1974 VW Thing (Type 181) 4152
The 1974 Volkswagen Thing was the second and final U.S. model year for the Volkswagen Type 181, with several important changes from 1973. The gas-burning auxiliary heater was replaced by conventional engine heat exchangers, the passenger-side mirror moved forward to the front quarter panel, and the special Acapulco Edition was offered with its distinctive blue-and-white resort-style trim.
This page groups parts for the 1974 VW Thing, also known as the Volkswagen Type 181, depending on your vehicle and catalog fitment. CIP1 offers a large selection of 1974 Volkswagen Thing parts and accessories, including engine parts, brake parts, suspension parts, rubber seals, electrical components, body trim, interior parts, exterior parts, lighting parts, exhaust parts, heat exchanger parts, wheels, top parts, and vintage VW restoration components.
Browse parts for your 1974 VW Thing and keep your classic Volkswagen on the road with confidence, whether you are maintaining a driver, restoring an Acapulco-style model, replacing worn original parts, or planning a full air-cooled VW restoration.
More about the 1974 VW Thing
Factory-style details
- Volkswagen Type 181, sold as the Thing in the United States
- Final U.S. model year for the VW Thing
- Rear-mounted air-cooled flat-four engine
- 1600cc engine commonly associated with U.S. Thing models
- 4-speed manual transmission
- Rear-wheel drive
- Removable doors
- Folding windshield
- Conventional engine-driven heat exchangers
- Passenger-side mirror mounted on the front quarter panel
- 1974 Acapulco Edition offered
1974 Thing notes
- 1974 was the final model year for the Volkswagen Thing in the U.S. market
- The gas-powered auxiliary heater was dropped for 1974
- 1974 models used conventional Beetle-style heat exchangers with a modified exhaust layout
- The passenger-side exterior mirror moved forward to the front quarter panel
- The Acapulco Edition featured blue-and-white trim with resort-inspired styling
- 1974 exhaust details were revised for U.S. emissions requirements
- Body, trim, heater, mirror, lighting, exhaust, engine, suspension, and electrical details can vary by production date and market
