Big THing project

[bren]

I am amazed at the amount of work you get done. How on earth did you set the body on by yourself?

[bjeles]

Bren, only way I get all the work done is that I really don't watch tv and like to keep myself busy.

I removed the old body, rolled it out of the garage and took off the body I am using and re-installed it all by my lonesome. I mounted some re-inforcements and eye bolts between the rafters in the barn and lifted the body with a chain fall on one end and a come along on the other. I triangulated my lifting points so it wouldn't try to flip over.

Just a little patience and not minding looking like a red-neck and it was accomplished fairly easily. Too bad most of you guys live over on the west side, I'm sure if I were closer I'd have some help!

Ben

[gokart]

Nov 25, 2008 19:51:26 GMT -5 bjeles said:

Dustin,

When I put on the 20s I lifted the rear as tall as it would go with jumping splines on the spring plates. Now they are topped out as it sits, once I get the body on I will decide what direction to go. I have a set of centerlines for it with new General Grabber All terrain tires that I have already mounted, just need the wheel stud kit for 14mm, I have the one for 12mm.

I am leaning towards welding in adjusters in the front beam but don't have any experience with them.

I did the rear brakes, re-installed the pedal cluster and worked on the front brake today, little bit of progress.

Ever consider a body lift kit? It's a spacer between the body and pan.

[bjeles]

Ed,

Yeah I considered it but really hate the looks, I am not running huge tires.

I have a set of centerline wide 5s that I mounted General Grabber AT2s on (one of the best rated AT tire out there and my company makes them). I went with I believe 215X75X15s. Right now I have stock tires on it 185R15s and have ~10" of clearance before the fenders so there is no need to do anymore than I already have. The other tires are just about 2" taller setting them side by side.

Its also sitting with just about 3 degrees of rake from rear to front (rear is just a fraction taller) which is the best set up for vehicle dynamics, no more modifications necessary and the rear spring plates look good now that the body is on. Plus no super style rear end sag!

[bjeles]

So back from Xmass, I went up to Canada to visit my parents.

Before I replaced the windshield latches with better ones, replaced the sun visors, installed the interior and seat belts, put on the top, worked on the wiring and took it for a drive around the neighborhood, everything is good now, just some minor touches and trying to find a couple replacement parts, most importantly the rear decklid and drivers rear fender I have nice ones but not in yellow.

Just for a note to remind myself, the Thing has a 73 ignition with matching column and steering wheel instead of 74, but I did keep the 74 turn signal switch for wiring purposes.

Here is the back of the car, really hate this decklid. Note took off the TN liscence plate and I put on my 73 OG liscence plate original to my car, it was under the battery as a patch!




The 73 wheel and interior shot.



My overall goal for the car is complete a barn fresh look car with trustable and replaced drivetrain and of course non gas heater heat!



Installed the antena and replaced a door hinge note the orange. I need a winshield unfortunately but a big bonus the wipers are functional.



More interior



Again the barn fresh OG paint! This is the look I wanted with this car, it would be easy to paint but for money reasons right now, this is how it is going to roll!



Top down with my orange seat backs because the yellows were not great.

[bren]

Nice progress Ben. I am impressed as usual.
Topic came up with my car.... I wonder if a paint shop could match the old, faded color of the car so some touch up could be done. Maybe even if it is not a perfect match it would look better than the areas that currently don't? Maybe I will stop and ask at the local auto body supply.

[bjeles]

Bren,

There are many ways to match OG paint, and to make it look old at the same time, just check out some of the patina cars on thesamba and take a close look people are going for this look right now and going to great lengths to get it.

The main trick is to color match and not paint code match, the original paint code will no longer match unless the car has been in a sheltered place out of the sun and elements its intire life.

I am not planning on keeping this thing forever and feel that it will be a good place for the next person to start with no hidden body work. Only reason I am not going to keep it too long is that I don't want multiples of each car and our other thing is a nice one owner car and I don't need two that are show worthy cars. I'd realy like to get a split camper next

[jbrandt01]

whoa wait, non gas-heater heat? You aren't looking to sell the gas heater are you?

[bren]

harshwintersvw.com/smf1/index.php?topic=3737.0 This is for sale by Steven, vdub63 on here.

[VDub63 ( Steven )]

actually p.m. ( dad ) Ruffuss. It is his just put it up for him.

[bpalaian]

what is that THING i want to see a pitcture of the porsche motor

[bjeles]

bpalaian,

The porsche motor is a simple 1.7 pancake motor turns free and was removed because it was blowing smoke, needs a simple rebuild. Its mostly complete including alternator and tins etc but no carbs. Its in my way in the barn if anybody wants it $250 and its yours.