What is Pay in 4?
Pay in 4 eligibility will vary by merchant and individual shopping experience. The Pay in 4 checkout option will be displayed if the option is available for the specific merchant as well as the transaction amount and type. Keep in mind, not all goods and services are eligible. If for some reason the items in your cart are not eligible for Pay in 4, the offer will not be available.
Learn more here:
https://www.paypal.com/us/cshelp/article/what-is-pay-in-4-help463
Paint codes for the 1973 and 1974 U.S. Things from PPG’s sample sheet are as follows:
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NEW FRONT SHOCKS NOT FITTING CORRECTLY: Many times the metal sleeve in the shock bushing mount is rusted to the lower control arm stud. This sleeve need to be removed before the new shock can be installed.
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Things were made from 1968 thru 1979. The last official year model was 1980. They were imported into the United States from 1973-1974.
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Things have Thing-only ball joints.
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The passenger-side tie rod is Thing specific.
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The Thing front beam is different from the Beetle because it has a reinforced shock tower and plates welded on the rear for supports that attach to the chassis.
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Rear brake drums are Thing specific
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Master cylinder and wheel cylinders are not Thing specific. Front brake backing plate is Thing specific.
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Thing torsion arms (a.k.a. front trailing arms) are Thing specific.
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1973 and 1974 Mexican-built for the U.S Things came stock with 14″ Thing-specific wheels, but 15″ were available as an option. 14″ Bus wheels will NOT work. The original stock tire size is 185SR14. Both Continental and Goodyear were OEM suppliers. 1968-1972 German models had 165/15 tires on 4.5 x 15″ rims; later models had 185/14 tires on 5 x 14″ rims as original equipment. As early models were never mass imported to the U.S., the 15″ rims are very rare.
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The largest tire that will work with stock metal fenders is a 205/75 R15.
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Thing IRS transaxles are basically the same as the Beetle. The main difference is side flanges, or “cups” being different. The ring and pinion are specific to the Thing. The gearing ratio is close to that of a 1966 VW Bus (Type II).
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In a pinch, Type II C/V joints will work but we DO NOT recommend it. They do not have the same travel as the proper C/V joints. We DO NOT consider them safe.
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The main difference between 1973 and 1974 models is the heating system. 1973 and earlier models utilized the BN4 gas heater manufactured by Eberspacher. 1974 models used heat from the engine/exhaust similar to the Beetle.
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1974 models also utilized air intakes on the rear of the car while 1973 and earlier models just had louvers.
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1973 and 1974 steering wheel shaft sizes are different. To see which shaft size you have, you will need to check your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
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Windshield wiper switches and ignition starter switches are also different by year.
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Exhaust systems also differ. The 1973 utilized a divided exhaust system and the 1974 used a single muffler that was closer to a Beetle muffler.
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The 1973 fan shroud did not have fresh air ducts as the 1974 did.
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The right hand mirror on the 1974 is a “long arm” mirror. In 1973, the mirrors were mounted on the doors. In 1974, the mirrors were moved off the doors and relocated to the body. When the mirrors were moved, VW redesigned the right-hand mirror by making the arm longer. A 1973 mirror will work on a 1974 but the visibility is reduced.
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The Acapulco Thing came stock with running boards, special upholstery, special paint scheme, and a choice of three different tops. The choices for Acapulco tops were a surrey top, hard top, or a VW “tan” convertible top. Acapulco side curtains came in VW “tan”. The upholstery in an Acapulco’s was striped as well was the material for the surrey top. Hard tops were generally white although a few blue ones were made. The Acapulco model Thing was originally designed for the Las Brisas Hotel in Acapulco, Mexico. It became so popular that the original blue and white paint scheme was exported to the United States. VW also made an orange and white combo, yellow and white combo, and green and white combo.
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The VIN can be found stamped on the chassis “tunnel” underneath the rear seat or on a plate riveted to the body underneath the front hood.
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All Things made for the U.S. market came with the IRS rear suspension.
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Military Things (a.k.a. Kubelwagens or Mehrweckwagens) had the swing axle suspension with reduction gears or the IRS suspension.
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Things float, right before they sink. The myth that Things float probably comes from the Schwimmwagen. The Schwimmwagen was a vehicle used by German military (made by Volkswagen) in WWII that had amphibious capabilities.
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The stock engine on Things manufactured after Serial #183 2436 525 in the year 1973 is a 1600cc dual port engine. In ’71 and ’72 Things were manufactured with 1500 cc engines.
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Things originally came with an oil bath air cleaner that was Thing-specific. However, certain Type II air cleaners will work. A dual air cleaner system was available as an option and came stock on many military Things.
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The Thing is also known as the Safari, Trekker, Kubelwagen, Mehrweckwagen, Type 181, and Type 182 (right-hand drive model).
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A regular Beetle tow bar will work on a Thing. Super-Beetle or Bus tow bars will not work.
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N.O.S. is an acronym for New Old Stock. New Old Stock means original equipment made for VW’s that was purchased from VW but never installed on a car.
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O.E.M. is an acronym for Original Equipment Manufacturer. OEM parts are made by the original company that made the parts for VW. However, these parts were never owned by VW. Many parts that The Thing Shop sells are OEM. We spent a lot of time tracking down the original vendors.
All Sales exclude special order items and items already on sale.
We carry a huge inventory and do our best to keep it full, but it is impossible to keep every item in stock at all times. You will receive your original invoice upon completion of your shipment. Most back ordered parts are shipped within 2-3 weeks of the initial order.
Parts being returned by a customer for any reason (except if the part you received is defective) must be “postage paid” by the customer. We cannot accept any C.O.D.’s on returned merchandise. If parts were ordered in a ‘KIT’, all of the KIT must be returned. We do not accept partial KIT return. Electrical parts are non-returnable, non-refundable. We are more than happy to exchange parts or give full refunds on parts you are not satisfied with, as long as parts are in a new and unused condition and the return is made within 30 days of the original shipping date. Refunds for purchases made with a credit card must be credited to the card used for the original purchase. It may take up to 30 days for the refund to be processed. Be sure to include a copy of your original purchase invoice along with instructions on what you would like done with any returned parts. Items returned without instructions will not be processed. Shipping charges are non-refundable. Any items returned for a refund without a valid reason will be subject to a 20% restocking charge. Core Refunds: ALL core refunds must be received within 90 days of purchase date. Please call or email about core requirements.
Our Return address is:
The Thing Shop
4147 W Venus Way
Chandler, AZ 85226
The Thing Shop ensures that all items and orders are packages and shipped with care to prevent damage during shipping. However if your order is in transit and arrives damaged. Follow these steps.
Upon receiving your order, inspect it immediately. If damage to a part is discovered from shipping, DO NOT send any parts back to The Thing Shop. A damage claim must be filed with the carrier. DO NOT dismantle the package. Keep the parts and packing material in as close as possible to the original received condition. The carrier must determine how the damage occurred. Without the original container and packing material, your claim will be voided by the carrier. Damaged parts are to be returned by the carrier. Failure to follow these instructions could result in the loss of your time and money.
All orders that are billed to or shipped to, the state of Arizona will be subject to a sales tax.
We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover Cards. We also accept certified check and money orders.
We reserve the right to change prices and company policies without notice.
We offer a toll-free order line to help keep our customer’s costs low, and to speed up the ordering process. Please feel free to call 1-800-898-4464 and speak with the sales desk to place your order. To avoid possible shipping errors, please use our part numbers, part descriptions and inform us of your car’s year model. It is best to have your order written out and organized before you call.
You can also place your order online by adding your items to your cart and using our checkout process.
We are happy to share our knowledge and help you with any problem that may arise. For any questions or information, please call our office at 480-753-0684.
Some products have a core charge associated with them. A core is typically a part that can be recycled or reused by the manufacturer. Doing this saves the manufacturer money and helps our environment. For this reason a product with a core has an additional charge associated with it. If your old part is returned in reusable condition, the core charge will be credited back to the card used to purchase the part. Please note: It is the customer’s responsibility to pay any shipping cost associated with shipping a core back to The Thing Shop.
Cores are used by our suppliers to be remanufactured and recycled by thoroughly cleaning and inspecting the usable portions of the part, and replacing any worn or damaged components, including seals, bearings, bushings, electronic components, and more, so that the part may be sold and installed again and function like new.
Core Refunds: ALL core refunds must be received within 60 days of purchase date. Please call or email about core requirements.
The Thing Shop shipping address:
The Thing Shop
4147 W Venus Way
Chandler, AZ 85226
There are many ways to ship your core to The Thing Shop. Save time by creating and paying for your shipping label from your own computer!
Please include the order number on or in the box with the core!
USPS Postal Service
Fedex
UPS
FREE SHIPPING POLICY
Free ground shipping is valid on orders of $100 or more shipped to a single U.S. address, after promotions and discounts are applied. Taxes and shipping do not qualify toward the minimum purchase requirement. Offer is valid for shipments in the contiguous 48 United States only. HI, AK, PR, US Territories, International and Canadian orders are generally excluded from this offer. Limited-time offer valid from 12:01 a.m. Central Standard Time (CST) on 1/01/2023 through 11:59 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) on 12/30/2024 or while supplies last. Orders submitted after the promotion period ends do not qualify. 2-10-day delivery based on business days and item availability. Weather, natural disasters and other uncontrollable events can interrupt freight carrier’s transportation flow with little warning. Offer not valid on Rush, Next Business Day, or Saturday delivery orders. Coupon has no cash value and may not be redeemed for cash.
This offer does not apply to items marked with additional flat rate shipping charge, such as select Tops, Large items, Body pieces, etc…
The Thing Shop offers free Economy Shipping on most non oversized orders that total over $99.99 within the lower 48 states. Economy Shipping typically takes 2-10 business days to reach customers. Some Oversized items have a required oversize charge.
All Free Shipping offers ONLY apply to the lower 48 states. In some cases we will extend the offer to Alaska, Hawaii and Canada but this is on a case by case basis and applies to call in orders only. We cannot offer free shipping to international orders.
FREE SHIPPING MATCH POLICY
So you found the product and/or products that you want at The Thing Shop but found that someone else offers free shipping on that particular product and we don’t. Simple….give us a call or shoot us an email, we will do our best to match the offer.
GENERAL SHIPPING & DELIVERY POLICY
We do everything in our power to get your order processed and shipped in the shortest time frame possible. Most orders will ship out either same day or within 1-2 business days, some exceptions may include back ordered items or items that still need to be produced. Please allow three (3) to ten (10) business days for delivery of in-stock items. Items ordered together are not necessarily shipped together. If you would like to check inventory or estimated ship date please contact us via phone or e-mail.
DOMESTIC SHIPPING OPTIONS (Internet orders ship via the cheapest methods. If you would like expedited shipping the following can be quoted over the phone.)
- Economy Shipping – This is the slowest method of shipping and often takes 6-10 business days for delivery. We reserve the right to automatically upgrade this shipping option to Ground if we see fit.
- Ground – This is our preferred method of shipping. The cutoff for Ground is 1:00pm PST in most cases. A tracking number will be available immediately upon shipping.
- Next Day Air – Next day air transport. The cut off for next day air is 1:00pm PST in most cases. Also, it is not available for all parts. If we cannot ship it Next Day Air, but the site said it could, we will contact the buyer and let them know. A tracking number will be available immediately upon shipping.
- 2 Day Air – 2 day shipping via air transport. The cutoff for 2 Day Air is 1:00pm PST in most cases. A tracking number will be available usually within 1 day of shipping.
- 3 Day Air– This shipping option will guarantee delivery 3 business days after it is picked up. The cutoff for 3 Day is 1:00pm PST in most cases. A tracking number will be available immediately upon shipping.
We ship through FedEx and USPS on most orders considered non-truck freight. We will ship to the 50 U.S. states and International to select countries. For customers in Alaska, Hawaii and Canada please consider calling in your order so we can arrange suitable shipping.
INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING:
Due to the uniqueness of international shipping, a shipping quote MUST be requested on the CHECKOUT page. Please provide shipping details and then click ‘Request a quote’.
The Following is required for use to generate a shipping quote:
- Postal/Zip Code
- City
- Address 1
- Email Address
- Phone Number
We take this information and pre-ship your cart contents and run it though our shipping rate calculator. We will find you the best rate through this method. Shipping transit times vary. If you would like expedited shipping, please contact us via phone or email.
Additionally, shipping rates provided do not include customs duties, tax, or VAT charges. Such charges are mandated by the country of destination, and will vary depending on amount of items and or the monetary value of items ordered. The Thing Shop will not pay the duties/taxes and the customer will be responsible for return shipping cost when refusing to accept a shipment. Restocking fees are also applicable in certain situations. All items shipped are declared in U.S. Dollars. Please contact your local customs office to verify if such charges will apply to your order.
POST OFFICE BOX (P.O. BOX) SHIP-TO ADDRESSES:
In most instances, we are unable to ship to a P.O. Box due to the size and weight of the shipment. We recommend and ask that you provide a physical ship-to address at checkout. In the event that you provide a P.O. Box in the ship-to, you may experience a delay in the processing of your order while we attempt to contact you for a physical address.
PLEASE NOTE: Any insurance claims for damaged items and/or stolen goods from your doorstep that are NOT honored by the shipping carrier because you requested a signature not be required for delivery is NOT our responsibility. We will not cover the cost!
MIS-SHIPMENTS OR MISSING PARTS
Upon receiving your order, please inspect the package(s) as soon as possible to verify its contents are accurate and complete. We must be contacted within 10 days of you receiving the order if there is an issue and we will do everything we can to resolve the issue in a timely manner. Replacement parts will ship with Ground service. In the case of a mis-ship, the original incorrectly shipped part will have to be in transit back to the warehouse you were instructed to return it to prior to a replacement being shipped to you.
Current Customers: (If you would like to use an account to manage your future orders) and if you have not logged into our new website yet, you will need to create a password. Please select ‘lost password’ and set a password OR if you are a new customer you can create an account.
