Learn more about us!
The Thing Shop is owned and operated by Larry and Michele Dustman. The Dustman’s have been in business for over 40 years. Originally known as The Trim Shop, Larry specialized in automobile (Mercedes, Porsche, VW) and aircraft interiors. Larry and The Trim Shop gained an outstanding reputation for excellent upholstery work with great attention to detail. Michele quit her job as an office manager at a large corporation to devote herself fulltime to The Trim Shop. About 1985 Larry and Michele purchased a Thing for their trips to Mexico.
-The Team at The Thing Shop
About Us
About 1995, VW of Mexico liquidated all remaining Thing (Type 181) stock to Larry and Michele. They decided to purchase all they could to bring back to the US. Eight tractor-trailer loads and one warehouse later, The Trim Shop became the largest vendor of NOS and quality replacement VW Thing parts in the world. The Trim Shop officially changed its name to The Thing Shop on January 2, 1997. We ship NOS and quality replacement parts made exclusively for The Thing Shop. We also manufacture parts for Stearman WWII Trainer Bi-Planes @ Stearman181.com and Neighborhood Electric Vehicle Parts @ Nev-Accessories.com which are made in the same facilities as our VW Thing parts.
We continually look for new ways to improve service here at The Thing Shop. We enjoy an excellent reputation for the level of service our team provides and we’d like to keep it that way. Your comments and suggestions are always welcome. You can address any comments or concerns to orders@thethingshop.com.
The Thing Shop is your premier destination for all things related to the iconic Volkswagen Type 181, affectionately known as ‘The Thing.’ As enthusiasts ourselves, we specialize in providing a wide range of top-quality parts, accessories, and restoration components to help you maintain, repair, or customize your beloved ‘Thing.’ Whether you’re a dedicated owner or just discovering the charm of this unique vehicle, we’re here to support your passion and keep your ‘Thing’ running smoothly
Our extensive catalog features an impressive selection of genuine VW Thing parts, meticulously sourced and thoroughly tested to ensure exceptional performance and durability. Whether you’re looking for mechanical components, body parts, interior accessories, or upgrades to enhance your Thing’s appearance and functionality, The Thing Shop has you covered.
