1973 Volkswagen Thing - Kubelwagen conversion

Price: - Item location: Reno, Nevada, United States
Description:

1973 Volkswagen Thing

This is a rare and extensive "Kubelwagen" conversion built up from a VW Thing to a very effective all terrain vehicle. Carefully and completely restored with many original parts dating back to the 1940’s. Many new parts were used when necessary to improve the integrity of the vehicle and it's overall performance. This "Kubelwagen" conversion is ready to go to a reenactment or daily driver. Convertible top was new in 2005 and just needs a new rear window.


The vehicle comes with many upgrade parts - exterior knobby spare tire with 1040’s era rim - and manuals. Car was my daily driver from 2005 to the present. It has been to many WW2 reenactments in California and Nevada. It has a trailer hitch and has been used to pull a trailer for desert encampments. Though it is a 2 wheel drive vehicle it is very handy on dirt in the desert and can go from there to keeping up with traffic on the freeway on your daily commute. She lives in a garage now, but we've had her in the field and under fire many times. This is a vehicle for the history buff and the air-cooling aficionado.


Every system has been well maintained and the body restored. New transmission and clutch from Scudders Performance in 2010. Just one small body blemish where I backed into a tree [see photo]. It is not offensive and can easily be put right. You seldom see better a functioning daily driver Thing on the market. The underside needs some protectant as surface rust has started. Two areas of the floor pan have been replaced with stitch welded donor metal.


We have experience finding a transporter to transport this VW 181 to your location. Shipping cost is buyer's responsibility but we will help you every step of the way.


Restorations from 2005-2018


- Rebuilt Transmission from Scudders Performance

- Custom Suicide door conversion on front doors

- “New” VW seats from a -78 bug [rear seat missing back cushion]

- Battery in good condition

- Bosch external Horn

- No oil leaking!

- Heat Vent ducting for high power when defogging is needed

- New Carburetor in 2012

- Custom “Feldt-Grau” Field Grey Army Paint

- Rounded fenders for 1940’s style

- Fender Mounted Headlights

- Exterior spare with 1940s rim

- Custom hood line conversion to give true Kubel look.

- A/T Tires in good condition with loads of tread - see pics. 195/80R15 M+S

- Center instrument cluster

- Separate single button ignition

- Two tone Feldt Grau w/ light grey interior

- Genuine teak floorboards front and rear.