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Thanks for your words and pics.Looks like an interesting project alright. We had the Thing here in the States too but only for two years 1973-74. It was not a popular model in the heartland but I believe it did better on the coasts where the kids could take it out and cruise on the beaches. I worked for a VW dealer from 1975 to 1979 and we had some Thing parts. The biggest item I remember was a complete kit to install a Southwind brand gasoline heater. The Chicago distributor was trying to reduce his parts inventory on these items and he made us a special deal. We had 4 but we only managed to sell one by the time I left in 1979.
Here's a few shots of a Thing that was at a car show here in May that might give you inspiration.