Engine tune up (gotta start somewhere) on European Thing

[Le vw181]

It took me 6 months to find my password to the forum again (well, with the cold, I kinda put everything on hold).

But with the sunny days coming back, it's time to get to work.
I have a 1975 Thing that needs a new life. It's been used "as is" since I bought it 5 years ago, and did a fine job as so. But age is showing, so I'm going to do a bit of surgery. On the engine program :

   - From one 34PIC3 to 2 34 from VW Perf, and remove the old oil bath air filter (30 pounds less on the VW !)
   - Change the fan house
   - Change the exhaust (from the original, leaking, to a Tri Mill)
   - The ignition wiring
   - While the engine is out, will look into the clutch (I have no idea the size of my disk, as the engine has been changed to a 1641 by the previous owner (AB base)). Still works fine though, so no rush...
   - And while the engine is out, I'll also change the CV joints (3 at least, one being a year old)

Out of all this, the only thing (...) scary to me is the carburators, as I have no idea (nor equipment) to tune them up properly after setup. The exhaust removal should be a pain (very very rusted), the CV joints should be messy, and the clutch a mystery... all the fun in one car !

I'm still in the process of looking to rent a proper garage to do this. Got all parts but CV joints and clutch (hard to find right CV joints for the thing at a decent price).

If you can help, when the day comes, all is welcome. Wanna do a workshop video on how to do things right (someone will have to be there to do that  :icon_cool:)

After that, it's bodywork time... but that's another story...

[rockdog2877]

I can say a proper garage would make life easier. I couldn't find one near me that I could afford. I picked up a car enclosure. It is 10x20  (to fit my bus) it is cheaper than a garage rental.

[njgt-1]

Hey Stef,

Welcome back!

From one 34PIC3 to 2 34 from VW Perf, and remove the old oil bath air filter (30 pounds less on the VW !)

is that a dual carb set up? should give you more low end grunt..

- Change the fan house

Does your car have the "thing only" fan shroud ? without the heater outlets ? if so I'd leave it alone. The carbs should fit anyway.

- Change the exhaust (from the original, leaking, to a Tri Mill)

again isn't the thing exhaust a 'one of a kind" ? exits through the bumpers? why not just replace it? a "tri mill" style usually if for a Baja with an open engine bay I don't think that style will fit a Thing - I could be wrong ??

will look into the clutch (I have no idea the size of my disk, as the engine has been changed to a 1641 by the previous owner (AB base)). Still works fine though, so no rush...

if your engine is a "dual port" it should take a 200mm clutch disk.

a proper garage would make life easier.

I've got a cheapo $150.00 tent garage for the Corvair project and so far its keeping the car dry.

Stef, I'd suggest you keep posting your progress here. I'm sure Jack and some others can jump in on this thread and give you some good guidance and advice as you attempt some of those reparis.

[lovebus (jack)]

Don't change your fan housing for an aftermarket one and don't remove the air vanes in it!!!!!

While your doing the clutch, (200mm) you should do the flywheel seal and O-Ring also the trans. mainshaft seal.

Be very careful with the exh. Nuts, you don?t want to brake a head stud off. Either heat them till they turn red and turn them off, or split them with a cold chisel then turn them off. 

You can tune you carbs just like you tune a single by ear. they should have a balance tube between the manifolds.

[Baha (Shawn)]

"So let it be written! So let it be done!"

       

[Le vw181]

Well, progress so far = 0

I will start when school is over and the kids out of the house. Bought a few more parts to make sure everything will go smoothly.
The exhaust pipe hole is getting bigger everytime I go out now. Soon, it will be like having a Stinger ! And backfires ! Yeah !

Will keep you posted

Stef

[njgt-1]

Stef,

keep us updated that was a very unusual car you have. If you get stuck post and we'll try to figure out whats going on.