Friday Car Fun

Well, the search continues for the right TT, more on that in a bit.

First, after all this, don't think I've forgotten about my VW Things! Or VW Busses, for that matter! I need a daily driver, so that will have to wait (probably another 10 years, lol), but I still like to look.

Bus first: as the ad says, you aren't likely to find a bus that isn't a rusty shell for $5K, so I hope this finds a good home soon.

This Thing, on the other hand, is a little steep ($5500) for having no engine. I mean, yes, Thing prices are stupid high, but IT HAS NO ENGINE! :)

For example, there's this Thing that has an engine. And seats. And, well, pretty much everything. For a mere $1000 more, think of it, actually driving! Let me compare thee to a summer's thing...

This is a 1973 VW Thing. It runs and is roadworthy. In the past that has had floor pans replaced has some rust and dings (See pics). It could use some restoration and will need a new top. It has a roll cage and the heater, though I've never tried to use it. I put a new windshield, and master cylinder in recently. This car's a lot of fun to drive around!

I would so love to roll up to work every day in this...you see me rollin' in my orange Thing...

Compare again to this (very nice) $8900 Thing that is NOT ready to drive...

Don't forget about The Samba, I think the prices here are sometimes a little high (not like eBay, oy vey), but these are typically knowledgable folks on this site.  A nice online community, actually!

You will see ads there that are also on Craigslist and ebay, of course. There are definitely some that are asking a lot! I'm never sure if anyone ever gets what they are asking, of course, anywhere their ad may be posted! The one linked is actually cheaper on craigslist than the samba.

If you want to go large, here's a guy selling everything VW that he owns. $125,000.

So, I found a TT that checks all the boxes:

What are those, you ask? Quattro, Convertible, 225hp, Stickshift (6spd), not on runflats, not the green color I thought I liked till I drove one.

The guy had a problem, though, after the ad went up with the driver's door lock, and was like,  "call me in a week, it's not ready, we thought it was good to go, but now, no, uhm." He was super nice, not the usual used car feel to him, even though, yes, he's a used car guy.

He had 4 calls on it, he said, but I used the 'not the Dave Thomas from Wendy's" joke so he'd remember me. For this price, ($3550) I don't even care about the apparent tear in the driver's seat (I don't care for the baseball stitched look, but I can deal). I am ready to say "I won't even try to negotiate the price, I'll fly down as soon as I can get a flight."

On a side note, on my website, I've added affiliate links for photo stuff, here they are as well, if you want to buy anything and make me some small commissions! Thanks!

Stuff I own and use:

XT1: https://amzn.to/2BX0dOd

XM1(with XC16-50): https://amzn.to/2BZKYnU

XF 35mm WR: https://amzn.to/2UcWDXv

XC50-230: https://amzn.to/2GR3Jhm

Tripod Ball Head: https://amzn.to/2XntgUe

Soft Bag Inserts (make any bag a camera bag): https://amzn.to/2Ue3XSv There are color versions of this black insert, which I will buy if I replace these: the black makes it harder to see black lens caps, etc... :)

Newer versions of my "good" camera:

XT2: https://amzn.to/2Ud9mJI

XT3: https://amzn.to/2UenVMW

May is Bus Month?

I usually post about the venerable VW Thing, my current dream car (ok, I've been pining for quite a while)...

Today, I used my go-to searchtempest to see what's for sale on craigslist and found some good ones. If you are looking for a VW Bus, let me say that as a former owner and longtime lurker on The Samba.com and elsewhere, these are very reasonable deals!

First, a local bus for $7000 that's slightly overpriced with the clear holes in the driver's floor, but generally appears to be worth it:

Another Ohio candidate for comparison in a little better shape inside asking $9500, about where the market is right now (especially with a complete interior).

On the lower end of things is a very affordable but rougher than I would want (even though it's running) 71 bus for $3000 down south. If I was 20, I'd buy this today.

For comparison, $3000 can get you this.


In the $2000 range, you get a mystery wrapped in an enigma:

Yuck.

Now, this is nice and at $6400 it's a great deal. If you are looking for a bus, buy this one, even though it's brown! LOL.

This doesn't show the interior, but if it's there at all, this $6300 running van is the best deal on a camper you're likely to see:

Other than maybe this deal on thesamba for $5900. If I had the cash, I'd already be headed to Virginia.

Another contender at $6500 is this blue bus in New Jersey, but the lack of interior photos or closeups scares me a little.

Lastly, this is so cool. $24,000, and that's reasonable for a single cab in this condition!

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)

VW THING THURSDAY!! I'ts Been A While....

So, I just found this Thing on Craigslist, which looks awfully familiar...

Asking $9000???????????

Seems like yesterday he was asking a LOT less..... $3800 or $3600 depending upon the post. Wow.

"This one has been hanging around on CL for a while, with several different links, and photos and prices.....

1974 VW THING
Needs body work
runs
White with Green Fenders
BLACK SEATS
No top
Collectible
$3.600.00
FIX UP BIG $$$ RETURN
NO E-MAILS OR TEX ONLY PHONE CALLS
JOE (239) 249-0128

I've posted it before, too."

I Have These Ideas and then see them on TV...

Actually this idea came from a combination of a casting notice I submitted to, an old idea to raise money to get a VW Thing, and my recent binge-watching previously mentioned in the next most recent post.

One thing that kept me awake last night was born of binge-watching Long Way Round and starting Long Way Down: taking a 48-state trip in a VW Thing, like I mentioned last August. I seriously would love to take a college buddy pal (as he says, "friends are friends and pals are pals, but buddies sleep together) on that trip, as we love food (we wrote a restaurant review column back in the day) and cars and stuff. Maybe a 2-car trip, him in a Mustang and me in a Thing! Film it, sell it as a show on whatever cable channel carries car/food/road shows....

The last August post read like this:

A flight of fancy had me considering a crazy Kickstarter campaign to raise cash to buy, fix up, and drive a VW Thing to all 48 contiguous United States. Film it, post updates from the road, then write a book to accompany the film. Whatd'ya think? 

Here are some maps created by others for this very task:

 Totally doable.

Last night, watching Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives, I saw a commercial for this summer offering on Food Network, and they are driving a Jeep around the south! Not a Thing, but COME ON!!!!

First thought: they stole my idea! (not really, of course, you can't steal something that was just in my head and on this blog).

I had actually submitted Doug and myself to a reality show in February but never heard back, and my second thought after seeing the commercial was "that was the show I submitted to," but now that I see it's Paula Deen's sons that have already had a show, it may not have been the case.

Here's that description:

So, I got a notice via my talent agency about a food show that screams "far boys talk grub part two, the sequel" and wondered if you'd be interested if I submit for it: 

Have you and a friend/mate/sibling always dreamt of going on the ultimate ‘Foodie’ road adventure. Yes?!? You may become the hosts of our new TV series!!! High Noon Entertainment is casting for charismatic host duos for a new series for a major cable network. Our two hosts can be buddies, siblings, couples – just as long as you both have a strong history with each other, some sort of food background and have fun personalities with awesome on-screen charisma. This is a ‘road trip’ style show where our two hosts will travel to different cities and experience how America’s favorite snack foods are made, while getting a feel for the city itself. Food and fun….what more can you ask for!!! High Noon Entertainment, one of America's leading television production companies. We produce high-quality programming for networks such as HGTV, Discovery, TLC, Travel Channel, Reelz, Weather Channel, truTV, Cooking Channel and Food Network.

Not the same, but I bet it gets scrapped because of the Deen show.

I get what Joke and Biagio are saying: it helps if you are already known to get a new reality show made. Bankable personalities win over unknowns, duh.

Nevertheless, I think my idea is different enough, yet similar enough that it may have legs. Wonder what network would air it? Cars, travel, food, and ? Hmmmm

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)

This Would Be Fun.

A flight of fancy had me considering a crazy Kickstarter campaign to raise cash to buy, fix up, and drive a VW Thing to all 48 contiguous United States. Film it, post updates from the road, then write a book to accompany the film. Whatd'ya think?

Here are some maps created by others for this very task:

Totally doable.

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: