1973 VW Thing

[NastyGT500]

1973 VW Type 181 - Thing
Mileage unknown
Avocado Green
1500cc/46 HP​

A client of mine has this cool VW Thing. He is planning on selling it soon and wanted it to look as good as it could prior to selling.

The paint was very cloudy, hazy, and full of swirls. It has been repainted and it had plenty of material to work with…it would have been the perfect candidate for some wet sanding, but he did not want to go that far. The top was ridiculously faded/sun burnt and needed a little attention. He stated it needed to be replaced, but I wanted to see what I could do!

I killed one of my Flex 3401’s on this and it will be getting sent back to Flex for repair!



Process/tools/chemicals/etc:
McKee’s37 914 rinseless wash.
Clayed via Griot’s medium mitt.
Clay lube DoDo born slippery.
DeFelkso PTG.
Scangrip lighting.
Misc. MF towels.
Flex 3401.
Rupes iBrid.
Misc. wool and foam pads.
Beta test heavy cut compound.
Beta test polish.
Beta test spray wax for LSP.
Beta test hybrid spray sealant for LSP.
(I wanted to try both of these products on this vehicle so each one got a section of the vehicle. Spray wax on the front end and the rest received a dose of the spray sealant.)
SCG Pro tire dressing.
Adam’s glass cleaner.
Metro vacuum.
The top received a healthy application of Auto Finesse Revive trim restorer and came out great!

Thanks for looking!



Before shots:

After the first hit:

 

[NastyGT500]

Top before:

Left side started:

50/50:

Interior:

 

[NastyGT500]

Final shots:

 

[M91196]

Love the variety of clients rides!

Awesome as always.

Is the Flex going down a surprise? I own one for my hobby needs, seems like decent kit.

 

[NastyGT500]

^^^^Thanks!!! It was a fun vehicle to work on!

This Flex has seen it's share of use! So, not really a surprise, they are war horses and take a beating. This one is probably like 7 years old and has not given me any issues until now. They are excellent!

 

[Smooth]

Well done. I have fond memories of cruising around on Catalina Island, CA circa 1977 in one of these. Ah, memories...

 

[NastyGT500]

^^^Thank you and...Very cool!

 

[SID297]

Very nice. How much?


Sent from my iPhone using svtperformance.com

 

[NastyGT500]

^^^shot you a PM

 

[98 svt]

Awesome. What did you use on the top?

 

[NastyGT500]

Awesome. What did you use on the top?

The top received a healthy application of Auto Finesse Revive trim restorer and came out great!

 

[98 svt]

The top received a healthy application of Auto Finesse Revive trim restorer and came out great!

Indeed it did. Great job. Is that the same stuff you normally use on a soft top?

 

[CobraBob]

I was never a Thing fan, but you did an awesome job detailing this one. I'd say the book value of that car just shot up a couple of notches. The buyer is going to be very happy.

 

[NastyGT500]

Thanks Bob! Appreciate it!

98: Not usually. This one needed some help due to it being so 'dry/burnt' from the sun/elements. I am trying to get some life/moisture back into it!