Type 181 Thing Parts
Only two US model years — parts are rare. Body panels, soft-top hardware, and chassis components.
Parts and fitment questions: (657) 438-7002 · Mon–Fri 8am–5pm Pacific
Two model years, and almost nothing exclusive to them
What our decoder records
The Thing reached US Volkswagen dealers in 1973, badged that way because Pontiac already owned the name Safari, and 1974 was the final US model year — including a rare Acapulco special edition of about 400 cars — before it was dropped for failing new US crash-safety standards. Two model years is the whole US story, which is why hunting parts for one feels harder than it should.
Buy it as a 1973–1974 air-cooled VW
Most of what you need is cataloged under other models. Our floor pan halves for the Thing are the Karmann Ghia part, listed for the Ghia 1955–1974 and the Thing 1973–1974. Our tunnel cover kit, bolt-on tunnel access plate and Napoleon hat chassis support all carry Thing fitment alongside the Beetle and Ghia. Rear suspension is IRS, so our IRS trailing arm bolts and spring plate caps apply. Electrics are 12 volt.
Before you order
- Search Ghia and Beetle listings as well as Thing listings. Most Thing parts are cataloged under all three.
- Rear suspension is IRS. Our IRS trailing arm bracket bolts and torsion bar spring plate caps are cataloged for 1969 and later, which covers both Thing years.
- Everything here is 12 volt. Our 12V coil listing carries Thing fitment for 1973–1974.
- Body panels above the floor are genuinely Thing-specific and thin on the ground. Call before you commit to a repair plan.
Shop your exact year
Shares floor pan halves with the Ghia — see 1955–1974 Karmann Ghia parts. Shares engine and rear suspension parts with 1968–1979 Beetle parts.
Common questions
Why are there only two years of Thing parts?
The Thing reached US Volkswagen dealers in 1973 and 1974 was the final US model year, after which it was dropped for failing new US crash-safety standards. Our fitment data reflects those two years.
Does the Thing share a floor pan with anything else?
Yes. Our floor pan halves are cataloged for the Karmann Ghia from 1955 to 1974 and for the Thing from 1973 to 1974 on the same part.
Does a Thing have swing axles or IRS?
IRS. Our IRS trailing arm bracket bolts and torsion bar spring plate caps are cataloged for 1969 and later, which covers both Thing model years.
Can I use Beetle engine parts in a Thing?
In most cases, yes. Our Type 1 engine internals, gasket sets and carburetors carry Thing fitment alongside the Beetle, Bus, Ghia and Type 3.
Still not sure? Call the parts line at (657) 438-7002, Mon–Fri 8am–5pm Pacific. We'd rather talk you out of the wrong part than process the return.