he gave me free reign. Back to the Thing, our Kubelwagen! This is a separate story. A passion, Scott! Yes, a Weber is a nice choice. For brute force, most decry the single barrel. I really know how they work, and what they can do. They excel in driveability on the road. The humble Solex is underrated. Truth. Side note, I have some rare carbs in my workshop, Dell L'Ortos. Unobtanium. I need to refit the throttle shafts with bearings. They were corroded when the intake was left uncovered. Yep, I'll be finishing those in the near future. Back to the Thing at hand! Stick with the vacuum advance if you can. This trades torque and horsepower in real time. Simple as that. The only advancer that fails is made of Chinesium, a hard reality today. The old school stuff lasted for decades.

[@Boze0415]

Magnificent job on the VW thing

[@woodsontr]

Your Thing turned out really nice. So few of them around these days.

[@rustyjames4962]

The thing looks thingy great now I want a ride in it when I come back to Nastyville

[@wildcoyote34]

boy that sure is a beautiful THING ,, that bright orange is a perfect color ,,my very first car in high school was a 1979 VW beetle and it was that exact same color bright sun orange,,, too bad you aren't closer all those heads need is a good valve job ,,i've been a small engine mechanic for most of the last 35 years ,,i've rebuilt a lot of VW heads over the years ,not much different from an OHV briggs engine ,basic air cooled engine

[@pinwizz69]

What an Absolutely beautiful highly professional restoration paint job was dne on your VW Thing. It's definitely gonna be turnin' heads as you're driving it around your downtown area. I wonder if there's any VW meets like in Darren Mustie1's Conneticut home town area. They get a couple hundred VW's of every type there and he always does a video of him going there. Last year in his VW Van truck with drop sides that cane from a lumber/paint/hardware company that once he used scotch pads to take off some primer the company art work was still mostly there. He's easily the top VW expert on KZbin and I'm a sub of his channel. He even has a VW engines triketaror he bought and restored to beautiful condition. Original owner botched the kit build.

[@loveyounger341]

Looks great 👍

[@Warcity777]

I love the color orange can't go wrong with it in my opinion!

[@GinosGarageUSA]

Nice work, that will be a fun car to have to run around in. Maybe take some time and go to a local car show with it, and get yourself some good away time for yourself. I had a 71 westfalia van, the engine was replaced with a newer engine, but was already. I carried the engine and put on the bench in my shed and did a full rebuild on it. New jugs and pistons, heads etc. It was almost done, but ended up getting a MCI bus and that took up all my time. Kinda wish I had not sold it now, I got $2500 for it back then without the engine in it and running. Had a bunch of spare parts in it too. Oh well, you cannot always keep them all.

[@ojeland88]

Very nice!!☺️

[@peterhodgkins6985]

The distributor drive gear is incorrectly installed. The vacuum advance dashpot should be over on the driver side where it won't interfere with engine removal. And you need two floor jacks! ;) I've built dozens and dozens of VW/Porche engines back in the 1970s... If you need something just lemme know! ;) That's quite a treasure you have there!

[@MrRossi1805]

Looks like new ❤️

[@18robsmith]

Honey I shrunk the bus.... Looks fabulous, and moving that diddy little engine (and its parts) must be such a relief after the Detroit 2-strokes. (Have you found my missing 10mm socket yet?)

[@markmercnut]

Blew it out of the park, gorgeous

[@waynebuzzell2483]

Throttle cable. Ignition wires. Fuel line. Heater box ducting. Shift linkage. 4 bolts.

[@The_Smith]

Oz did a nice job on that Thing.

[@96chevydually6.5L]

Driving fast on the property.. That's a KHOA Violation LOL

[@BusGreaseMonkey]

Yes sir but if i go fast she’s likely to not focus on the other violations we are driving by

[@danielseelye6005]

@@BusGreaseMonkey Ahh, the ol' "Baffle her with Bullshit" stratagem. Just how successful is it? 🤔

[@galegregory97comcast]

This thing sure looks good to be at parts go get her lol

[@nickbagwell48]

I love vw thing 😍, don't matter any problem.

[@robertestes5887]

Pulling on your thin your thing again hugh!!!

[@roverdad]

I had a few air cooled V-Dubs back in the day. Keeping the tins intact with good seals goes a long way to help cooling. Also might consider an after market oil cooler. I would love to have an old VW again when I retire and move out of the city. Thanks for sharing!

[@barrythirtle4296]

If I remember all you need is a couple of screw drivers, a 10mm, 17mm & 22mm and of course the best VW mechanic book there is.

[@johngaither3830]

And hope like hell the flywheel doesn't have to come off. That gland nut is tightened to what about 2000 lb. pressure? The tapered fit make it feel that bad. 425 is probably closer.

[@marksimpson9279]

For those who aren't aware - what's on the video is the standard 1-jack method of pulling a VW engine. On my '65 bug, I could do it in 10 minutes. A really good mechanic could do it in 5. On a Bug, you don't need to pull the distributor.

[@michaelcoachtechvp2846]

Nice ride

[@waynebuzzell2483]

Oooh nice, a dual port. About 70 HP new.

[@kwshilts]

Looks good.

[@kevindahlberg7753]

That's one sexy automobile...

[@avail1.]

very nice GM. 👋

[@edwinhsingmaster9135]

Hi Scott. I have experience in vw from 1971. Your engine might be missing tin. If its missing, your engine will run hot. Not sure about the 2 cooler exit pieces, Air from cooler should dump on the clutch adjuster area. Possibly small piece under dip stick and other side under oil pressure switch. Also. Fan housing may need air shutters to prevent vortices. They don't need to be controlled, thermostats are almost non existent, but they need to be there, except in southern climates.Its real nice if you have a thermostat, you'll not wash the cylinders or have carb icing if you do. Cheers p.s. boot around spark connectors! Air leaks are coolant leaks, and hot airs worthless. Guess you know that, sorry.

[@carlthor91]

Volksie engines are nice, with just one Achilies heel, replace the valves with quality aftermarket, before you hit 50K miles. Or get to experience the one time Jake Brake effect, with subsequent engine rebuild, I did, so have many others. Also if you can find the old performance guide, will help immensely, we used to be able to get the proper parts, 044 heads, but I don't know if they will fit under your cooling tin, to get 100 reliable horsepower, out of them. Extreme was 250 hp in turbo or supercharged, but my buddy and I went for reliable, 80 hp, in his rebuild. I worked in a mine diesel shop, at the time, on KHD Deutz Diesel engines, and Cat, Cummins and Perkins. That was many many moons ago. Best wishes from the far North.

[@jeffr0]

Scott, I'm trying to picture you videoing this with one of those umbrella hats to keep the rain off your camera!

[@BusGreaseMonkey]

My camera is water proof

[@ericvonwiegen5672]

Nice thing 👍👍👍

[@masdpeder]

Looks good but there is no getting away from the 10mm wrenches 😄

[@luiscruz-no3ib]

Don't forget to check the valve seats they came for leader fuel and they are to soft .they've to be replaced. Install harden seats

[@benjaminschneider4555]

Nice!

[@deathklock333]

Might be able to lap the valves and it could Polish up the valve seats to stop the leaks if the valves heads are still good.

[@bextar6365]

We say many, many 100s of VWs on display yest. in EUREKA SPRINGS,AR at three locations. Also parts swap meets. Only maybe 4 THINGS were seen...

[@paulalexander8305]

That thing made me think

[@michaelguerin56]

Looking good. Is this the one vehicle you guys have which only requires a tool wallet/bag full of kit to maintain🙂? Cheers from NZ🇳🇿.

[@RickDominick69]

My Sweet Tangerine

[@williamhudson8493]

Laugh out loud I had a 66 I remember a trick taking my motor out when It was unbolted from the TRANS push the clutch pedal in it’ll push the engine back A few inches

[@iivaridark6850]

In the old days they said that it doesn't pay to overhaul the buggy engine, those VW factory replacement engines were so cheap!

[@skyhawksailor8736]

My oldest brother in his 70's traded his Jag XKE convertible (I think it was a 72 model) for a new VW Thing.

[@noelmcgarry456]

Had to laugh, haven't seen you guy's look up the old vehicle maintenance manual before for a few points and tips !

[@waynebuzzell2483]

Ooops and clutch cable

[@marksmith-ew7ir]

In Nigeria when a clutch needs changing the just do an engine swap

[@garysoykin2783]

You should keep your eyes open for a very nice tune 2180 for that thing I can probably get a really nice one for a little bit of change

[@garysoykin2783]

Not me get one you get one sorry that was a typo

[@josephheston9238]

I see that you have the John Muir Idiot Manual too. I got mine when I got my '72 Super Beetle. BTW, will your Thing be in an issue of _Hot VWs_ ?

[@alfredovargasgonzalez9592]

Excellent car. I have mine in Mexico, it's model 76. How did you make your windows or where did you buy them?

[@scottgurne5174]

While you. Are at it put in some 88mm jackets and pistons easy conversion and you sitll use the same heads

[@phantom629]

My uncle's(3) had vw repair shops, vaive jobs were common every 100k, you very seldom ever need to split the case. Just check the oil pump and throw a set of jugs on it and call it done.if i was you I'd get a monza big bore exhaust for it they are quiet yet beefy sounding and let the performance out, i mean you're only talking 60 horse but it'll run like a scalded dog.

[@johnnyproton9440]

Any idea where to get rubber gaskets for the glass windows in the fiberglass top? Most of what I'm finding online is larger than what I have in there now and it won't make the tight corners.

[@davidbarnsley8486]

That thing looks great what a paint job he did I think that would be a vw I wouldn’t mind having 👍👍👍

[@WillKlaver]

.. those were Made for Weather, tho..

[@cgulden]

I see he has a bus behind his shop, is it his.

[@eddiekilby]

Run it a little rich if your going to run ethanol fuel in it.

[@treya2403]

Oh yeah it’s only 4 bolts and a linkage lol VW knew what they were doing

[@bernardgoldstein7125]

How did you get the 8V92TA to fit in the thing?

[@mikehoward8201]

Would look even nicer if you had a higher res camera!

[@rudycarlson8245]

How long have you had this car? It is an interesting one that’s for sure!

[@BusGreaseMonkey]

6yrs maybe 7. Can’t remember for sure

[@rudycarlson8245]

@@BusGreaseMonkey are you gonna end up doing a head gasket on it too? Don’t know much about VW‘s in general

[@josephheston9238]

@@rudycarlson8245 Air cooled VWs don't have head gaskets.

[@rudycarlson8245]

@@josephheston9238 OK did not know that! I don’t know much about VW‘s

[@josephheston9238]

@@rudycarlson8245 Well they are pretty easy to rebuild. And if you're a beginner mechanic, then you can't go wrong with an air cooled VW.

[@waynebuzzell2483]

Did you overheat #3 exhaust valve and drop it. Very typical in this design. Required maintenance for V-dub engines is re-torque the heads every 6,000 miles and adjust the valves every 10,000 miles. If you perform this maintenance it will run forever. In this design #3 cylinder gets the least amount of cooling. The weakest link. 😎 Good Luck.