Monday Musings

Plenty going on these days, not too much to write about, as far as I am concerned. Cars and house work, painting walls and assembling IKEA furniture, cleaning gutters, that kind of stuff.

We had a scare with a used car purchase, but the dealership handled it well and so did we, after initial freaking out! See, we've been looking for a car for my daughter (who is a college junior and living at home at the moment) as well as a car for me (my 98 Camry is approaching 250,000 miles and can't have much longer).  The day after we bought it (quickly) and traded in her nearly worthless Honda CRV (warped valves), we pulled the work history from our local dealership and they had recommended a new transmission just last September.

After much wringing of hands, we went and talked to the dealer and they were like "oh, that's crazy, we'd never sell a car like that, let's check that out independently" at the same time I actually called the previous owner to see if he'd gotten it fixed or checked out and determined Toyota had lied...which he had and they had. All is well, they handled it nicely.

Welcome to the garage, Toyota RAV4. We are now a 4 Toyota family, 3 of which all have about 140,000 miles, plus my high mileage Camry.

Unfortunately, we still paid more than I wanted to, as a part of the family plan wherein she gets a new-to-us car (used) and I replace my aforementioned Camry with something I've been wanting for oh, gosh, I dunno, 30 years: a convertible. This means that I either overspend or I don't get what I want.

Ugh.

See, I'm paying for this by taking some un-designated rollover cash before I allocate it, and after the taxes come out, I had to take out more than I anticipated. Stupid taxes. Oh, well, the kid has a safe car now.

If you come here for the fun, I should mention the other blog has been filled with updates about the weight loss, nearly 50 lbs as of today (49, but who's counting? ME. I'm COUNTING). Woot!

It's Back! the Green and White Thing from Craigslist!

OMGOODNESS!!!!

This Thing has been on and off for sale for years, and it's back with what I can only assume is a joke price!!!!!!

I have posted about it as recently as March sarcastically (at the bottom) which referenced this old post.

Which as you can see referenced yet another older post if you can believe it.

Good Lord Above, I've been trolling for Things for a looooong time.


At least he took new photos:

March is Thing Month.

Ok, it's not really Thing Month, but I haven't posted a silly post in a while, and there are some Things on the Samba that are still relatively inexpensive (and the usual crazy priced ones).  So, even though we all know that I've been trolling sites that list THings for years, I still haven't saved a dime towards buying one...

Nevertheless, here are some.

This yellow thing  for an asking price of $6500 is a pretty good deal, the work listed is pretty impressive (the brakes, for example) even if it still needs work. The days of a $2000 runner are long gone. **4/11 update, sold!**


Another 73, this nice looking (from a distance) white Thing is listed at $7500, but isn't ready to drive away. **4/11 update, down to $7350**

Stepping down in price, $4500, and noticeably worse, is this orange Thing with a dented fender. Still OK with me! **3/14 update, price down to $4000*** if only....  **4/11 update, back up to $4200!

Compare this to a Thing that's been on the Samba for several years. I post it here because I've been trolling these long enough to know that he started asking $2500 for this a while ago.

Now, it's $5500 FIRM. I laugh, I laugh, and yet wished I'd bought it when I wanted to 3 years ago.

This one used to be $5500 but is now $7500. Keep trying, dude.

This all reminds me of a green and white Thing that kept getting re-posted in Craigslist and The Samba for all kinds of prices.

I posted that laughing at the reposting , and I assume it finally got sold.

I'm In Texas, Still Looking At Things!

So, the dream continues (I really feel like I need to reward myself for being away from everything I want to be near chasing these dollars) as I sit alone in a hotel in Texas.

Here are some VW Things in my price range:

For $3000 is this Thing that needs work on its transmission: Austin, TX

oooh, artsy with the color correction...

Here's one in Ft. Lauderdale for $3450, claiming "needs a complete restoration..."

"1974 VW Thing Running and Driving. This Thing has the optional Roll Cage and has lived in the Bahamas for the past 20 years. Now in Fort Lauderdale but in total need of cosmetic restoration. Luckily every part is available in catalogs. And an added bonus, restored Things are bringing top dollars. 
Asking $3,450.00 Title is now in hand but please understand this "Thing" needs complete restoration"

asking $4500 with no pictures in New Ulm, TX is a "type 181 great starter car... body, interior and motor in good shape...very rare car,only 12,000 allowed to come in the U.S. in 1973 and 1974.. It's a all original car... call and come see....I can send you pics if your interested...thanks for your time...."

Here's one I actually emailed a guy about here in Houston, asking $3500 for a 73. He says "This car needs pans and brakes, it does run and has new motor mounts and transmission mounts. 
It comes with seats and top frame and side window cores. I can send lots more pictures, but the car is a project and priced accordingly. It should not be considered a candiate for restoration, but will be enjoyable as a driver. 
It does have an external oil cooler installed by the PO. 
high res photo album link 
https://goo.gl/photos/KvE6iDzRJN4jtpjD7 "

I'm not sure why one "enjoyable as a driver" would not be a candidate for restoration, but whatever!

I asked him "I was wondering how far away this is from being a driver? I'd love to see the additional photos you mentioned, I'm working 4 days a week in Houston for the year and have been considering finding something to kick around town in! I have to say your warehouse looks amazing, if there are any times a guy could just pop in and wander with a stupid grin on his face, that'd be cool, too, as long as it wouldn't be wasting your time. 

Thanks, "  and he replied, "here is a link to a few of the project things

https://goo.gl/photos/P7EjnR9YpdBZNKJV6

yes you can come and wander the halls during the week between 10-4

You can see in person what photos never show, so just come, bring flashlight and old clothes."  

Make of that what you will, but check out his warehouse of stuff....

Stepping up to the $4000 level is this Thing from near Madison WI.   "1974 VW thing. Ran when I parked it in my shop last year..all it does is sit there. Runs drives. Everything is there. No time to invest into it any longer. Floors are shot. Will consider trades. Always wanted a good running pre 64 beetle... 4000 or best offer. Looking to stop paying shop rent. Things are rare. Might not get another chance like this..... clean title in hand"

There are plenty of jokes online about "ran when parked" but this is okay looking. Floors are a few hundred per side, so add $5-600 for that after the fact. Best seats so far!

Pretty good round up!  I have some other toys I'm interested in, but I'll save those for another post...

Thursday Things (of the VW type)

Hello, it's me....I know it's been a while. As previously noted, new job, new city, travelling back and forth to home, blah blah blah....

Trolling thesamba.com today (kinda slow day at work, everyone else has either headed to the airport (consultants like me) or are on-site and this new For Sale item caught my eye. The seller is asking $3400, which these days (after some ridiculous sales in the big auctions like Barrett-Jackson) is quite the bargain. ***Update*** looks like someone already made an offer! Took less than 12 hours!

Don't believe me? Here's another thing on that site asking about the same price ($3500):

I don't think the Mrs. would go for it, though.

At the same time, I am watching a few cameras on Ebay, some Fujifilm X-M1s, that I don't feel the need to clear with the wifey, assuming I can get the bargain I am hoping for!


Just for fun, here are some craigslist links, sorry I'm too lazy to post the photos...

A white 73 Covered in bird poop asking $7500

A yellow baja'd version also asking $7500... 

$4500 for a yellow one with sideways photos

One in camo for a reasonable $4950 (also on thesamba with more photos)

Cars, Cars, Cars! I need a new hobby.

This is turning into a Friday thing with me!

An MG locally asking $1500 and it runs? Yup.

$2500 but reverse is acting up

Two in Dayton for $2500

To the south in Lexington for $1500, a rusty blue MG

A Thing in the Poconos for a reasonable $4000

A crusty Thing in South Carolina for $2195 (now $1275.00 obo)

The Latest Group Of Vehicles I'd Like

The usual things are still drawing my attention, a non running 73 for $2500 Ebay link

and an orange 73 for $3500, (**SOLD** i suppose, ad is deleted) maybe the best deal here:

"1973 VW Thing. Cranks, runs, drives. Vehicle was used to ferry my kids around at our hunting property.They are now grown and I prefer to walk. Thing was stored inside for last 20 years. It is complete other than steering wheel ring and sun visors. I have a new top, in the box, from The Thing Shop in Arizona that will go with the car.

It has a noticeable shimmy between 45 and 50 mph and will need ball joints. It pops out of reverse but will go backwards when necessary. Floor pans are 80% or so."

This is rough, for 2000 "1973 vw thing no title but will give bill sale engine is locked up from sitting no water: engine never been removed gas heater complete $2000.00 or best offer"

Here's a nicer orange 73 asking a fair $4500

"Bought this last year and put about 200-250 miles on it (drove great until the carb started acting up). only needs a new carburetor to be fully functioning and to enjoy this summer not a huge project. comes with soft door tops and the top frame(no canvas). Very little rust!! comes with a bill of sale"

This is also a good deal, in my estimation:  also asking $4500, "The car is currently not running but was running when it was put into storage 7 years ago. There is no battery in the car currently as it was removed when it failed. It was running just fine when stored but the transmission was having trouble with 3rd gear.

I drove it for 2 years with this problem by adapting to not using 3rd gear. I acquired a used replacement transmission to replace it, but have not installed it, and it is included with the car."

and over in Indy is a nice red "1973 VW Thing. Alabama car no rust runs but has been sitting no title bill of sale only $4000 OBO" ***Dec 2014 update, now asking $5000*****

 

I'd take this camper for $3000 as well.

but, I do have to admit that I have started looking at another old favorite, the MG: These are plentiful at reasonable prices. If I actually owned my Camry (it's in my wife's name), I'd be attempting a trade already....

close to home for $2000:

Also close to home for $3500, "Very good condition, no rust, good tires, 4 speed transmission, Has top and full tonneau cover, new spare clutch still in the box, spare tire and jack, new radiator." 

Cheap at $3000 in town, at prices like these, I need to rethink my Thing obsession:

I'm not gonna bother with pictures, but here's 2 MGs for $1650 one of which will drive today, if you don't mind no passenger seat....

This is fantastic, $3500 but "make an offer?" You have to be kidding, compared to what Things are asking? **now asking $2800!!!!****

Lastly, for $2100. OBO? Seriously? I think my daughter needs one. "1977 mg midget, runs and drives 
things that need to be fixed ..the radio ,horn, the turn signal piece I have a new one to replace it"

I remain interested in motorcycles, maybe moreso now that I have actually had a chance to ride a dirt back (slowly) in my back yard.

a nice Kawasaki locally for $1750 obo

I really like older bikes, the new styling just doesn't appeal to me, nor do I want a crotch rocket, so this 1971 Honda CB 350 asking all of $600 OBO is my style:

$650 for a Honda Scrambler is fine, too: 

Today's Thing

Asking $3000? Why do I have to be so short on cash?

Holy crap, this is a steal.

"I am a VW collector in Janesville Wisconsin.The City of Janesville Passed a New Law per Jan.11,2010 having you get rid of any Classic cars or trucks unless they run and drive and must have plates.They say you can hide them from us,then we will not mess with you for now.As a result of this Law that was passed we are selling a VW Thing that has been inside for 20 years.It does have the original engine,all parts are original.The engine is not seized up and I believe it is a duel port 1600.The best engine in my opinion.Plan on going through this part of history as I am sure it needs restoration. Call for a showing Mail back if intrested with your number."

BTW, this Ebay Thing is undervalued currently as well.

Morning Things

It's Friday morning and it's been a busy work week, so here is my morning diversion!

This dusty Thing is in Laramie, Wyoming, a great place, and it's $4900. Dude, Hose it off and ask $5500. I'd get it on a lift, media blast the pan, and quadruple coat it. This is a bargain.

This is: clean and $5500, clean sells better. Both Things are a good deal, buyers! A lot closer to me, if I rob a bank or win a lottery soon. I could use a trip to Laramie, though....

oooh, i've been watching this one, he was asking $4200 on craigslist, now BO. I wish I had cash!

Uhm, No. Not ever.

Here's a new entry , at $4500 a deal as well (I should check my lottery ticket to see if I won). 

Tuesday June 25th add-on: asking $750, a cheapie that needs a lot of stuff:

and there's this from a Forum on thesamba

"So I have an friend of the family that has a bunch of VW's in a field here in MO and I called him out of the blue and asked what ll he has, he said he has a "Thing sitting out there with a rebuilt engine, doors were taken off and stored inside with top, some body work and where you sit is rusted, but overall in good condition and would like to get $500 for it (my dad says he'll probably give it to me if I wanted it that bad)". I have never worked on cars and know very little but think it would be fun to spend a lot of money on a car and get away from the misses for a little. I have looked at the "what to look for thread" and its very helpful and when I go look at it this weekend I will keep it in mind but I wanted to see if there was anything else to ask on the car to help get some info. Also like the title says, what did you pay for your thing and what condition is it in.

 Here is what he had. Let me know your thoughts 

 
 
 
 

He has the doors and top under cover and say theyre in good shape. Let me know what you think"

"...he ended up saying he would take $100 for it but I do not want to get in that deep with something."

The consensus is that it's not worth it (with one or two that disagree) but that's right in my price range....