1978 VW Thing/Safari import Real Centerline Wheels 1776cc Oil Cooler

  • Price: Ask a price!
  • Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States
  • Make: Volkswagen
  • Model: Thing
  • Type: Convertible
  • Year: 1978
  • Mileage: 99,000
  • Color: Copper
  • Engine size: 1776
  • Number of cylinders: 4
  • Fuel: Gasoline
  • Transmission: Manual
  • Drive type: RWD
  • Interior color: Tan
  • Vehicle Title: Clear

1978 Volkswagen Thing Description

1978 VW Thing
1776 Motor with oil filter and cooler
Wide 5 - Real Centerline wheels
Soft Convertible Top
4 drop in windows. All will need new clear vinyl sewn in.
Set up for trail, decent clearance, steel tube bumpers and rails
Comes with towbar for pulling behind a car/truck/motorhome.
Aftermarket highback seats.
Things are pretty rare and in this condition are even harder to come by. The US market ones from 73-74 all came from the VW Mexico plant. Sales were so low they stopped importing them but kept making them up to 1980. This was legally imported from Mexico (by me), titled and registered in Colorado and has been for 18 months which means some of the more finicky states like CA will allow it to be registered now. There is no smog cert as they are not needed by my county, none offered or warrantied to pass any specific areas that may require them on vintage cars.
There is some usual rust areas see condition description. This is not being sold as rust free or 100% stock set up.
The tires are older need replaced soon. Will drive onto transport vehicle.
The fenders and front and rear have been trimmed for clearance of larger tires. This would look great painted in German camo, which is what I'd do if I were able to keep it. Comes with a pair of side scoops, I like that look better than the flat side vents, you could just sell them if you don't want them. The nerf bars, bumper and such are welded to the frame so going back to stock bumpers would mean cutting and fabrication but very doable. Nothing major has been done to the suspension that would render it incapable of being at stock height with stock level tires, or you could slam it like people are doing these days.
Anticipatory questions:
1. Why are you selling? - Landlord and space, broke, too many VW's for wife's liking, son getting married soon.
2. I didn't know they still made Things past 1974 - yep they did and the 73/74 models were made in Mexico as well.
3. What needs to be done to it to make it drivable? - It drives now. The brakes could use some extra help as they are soft and the tires are older. The wheels are 4" front and 5.5" rear and the tires should be swapped front to back since the wider tires in front rubs on tight turns. If you change them you''ll get it right.
4. Can I change out the wheels? Yes any wide 5 lug VW wheels will fit. Most Things came with 14"wheels as opposed to the typical 15" style wheels found on bugs and such. They look odd and small so these or stock bug style looks better.
5. Will you ship it? Yes I will get it to the shipper/transport of your choice within Colorado. Including International.