VW Thing Parts 4033
Browse VW Thing parts at CIP1 and find restoration, maintenance, and performance parts for the unique Volkswagen Type 181. Sold in the United States as the Volkswagen Thing for the 1973 and 1974 model years, the Type 181 combined simple air-cooled VW mechanicals with a rugged, open-body design, removable doors, folding windshield, and convertible top.
Volkswagen Thing models share many mechanical roots with the Beetle, Karmann Ghia, and earlier Type 2 Bus designs, but use distinctive body, trim, heating, mirror, bumper, lighting, and interior details. CIP1 offers a large selection of Volkswagen Thing parts and accessories, including engine parts, brake parts, suspension parts, rubber seals, electrical components, body trim, interior parts, exterior parts, lighting parts, wheels, top parts, and vintage VW restoration components.
Select your VW Thing year below to browse parts for your vehicle, whether you are maintaining a driver, replacing worn original parts, restoring a 1973 Thing, preserving a 1974 Acapulco-style model, or planning a full air-cooled VW restoration.
More about VW Thing models
VW Thing model details
- Volkswagen Type 181, sold as the Thing in the United States and Canada
- Military-inspired, civilian convertible utility vehicle
- Rear-mounted air-cooled flat-four engine layout
- Rear-wheel drive with 4-speed manual transmission
- Removable doors and removable convertible top
- Folding windshield
- Rugged painted-metal interior with simple utility-focused design
Why shop by year?
- 1973 and 1974 Thing models have important heating system differences
- Mirror placement, exhaust, lighting, and trim details can vary by year
- 1973 models used a gas-burning auxiliary heater under the front hood
- 1974 models used conventional engine heat exchangers
- Choosing your year helps narrow down parts for a better VW Thing shopping experience
