On May 14, 2010, at 9:53 AM, Donna Skarloken wrote:

> My son and I inherited my parents' 73 Thing.

73 is the reputed best year for Things! (there were only 2 years, 73 &
74!)
The samba has a Thing discussion group IIRC?
For Thing parts, contact The Thing Shop in Mesa, AZ- Larry Dutson is
the owner.
Too bad it's not a Kubelwagen or Schwimmenwagen(sp?), then it would be
worth some real $$$?

YMMV,

Mr. BZ-never owned a thing, how come I know this trivia?

>  It has been sitting a long
> time but runs.  I haven't done anything with air cooled VWs in
> ages.  I
> assume I should change the oil (it has the oil bath thingy, not a
> regular
> oil filter).  I assume we should also do a tune- up and change the
> spark
> plugs, etc.  Any recommendations for parts vendors to buy our tune up
> items?
>
> Also, since it sits most of the time, are there other places to
> check that
> need lubrication?  Knock on wood, the brakes seem fine.
>
> Is there an internet list for Thing owners similar to the Vanagon
> list?
>
> Thanks for any help.  I need to move it out of the driveway and just
> use it
> and enjoy it.  The Syncro gets most of the attention but that is
> because it
> is our main people and grocery hauler.
>
> I have three more projects besides this one.  My Farmall A is broke
> down (my
> husband thinks it is the condenser); our 1960 double cab has no
> brakes and
> won't idle, and my motorcycle is broke down - possibly voltage
> regulator
> and/or stator.
>
> Happy Friday,
> Donna