_____________________________________________________________
VW 181 FACTS & FIGURES
VW type 181 "Kuebel"/Safari/Thing and type 182 Trekker
(June 1997 version)
_____________________________________________________________
The subjects on this list are generally (literal) quotes taken
from books or the VW Thing mailing list. Time-sensitive portions
such as "on sale now at such-and-so" are deleted. Subjects
include details about (original) parts, history and technical
subjects. They are simply listed alphabetically.
The goal of this list is to gather interesting information about
the VW type 181: with your help it could grow out to be some sort
of an encyclopedia! To add and/or correct information: copy the
relevant section, add your new, additional and/or corrected
information mentioning your source and send to Hanno Spoelstra
or the VW Thing mailing list
;
Source guide:
- David Campbell is Editor of Thing
Stuff of the Pacific Northwest Thing Association.
http://www.orcalink.com/~things
- Ian Harrison runs
The 181/182 Register in Great Britain;
- Arnd Klinkhart <100434.3112@CompuServe.COM> runs the
VW 181 Gelaendewagen-Club of Hamburg, Germany;
- Bob Miller used to run the now-
defunct VW THING/Type-181 Registry. But Bob is still active;
- Martha Rubin compiles the VW Thing
mailing list ;
- Shawn Sitar keeps sending in
details on original accessories;
- Hanno Spoelstra edits this
VW 181 Facts & Figures list;
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
* ACCESSORIES (USA)
Below are listed some of the accessories which were available for
THINGs in the USA. A comprehensive list of all 181 accessories
offered in the USA is given in THINGS, Fall 1991 issue.
- AIR CONDITIONER:
A "cool" accessory from the VW dealer. This is one of the most
expensive and rare Thing accessories. It is probably the most
complex Thing accessory since it involves so much wiring and
cutting in the body of the car. It is most prone to breakdown,
but many of the air conditioner components are the same parts for
the other VW models (Beetle, Super Beetle, and Karmann Ghia).
(The VW microfiche for air conditioners has diagrams for all of
the VW models which allows cross-referencing.) The dealer
literature references it from 4/73.
Technical info:
ZVW 203 181 Thing air conditioner
ZVW 215 221 belt
Manufactured by Volkswagen Products Corp.
Source: Shawn Sitar , VW Thing mailing
list digest 11.4.96
- BUMPER GUARDS:
Bumper guards with rubber inserts were a VWofA accessory.
Source: Henry Z. De Kuyper, "SomeThing Special", VW Trends,
vol.16, no.3, March 1997, p.68-69, 97.
- COVERS:
1) Side Curtain Bag: original side window bags were white in
early 1973 and were black after that through the '74s. They are
vinyl and have very flimsy vinyl tie-straps that usually are
broken or dry rotted. The inside has a cloth liner.
2) Windshield Edge Cover: the windshield cover is a green vinyl
cover that covers the windshield frame, but not the window glass.
It is about 5-6" wide and is a pouch that has two pin holes to
fit the windshield pins through (that rests in those two rubber
lined brackets on the hood) and has a few tie-straps made of
cloth that hold the cover on. It is used to cover the frame when
it is folded down, but the specific role is unclear.
3) Top Frame Edge Covers (2).
Source: June/July 1994 VW Thing/Type-181 Registry newsletter,
p.9; Shawn Sitar , VW Thing mailing
list digest 1.7.97
- HARD TOP:
The original hard top can be identified as follows:
1) A black and silver sticker with part# ZVW 175 101 and date of
manufacture behind one of the sun visors.
2) If the top has the side support bars, there is a part number
on one side of it where it mounts to the door post. The part
number ZVW 175 402 X-2 is stamped on the side facing the door
post, so you'll have to unbolt it from the top and the door post.
3) On each piece of glass in the rear, on the left lower corner
there should be the following stencilled in white:
SRP
TEMP-R-LITE
AK AS2
DOT 52 M17
Source: Shawn Sitar , VW Thing mailing
list digest 1.3.97
- PERMANENT LUGGAGE RACK:
The Permanent Luggage Rack (# ZVW 175 181) was distributed by
Volkswagen of America, and is now one of the more sought after
Thing-only accessories. The luggage rack measures 107.5 cm (42
5/16") across (parallel to the windshield) and is 81.1 cm (31
15/16") long (parallel to doors). It mounts to eight screw holes
that are on the outer ribs of the Top, two screws for each
mounting bracket. All Hard Tops have these screw holes factory
drilled with a small Phillips screw in it. When the VW dealer
installed the luggage rack, they put in 2.5 cm (1") screws to
mount the rack to The Top. There are eight pieces to this rack
excluding the screws: four mounting brackets, two transverse
bars, and two longitudinal bars. The bars are tubular but not a
perfect circle, instead they are compressed like an almond shape.
These are really heavy steel and do not really pit or rust,
though they do rust on the inside. The chrome on the outside of
these is pretty good quality. The tubes are notched at the tips
to fit into each other and into the brackets with screws. The
brackets usually are pitted, and are hinged at the base. In fact,
the base of the mounting bracket can be taken off. They are
side-specific in that there are two types: one fits the
right-rear or left-front and the other fits the right-front or
left-rear. They come with rubber feet to protect the Hard Top.
The tubes are held on to the brackets with one screw at each tip
(i.e., two screws at each bracket). There is a heavy metal type
sticker on top of the left rear longitudinal bar (parallel to
door) with the following on it (minus the quotes):
"MAXIMUM LOAD 110 LBS.
PART NO. ZVW 175 181 X-2"
Presumably the "X-2" relates to the Hard Top since the Hard Top
parts #s have a "X-2" on it.
The mounting brackets have some numbers and letters on the
underside of them including (minus the quotes):
"RR, LF 01680 (G)
00941"
or
"RF, LR 01679 (G)
01284 (G3)"
This type of rack can be found on other American cars, as these
are American made accessories that were an option for other cars.
An example on an early 1970s or 1960s International Scout had the
exact mounting brackets (same part #s) as the Thing one, however
the tubes were different lengths on the Scout than the Thing
ones, 97.8 cm (38 1/2") and 120 cm (47 1/4").
Source: Shawn Sitar , VW Thing mailing
list digest 1.3.97
- ROLL BAR:
VWofA offered a roll bar as an accessory.
Source: Henry Z. De Kuyper, "SomeThing Special", VW Trends,
vol.16, no.3, March 1997, p.68-69, 97.
- SPARE TIRE CARRIER:
Stock OEM units are getting harder to find. You need to know that
the upper hinge on a 74 is very different than the same part on a
73. It has to clear the air intake muff on the 74.
Source: Bob Miller
- TOOLS:
1) Tool bag w/wheel stud socket, bar for wheel stud socket &
removing wheel covers, doubled ended screwdriver, and a pair of
pliers. '73 bags were probably vinyl bags with tie-straps. '74s
are thought to have come in a little black plastic bag (thin like
a garbage bag) that had a flap and two pin holes in it.
2) The original Thing jack has the part # 211 011 031 C stamped
on it (it was also used on the VW Bus). The tommy bar and socket
are used to turn the jack and used as a lug wrench and spark plug
tool.
Source: June/July 1994 VW Thing/Type-181 Registry newsletter,
p.9; Shawn Sitar , VW Thing mailing
list digest 1.7.97
- WHEELS:
"Jackman-style" wheels were a VW dealer accessory.
Source: Henry Z. De Kuyper, "SomeThing Special", VW Trends,
vol.16, no.3, March 1997, p.68-69, 97.
- WINCH:
The VWofA accessory winch didn't exactly mount on the vehicle.
It came with two clamp-on trailer hitches, one for each
bumper, and you "Hung" the winch on the hitch ball with it's
mounting plate. This winch was made for VW by Powerwinch, of
Leitchfield, KY and is still available as an accessory winch
in about three different sizes. The winch still comes with
everything but the bumper mounting hitches.
Source: Bob Miller , VW Thing mailing
list digest 8.12.96
_____________________________________________________________
* BOOKS
Boschen, Lothar, "Das grosse Buch der Volkswagen Typen: Alle
Fahrzeuge von 1934 bis heute". Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag, 1983.
ISBN 3-87943-799-8. German text.
Description of model changes on p.361-364, four official
photographs on p.364 and 366, some technical information on
p.365 and production figures on p.586-587.
Schreier, K., "VW Kuebelwagen Military & Civilian 1940-1990".
Published by Brookland Books Ltd., Cobham. English text.
Source: Hanno Spoelstra .
_____________________________________________________________
* CHASSIS NUMBERS SERIALS:
As with the production figures, information on chassis serials is
often contradictive. I have tried to list each block of serial
numbers for each modelyear.
Modelyear 1970:
1 Aug 69 180 2151 344
31 Jul 70 180 3100 000
Modelyear 1971:
1 Aug 70 181 2000 001
31 Jul 71 181 3200 000
Modelyear 1972:
1 Aug 71 182 2000 001
31 Jul 72 182 3200 000
Modelyear 1973:
1 Aug 72 183 2000 001
* Change to new rear suspension, etc.:
1 Mar 73 183 2346 525 Mexico: 183 2493 403
30 Sep 73 183 3026 058
Modelyear 1974:
1 Oct 73 184 2000 001
31 Dec 74 184 2818 972
Modelyear 1975:
31 Jan 75 185 2170 188
Modelyear 1976:
30 Apr 76 186 2115 382
31 Jul 76 186 2115 959
Modelyear 1977:
1 Aug 76 187 2000 001
31 Jul 77 187 2082 862
Modelyear 1978:
1 Aug 77 188 2000 001
31 Aug 78 188 2048 553
Modelyear 1979:
31 Jan 79 189 2006 423
31 Dec 79 189 2140 459
Modelyear 1980:
? Jan 80 18-A ... ...
? Dec 80 18-A ... ...
Modelyear 1981:
31 Jan 81 18-B 001 250
31 Jul 81 18-B 002 386
Modelyear 1982:
31 Aug 81 18-C 000 185
31 Jan 82 18-C 003 789
Source: Ian David Harrison , e-mail of
97-06-06; Arnd Klinkhart <100434.3112@compuserve.com>, e-mail 96-
02-03; Bob Miller , e-mail 96-02-05 + 96-
08-12; original VW microfiche, published in German VW 181 club
magazine "Kuebel-Kurier" and on their home page.
_____________________________________________________________
* DIFFERENTIAL, LIMITED SLIP:
The limited slip differential was built by ZF and was an optional
feature on the type 181. Reportedly, the examples going to the
German Frontier Guard and the Civil Defense had them as standard,
but those for the German Army did not. Possibly the Danish Army
181s did have them. It is possible that the limited slip
differential was not offered on all markets.
Part # 181-300-043 is a limited slip transmission with swing
axles, and can only be used on those cars with the reduction
gears at the axle ends. Option code is M 220 (there is also an M
220 option, part # 211 517 025, for the type 2).
Source: Christian Figenschou , e-mail 96-08-20;
Arnd Klinkhart <100434.3112@CompuServe.COM>, e-mail 96-03-15; Bob
Miller , digest 8.28.96.
_____________________________________________________________
* ENGINES:
Type 181s built between 1969 and 1970 had the 1,493 cc. 44 hp.
engine. From 1970 the 1,584 cc. engine was fitted. It delivered
44 hp. during 1970-1973 and 48. hp from 1973-1980. Torque ranged
from 10,2 mkg @ 2,000 rpm for the 1,493 cc. engine to 10 and 10,5
mkg for the early and late 1,584 cc. engine.
The 1973 and 1974 THINGs had full emissions equipment on the
engine. The original THING case is a type 2 or Universal case to
provide the attachment points for the skid plates that are bolted
onto the bottom of THING engines. 1973 THING and all Military
engine tin is without the holes for the heat exchanger tubes as
they have gas heaters. Military engine tin also has a hole and
cover flap for a starting crank.
The Mexican domestic engines all had low compression pistons
installed for about a 6.8:1 compression ratio that would run on
lower grade Premex gasolines.
Source: Bob Miller , e-mail 8.12.96,
digest 8.28.96; Hanno Spoelstra
_____________________________________________________________
* HISTORY, GENERAL:
The VW 181 was originally built as a stop-gap measure while the
German Federal Army (Bundeswehr) was waiting for anything to come
out of the joint French/West-German/Italian "Europa Jeep" project
started in the 1960s. This was a half-ton 4x4 amphibious vehicle
which was to replace the Auto Union DKW Munga which was in
service with the German Bundeswehr from 1956. When the Europa
Jeep project was finally cancelled in 1976, the Bundeswehr issued
a new requirement for 8,800 half-ton 4x4 vehicles. Both
Daimler-Benz and Volkswagen were approached to build prototypes
for trials. The Volkswagen vehicle was in fact an updated and
uprated Munga (VW had acquired Auto Union in 1965, re-introducing
the Audi marque), known as the "VW 183 Lkw 0,5 t gl", alias
Iltis.
Source: Hanno Spoelstra
_____________________________________________________________
* KUEBELWAGEN
"Kuebelwagen" is abbreviation from "Kuebelsitzwagen" which means
"bucket seat car". It was a generic name for open-topped military
utility cars, and during WW-II several other manufacturers built
Kuebelwagens. The type 82 was only one of several Kuebelwagens!
So although the type 82 and 181 may look like a bathtub on
wheels, it was actually the shape of the seats which gave this
type of vehicle their name ("ue" stands for u-Umlaut).
Source: Hanno Spoelstra
_____________________________________________________________
* MANUALS, CIVIL
There are no Haynes, Bentley, etc. manuals available for the
THING. Those mentioned for general VW are all good and should be
grabbed if you can find them.
The following (Owners') Instruction Manuals for the 181 in
English were issued with vehicles :
VW Code Date
- 158.582.20 8.70
- 3.02.561.032.23 1.74
The VW THING Registry had published an enlarged (to 8.5" x
11") reproduction of this 90 page 1974 THING owners manual
(contains gas heater info so is same as 73's).
- 0.00.561.045.20 10.74
- 000.561.052.20 10.75
- 000.561.088.20 8.79
Equivalents include:
- in French, ref 561.015.40, dated 8.71;
- in Spanish, printed in Germany but unreferenced, dated 8.77.
Parts/service manuals:
- BN4 Heater Manual
The VW THING Registry had published a reproduction of the
original Eberspacher service & parts manual, plus 4 pages of
VW parts illustrations & p/n's (commercially available in
the USA).
- Colour Wiring Diagram Manual
(Commercially available in the USA.)
- Type 181 Parts Manual (160 pages)
The VW THING Registry had published an all new parts manual
with new illustrations from VW Germany. This is not a copy
of the microfiche. Also has paint codes, options lists and
other helpful info (commercially available in the USA).
- Type 181 Service Manual
The VW THING Registry had published a translated
reproduction of the German military manual for Type-181s.
Has about 600 illustrations (photos mostly) and a colour
copy of the THING wiring diagram. Covers most areas that the
general VW manuals miss that are unique to THINGS
(commercially available in the USA).
- 'Volkswagen Kuebel 181 Reparaturtips, Ersatzteiltricks,
Technik' by P. Kurze and P. von Orth.
This book measures 15x21 cm. and has 79 pages of German text
containing 50+ photo's and illustrations, technical info and
tips, addresses, etc.
Arnd Klinkhart of the VW 181 Gelaendewagen-Club of Hamburg,
Germany, thinks it is 'not too good'. However, he says that
for a Thing driver it appears to be a 'must have' item as it
is one of the few books around "and as such I would
recommend buying it just to have it."
- 'Workshop Manual for Volkswagen Beetle from 1968', Intereurope
Manual #157.
Published by Intereurope Ltd, Maidenhead, England, 1971, SBN
901610-35- 6, 122pp+18pp tables etc. Acknowledges the 181 as
a Beetle variant, and gives details as appropriate where the
181 differs significantly.
Source: Ian David Harrison , e-mail of
97-05-02; Arnd Klinkhart <100434.3112@CompuServe.COM>, e-mail of
96-12-29; Bob Miller , VW Thing mailing
list digest 11.4.95; David Campbell , e-mail
29 Oct 1996
_____________________________________________________________
* MANUALS, MILITARY
German Federal Army (Bundeswehr) manuals are called TDv
(Technische Dienst-vorschrift = Technical Service-Order). For
the VW 181 they were as follows:
- TDv 2310/001-30 - Part 1
Covers maintenance and general repair overhaul as can be
done under war conditions (also covers destruction!).
- TDv 2310/001-22 - Part 22
Checklist for proper and timely maintenance.
- TDv 2310/001-12 - Parts 1 and 2
Covers the normal user manual topics like where to find the
wiper switch etc.
- TDv 2310/001-35 - Part 5 (December 1969)
- TDv 2310/001-50 - Part 5 (September 1974)
Illustrated parts catalogue; based on VW version.
Source: Arnd Klinkhart <100434.3112@CompuServe.COM>, e-mail 96-
08-09; home page of US Thing club.
_____________________________________________________________
* MILITARY USERS:
COUNTRY YEARS OF NUMBER
PROCUREMENT
WEST-GERMANY 1969-1979 15,200
Since 1981 more than 9,000 Bundeswehr type 181s were struck off
charge by the German government, being sold on the open market as
well as being donated to the Greek and Turkish army. In 1992 an
estimated maximum of 4,000 type 181s were still in service with
the Bundeswehr.
Other military users were AUSTRIA (Bundesheer, federal army),
BELGIUM, DENMARK, FRANCE (used by units stationed in Germany),
GREECE (donation from German Bundeswehr), MOROCCO, THE
NETHERLANDS (Luchtmacht, air force), TURKEY (donation from German
Bundeswehr).
Detailed information on numbers used during what periods by which
armies are most welcome.
Source: Hanno Spoelstra
_____________________________________________________________
* MODEL DIFFERENCES:
- TYPE 181:
Official Volkswagen factory designation for all of the left hand
drive and a few right hand drive vehicles (the Beetle being the
type 1, the bus the type 2 etc.) It was originally built for the
German Federal Army (Bundeswehr) and designated "Mehrzweckwagen"
(multi-purpose vehicle). In German-influenced markets, it is
generally known as "Kuebel" or "Kuebelwagen" after its ancestor
from WW-II, the type 82.
- THING:
In 1973 and 1974 28,930 THINGs were built and exported to the
U.S. for sale by Volkswagen of America. 1973 and 1974 THINGs came
as a standard type 181 THING. Differences from the Safari
included full emissions equipment on the engine, the letter "X"
(for export) following the chassis number and a U.S. DOT sticker
on the left centre door post.
The first "Name" attached to these cars was to the Type-181 that
was being built, or at least assembled, in Mexico, starting in
late 1970. For purposes of registration, VW wanted all of these
cars were to be called "The Safari", as this name had the same
general meaning in all of the languages of the Americas.
Unfortunately General Motors had been using the "Safari" name on
Pontiac Station wagons as early as 1955 and thereby "owned" the
name Safari in the U.S. market. Volkswagen of America therefore
elected to call all of it's type 181 cars "The THING" The
official name "The THING" is supported not only in all the VW
literature, but in at least 42 states DMV registrations.
Only 4 states are known to register these cars as "Type-181"
Those THING's that were sold in Canada and a few other countries,
that were VW of A THING's, were trans-shipped after delivery in
the U.S., much in the same way that Type-3 notchbacks got into
the U.S. from Canada.
- ACAPULCO: in 1974 the THING "Acapulco" model was available, a
stock THING with a few minor trim changes. They had blue and
white paint & interior (look behind the dash panels, this should
be blue), running boards (pans had extra nuts welded on the
edge), usually a surry top and either a hardtop or a soft top. In
as most of the purchasers of Acapulco's left the surry top behind
at the dealers, there was no shortage of tops and frames in the
middle 70's.
The earliest photo of an Acapulco prototype dates from the Puebla
factory in 1972, right after they started Type-181 Safari
production. As early as 1973 the Surry top and the running boards
were seen in VW of America advertisements with the note that the
surry top was a "Future Option". Although the parts certainly
existed in Mexico at that time, it is unlikely that there were
1973 Acapulco THINGS sold by VW of America. There were some
Acapulco's built in Mexico in 1973 for the resort trade,
including a few with a pink and white colour scheme.
- SAFARI:
The Safari was produced for Mexican domestic sales and was also
exported to countries to the south of Mexico. The Mexican
domestic engines all had low compression pistons installed for
about a 6.8:1 compression ratio that would run on lower grade
Premex gasolines.
- TYPE 182:
Type 181 with right-hand drive produced in Germany for the United
Kingdom. Small numbers of type 182s were produced by VW from
about 1970 onwards, either as demonstrators or to specific order
(example: chassis no. 181 2195 609 was shipped to Zambia in
December 1970 - without any heating!).
The type 182 was officially sold in Britain by VW dealers in
1974-75, under the name "Trekker". Volkswagen U.K. first
attempted to introduce the type 182 into England as "The THING",
but the dealers objected to the name and a "contest" was held to
"Name the car".
Despite Press reports that 300 were being imported, current
records only show surviving chassis no.'s. in the series 185
2086406 to -477, i.e. less than 100. Presumably plans were
modified since VW overpriced it, so it didn't sell very well.
These vehicles were made in Mexico (not Germany), generally to
1974 THING specification, but with European rear-lights and front
flashers. The 181/182 Register currently lists 51 type 182s, 45
of which are 74/75 Trekkers.
Other type 182s were built into the middle 1970's, primarily for
military use in countries where right hand drive was standard
(Morocco had at least 20 units).
Visiting holiday-makers to Bali report that Indonesian vehicles
are also 182s.
Source: Ian David Harrison , e-mail of
97-05-02; Bob Miller , e-mail 96-08-12,
digests of 8.28.96, 8.30.96, 12.15.96; Hanno Spoelstra
_____________________________________________________________
* OPTION CODES:
VW used modification or M-codes which to denote extra equipment
fitted. Like most vehicles, the 181 has a variety of optional
extras, and the following list identifies the more common of
them. These codes appear in the microfiche, and on the Vehicle
Data Sheet, but are rarely translated. Military type 181s had the
M-codes painted in white on the fan housing, others had them on
metal tags common to other VWs.
Code Description
M20 Speedometer in miles.
M26 Activated carbon container for absorbing fuel vapour
(Mexico). From 183 2346 525.
M27 Compliance with US (West Coast) exhaust emission
standards (USA). From 184 2219 789 to 184 2818 496.
M30 Headlamp flasher with licence-plate illumination
(Austria). Until 182 2482 840.
M32 Lockable Fuel Cap.
M34/I White parking light and warning lamps (Italy). Until
184 2805 543.
M34/II White parking light and warning lamps, without
emergency lights (Italy). From 184 2805 544 to 186 2115
080.
M34/III White parking light and warning lamps, without
emergency lights, with left and right convex mirrors
(Italy). From 186 2115 081 to 186 2115 959.
M34/IV Without emergency lights, with left and right convex
mirrors (Italy). From 186 2115 960.
M37 Without emergency light system (Italy, France). Until
184 2805 543.
M46 Side-mounted flashing indicators (Denmark, Norway,
Italy). From 183 2346 525.
M47 Back-up (reversing) light on bumper. Until 183 2346
524.
M50 Dual circuit and hand-brake warning light. Until 182
3200 000.
M51 Prepared for second generator. From 184 2423 795.
M60 Petrol heater. From 184 2219 789.
M63/I Special (military) equipment, consisting of: blackout
lights, rear fog lamp, speedometer with 1/10th km
reading, fully suppressed and watertight equipment,
starting handle, laminated windshield, petrol heater.
Until 184 2219 788.
M63/II Special (military) equipment, consisting of: blackout
lights, rear fog lamp, speedometer with 1/10th km
reading, fully suppressed and watertight equipment,
starting handle, laminated windshield, without petrol
heater. From 184 2219 789.
M69 Rifle bracket
M74 Rear Mud Flaps.
M89 Laminated windshield glass.
M105 Stiffer rubber mountings for transmission. Until 182
2583 721.
M123 Specially suppressed parts (France).
M124 Yellow headlamps and safety rear view mirror (France).
M129 Additional third mounting-point for front seat-belt
(France).
M142 Special equipment Bundesgrenzschutz (Border Police):
M63.
M153 Filter system with two oil bath air cleaners.
M157 Exhaust emission control system and activated carbon
container for absorbing fuel vapour. 48-hp engine, code
AM (USA).
M160 Revolving warning light and high-volume horn.
M165 Painted instead of chrome parts.
M183 Rear seat belts. From 189 2020 500(?).
M185 Lap belt front and rear (USA). From 183 2346 525 to 184
2818 496.
M187 Headlamps for lefthand traffic.
M208 Electric installation for trailer operation.
M220 Limited-slip differential.
M231 Reclining seat for passenger.
M240 Engine (code AF) with recessed pistons for low-octane
fuel.
M267 Modified transmission ratio, 8:35 instead of 8:33. From
183 2346 525 to 184 2818 496.
M335 Compliance with exhaust emission standards (Austria).
Engine code AL.
M549 Lap belt front. From 184 2000 001.
M552/I Without heater (petrol). Until 184 2219 788.
M552/II Without heater (exhaust system without heater boxes).
From 184 2219 789.
M553/I Sealed-beam headlights, flashing indicators with side
marking lights, red taillights, back-up lamps in
taillight, but without headlamp flasher and steering
lock (USA). From 183 2346 525 to 183 3026 058.
M553/II Sealed-beam headlights, flashing indicators with side
marking lights, red taillights, back-up lamps in
taillight, city horn, but without headlamp flasher and
steering lock (USA). From 184 2000 001 to 184 2818 496.
M571 Rear fog lamp.
M610 24V alternator, Engine code AL (with M51 and M63).
M660 The Acapulco "Thing" (Mexico, USA).
Source: Ian David Harrison , e-mail of
97-06-06; Arnd Klinkhart <100434.3112@compuserve.com>, e-mail 96-
02-03 + 96-08-17; Shawn Sitar , VW Thing
mailing list digest 1.13.97; German VW 181 club home page.
_____________________________________________________________
* PAINT CODES
- PAINT CODES FOR 73 & 74 THINGS (see THING Registry Parts Manual
page vi):
Sunshine Yellow L11E (eleven E)
Blizzard White L90H (also listed as Cream White, used on
Acapulco versions)
Pumpkin Orange L30F
Avocado Green L60F (1974 only)
Laguna Blue L50C (used on Acapulco versions)
Delft Blue L55Z (May be Acapulco Blue, even VW does not
know for sure?)
Aluminium Grey L97U (Wheel Colour, 73 and later)
Grey/Black LD43 (Interior trim, seat frame, gearshift
etc.)
Source: Bob Miller , VW Thing mailing
list digest 9.23.96; Henry Z. De Kuyper, "SomeThing Special", VW
Trends, vol.16, no.3, March 1997, p.68-69, 97.
- PAINT CODES FOR EUROPEAN VW 181s:
Official VW colours for Europe for 1975 (in English and French
brochures):
Steppe Beige L10F, D2
Lemon Yellow L ? , D6
Salmon Red L30F, G4
Malintzin Blue L57G, K9
Tepetl Green L67G, M9
Cream White L90H, R2
Olive Green L319, N3
Other body colours mentioned in a reproduction of a French sales
brochure on Belgian VW 181 club home page are pacific blue (J7--)
and ivy green (M6--).
All colours could be ordered with either a black (--50) interior
and a black (-V1-) top, or a combination of a fitchew grey (--58)
interior and a fitchew grey (-V4-) top.
Body colour olive green could only be ordered with an olive green
(--59) interior and olive green (-V5-) top, as ordered by the
military.
Source: Ian David Harrison , e-mail of
97-05-02.
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* PARTS AVAILABILITY/COMPATIBILITY/INTERCHANGEABILITY
Most of the mechanical parts on a THING are interchangeable with
some other model VW. Most come from the type 1, but some type 2,
3 & 4 parts are also found. Check the listings in a parts manual
for a THING. Some parts are unique to THINGS and other versions
of the type 181.
- APRON:
About the only part that is probably not available "new" any more
is the front sheet metal panel known as the apron. All other
parts are thought to be are available from one or more of the
known U.S. sources. Parts are even harder to find in Mexico than
in the U.S..
- CV JOINTS:
Bug CV joints don't have the same ability to operate at as severe
a drive angle as the type 4 joint used in the THING. Yes, they
will travel the same distance, but their ability to drive at that
angle is horrid. Go back to the original CV joints. You can put
type 4 CV joints on a Beetle transmission. Just use the trans
flange from the original trans on the new trans. It's only this
flange that is different on the trans.
- BALL JOINTS:
The THING ball joints are unique to the car. Look at a THING
front end vs. a Beetle and you will see why. The THING spindles
are entirely below the trailing arms. This raises the front of
the car 2.5" over the Beetle suspension. Shop for prices as they
can be very expensive. But don't let anyone tell you they are the
same as any other VW part, they are a 181- part number and are
unique to the Type 181 vehicles.
- BRAKE LINES:
As the VW 181 pan is the same shape, Karmann Ghia brake lines fit
perfectly.
- BRAKES, REAR DRUM:
The THING rear brake drum is easy to identify as it has the
181 part number cast into the outside face of the drum. There
just is not any other VW drum that will fit correctly. The
difference all starts with the stub axle. The type-181 stub
axle was designed to meet a specification for military use set
down in the original NATO contract in 1966. As a result we
have an odd combination of CV joints, stub axles and drums.
Only the 181 drum will properly and safely fit the 181 stub
axle.
- STEERING WHEELS
THING's, unfortunately, used two different steering masts and
steering wheels. The "early stype" seen mostly on 73's can be
identified by the metal trim around the key switch area, the
"late" version, found mostly 74's, has a plastic trim assembly in
the same area. Not only is the trim different, but the steering
wheel spline is different so most 73 steering wheels won't fit
1974 steering masts and vice-versa.
The good news is that the "late" style (74's) is identical in
spline and other fitments to most later VW's. Of Rabbit sports
wheels all the splines, compression tubes and even the horn and
turn signals align between the THING and the newer wheel. Also
other VW's and Audi's steering wheels should fit right in place
of the stock wheel.
- FLASHER UNITS:
There's only one flasher for both emergency and turn signals.
Although it's a very VW only looking part, they are available as
a Beetle replacement item from most VW accessory stores.
- WHEELS:
Early 181s (up to chassis no.181 2617 370) used the split-screen
type 2 wheels, 15" x 4.5J rims with four slots. Later military
models used the same 185 x 14 wheel/tyre spec as civilian models.
Stock THING wheels are unique to THINGS in the entire VolksWagen
line, but are easy to identify. They are all 14" x 5JK rims, have
a 181- part number and are also different in two other major
respects:
A) The off-set dimension is greater than the other 14" rims such
as those used on the type 2. Use bus rims on your THING and
everything will scrape a bunch.
B) The original THING rims were un-slotted, solid centred. All
other 14" VW rims are slotted.
Source: Ian David Harrison , e-mail of
97-05-02; Bob Miller , VW Thing mailing
list digest 8.12.96, 12.17.96, 12.19.96, 12.15.96, 5.6.97, etc.
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* PARTS LIST:
As for all models, Volkswagen AG in Germany published a "Genuine
Parts Illustrated Catalogue" for the VW 181. This is not a real
parts list: it only contains sketches for positive identification
when ordering parts. Latest know edition is the 1990 one, order
no. 000.7340.86.89.
Source: Hanno Spoelstra
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* PRODUCTION CHANGES:
First production type (1969):
As the VW 181 was only to be built in relatively small numbers,
as many as possible components from existing VW vehicles were
used to minimise the cost of development and production. The
floorpan originated from the Karmann Ghia, the front axle (but
reinforced and different stub axles), engine, clutch,
instruments, steering and petrol tank came from the Beetle and
the split-screen Bus donated the reduction box rear suspension
and gearbox. Already in 1970 the 1,5 l. engine was replaced by
the 1,6 l. engine.
The biggest changes came in effect from March 1973 (for Europe,
chassis no. 183 2346 525). The engine's compression was raised
which resulted in an increase in horsepower from 44 to 48. The VW
1302/1303 rear suspension with double-jointed half-shafts was
adopted. The gearbox was a mix from the Beetle and Bus 'boxes.
Visible changes are four-spoke steering wheels, splined
wiper-arms, tyres changed from 165/15 to 185/14. Heating was
modified to the Beetle heat-exchanger system and single crosswise
silencer and external air-intake pods above the rear mudguards.
Only the examples for the Bundeswehr were still built with the
gas heater, as there was a need for a stationary heater.
Things (type 181 for export to USA) got the large "elephants
feet" rear lights.
Source: Ian David Harrison , e-mail of
97-05-02; Hanno Spoelstra
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* PRODUCTION FIGURES:
Information about production figures is conflictive. Numbers
range from 70,495 to almost the double at 140,768. More reliable
information on this subject is urgently required.
Information from VW about total type 181 production figures reads
as follows:
1965 367
1966 671
1967 472
1968 712
1969 22,373
1970 5,384
1971 11,026
1972 6,669
1973 21,598
1974 19,240
1975 2,189
1976 1,506
1977 477
1978 33
------ +
Total: 92,717
GERMANY:
Total built in Germany 1969 to Jan. 1978 = 26,351
- (Also quoted as: from 69-72 = 26,354)
Total CKD in Mexico and Foreign = 44,175
(included are 5.988 mounted in
Indonesia 72-80, but: Indonesia also
quoted as: 6,500.
(There are also rumours of CKD (completely
knocked down) kits being assembled in Ireland!)
MEXICO:
In 1970 and 1971 KD (knock down) kits were
assembled (323 and 4,057 respectively) at
Puebla as there was no stamping facility.
Total complete units built in Mexico
from 2/78 to 4/80 = 20,079
It must be assumed that the actual number
for Mexico is a bit lower as this is a
calculated result not taking into account
any units mounted elsewhere.
- (Mexico also quoted as: from 70-80 = 64,254)
Total = 90.605
Lothar Boschen in "Das grosse Buch der VW Typen" lists a total
domestic production of 70.495 type 181s during the 69-78 period.
The figures quoted during that period are identical to the list
above, except for 1969 where 2.373 are listed: that is 20.000
units less!
Are the units manufactured in 65-68 pre-production series?
Source: Arnd Klinkhart <100434.3112@CompuServe.COM>, e-mail 96-
11-01, 96-11-06; Henry Z. De Kuyper, "SomeThing Special", VW
Trends, vol.16, no.3, March 1997, p.68-69, 97; Bob Miller
, e-mail 96-08-12 + 96-11-02; Hanno
Spoelstra
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* WIRING, BATTERY:
Not all THINGs were wired exactly the same. Some had the battery
(+) junction at the battery, others had it at the starter and a
few had it split between the two locations. The smaller wires
usually went to the same places: (1) to terminal 30 on the
voltage regulator (2) to Fuse #8 and (3) to the (+) side of the
generator. Other variations certainly exist and, if all else
fails, they may be a part of the diagnostic connector that was a
part of the stock THING.
Source: Bob Miller , digest 8.30.96
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