[{"id": 11311132, "authorName": "wasabistables", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/wasabistables/", "bidAmount": 1000, "content": "$1,000 bid placed by wasabistables", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1682516886, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 11311220, "authorName": "Crazy-Horse", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/crazy-horse/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "This is the coolest, most well-sorted Thing I've seen.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1682517738, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 11311243, "authorName": "GTstyle", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/gtstyle/", "bidAmount": 5150, "content": "$5,150 bid placed by GTstyle", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1682518063, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 11311293, "authorName": "Gressda", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/gressda/", "bidAmount": 6000, "content": "$6,000 bid placed by Gressda", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1682518540, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 11311312, "authorName": "Gressda", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/gressda/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Do take a look at the previous run on this when it had a reserve. interesting comments on fit and finish..the main seal leak is a cost on top of the seller premium and shipping. Would love to win it, but will not be going to the $28,500 where it was in the previous reserve auction", "likes": 7, "timestamp": 1682518683, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 11311394, "authorName": "Sinvanc", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/sinvanc/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I will probably get in trouble for this but more and more BAT is turning into a flippers market. it seems like the spirit of being able to find that gem that us mere mortals can afford and enjoy is just turning into what the wealthy candy and sell. I'm not sure that was ever the spirit of BAT, but it seems it's what it's turning to more and more.Great thing. brings back memories of the one I owned in the mid 90's. which I was forced to sell for financial reasons. and will never be able to replace. GLWTA. for 3 grand.", "likes": 11, "timestamp": 1682519312, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 11313119, "authorName": "Gressda", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/gressda/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "If this is a flipper and they want top dollar, they would spend the 5 dollars on Jbugs and 90 minutes to replace the leaking main seal :) seems like a car dealer that may be underwater on this one hoping to find a gotta have it person here.", "likes": 5, "timestamp": 1682530593, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 11313303, "authorName": "Tlavoie (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/tlavoie/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Hello everyone, I had originally purchased this as a present to my wife to keep at our lake house. Turns out she wasn\u2019t as in love with it as she was in high school so it\u2019s time to pass her one to someone that can truly enjoy it.", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1682531287, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 11314533, "authorName": "alexisdevoEVO", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/alexisdevoevo/", "bidAmount": 6500, "content": "$6,500 bid placed by alexisdevoEVO", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1682536170, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 11315394, "authorName": "16HWSS", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/16hwss/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "This one does have the gas powered heater (pic#70). I would have no idea what it was if not for Edd China restoring one of these several years back on Wheeler Dealers. GLWTS!", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1682539347, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 11318818, "authorName": "penach", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/penach/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Tlavoie how wide are those rims?", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1682569938, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 11319453, "authorName": "ClayJ", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/clayj/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I had a new 73-model; I thought only the 74 models had the cooling boxes on the rear quarter panels?", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1682600046, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 11319493, "authorName": "vpchianese", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/vpchianese/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I was just wondering who and how it was determined that this car has a rear seal leaking. Yes I see the oil on the pan in picture 93 but that is not the rear seal. The rear seal is on the crankshaft behind the flywheel not the fan belt pulley. Yes I know the pan and pulley, where there seems to be oil are at the back of the car but nonetheless that is the front of the engine not the rear of the engine. If in fact it is that seal that is leaking it is way easier to replace than a rear seal. Neither is that difficult to change but one requires the engine out and the other possibly just one piece of sheet metal if that. Also if it were the rear seal, it has to have the crankshaft runout checked or you will be replacing it again in the near future. But that does not appear to be the case.\r\n\r\nI would be more worried as to how long it has been running without the proper connectors between the fan shroud and the sheet metal pan. Air cooled engines need the proper air flow to be cooled correctly. Leaving hoses or seals off of the cooling shroud will cause overheating. Number 3 cyl will suffer the most.\r\n\r\nSo a compression test of all four cylinders would be of great help.", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1682600577, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 11319894, "authorName": "Tlavoie (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/tlavoie/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@clayj The gentleman who restored the car added the cooling boxes on the rear quarters because he liked the way the looked.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1682604336, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 11319944, "authorName": "OldBoxMan", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/oldboxman/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Totally agree with @vpchianese. \r\nLeakage could be coming from the oil cooler seals. Either way, engine out is not a big deal in the Volkswagen world.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1682604617, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 11320421, "authorName": "RandD", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/randd/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "What's with the missing hoses connecting the fan housing to engine top sheet metal? A compression test for burnt valves would be in order along with an explanation of why the hoses are not installed.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1682608683, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 11320616, "authorName": "vpchianese", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/vpchianese/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Tlavoie What are you or was he referring to as Cooling boxes? If they are the side vents he added, that's great but it does not replace the need for the flex hoses that are missing. If there are some other \"cooling boxes\" on the car then a picture would be helpful. \n\nAll the side vents do is allow more air into the engine compartment, which is a good thing. But more air just means that the fan can move more air. But if it is blowing out those two vents, and it is, it is not going where it is supposed to go. In fact very little is going where it is supposed to go.\n\nAlso the reason #3 suffers is the oil cooler is directly in line with the air going to #3. Two things happen. The air becomes hot as it cools the oil and before it gets to #3. The second thing that happens is the oil cooler gets dirty over time and does not let enough air go through it. When that happens the oil temp goes up. This is not good for the engine as a whole but is even worse for #3 cyl. BTW exhaust valve being burned is not the only issue. The cylinder gets hot as well and then the rings fail. One thing leads to another.\n\nI'm not saying any of these things are wrong with this engine. I'm explaining how it is supposed to work and why those hoses are needed.\n\nAdd the hoses and do a compression test. Good compression will lay this whole subject to rest.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1682610494, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 11324279, "authorName": "penach", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/penach/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@vpchianese I doubt we will get answers to our questions. The seller doesn\u2019t seem to be an enthusiast as all these are very standard VW questions (incorrect tin/ducting/cooling air routing) He\u2019s just trying to move the car on\u2026. per his explanation. Non VW people don\u2019t get it that #3 cylinder cooks without proper cooling air. This engine is not getting proper cooling, but at least the market is \u2026 good for enthusiasts.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1682626379, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 11327440, "authorName": "Adamnt3", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/adamnt3/", "bidAmount": 7500, "content": "$7,500 bid placed by Adamnt3", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1682643824, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 11327446, "authorName": "Tlavoie (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/tlavoie/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@penach You are correct, we are not VW enthusiasts. I appreciate all the questions on the car and I will attempt to answer to the best of my knowledge. However, that all comes from the last owner. We have only put about a few hundred miles on the car since purchasing it all in fair weather and it is untouched besides tires since we bought it. Its a great car and I really hope it falls into the hands of a true enthusiast", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1682643875, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 11327703, "authorName": "vpchianese", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/vpchianese/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Hope you do well in the auction. It wo;; make someone a nice driver I'm sure.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1682647617, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 11330884, "authorName": "RandD", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/randd/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I'm curious how much it might cost to pull the engine, put new barrels and pistons (big bore?) in and do a valve job? I'm thinking it would be pretty reasonable since it's an air-cooled VW.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1682702739, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 11331020, "authorName": "RandD", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/randd/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I've always wanted a Thing and this is what I would want it to look like (maybe not the same seat covers :) Totally awesome build! GLWTA", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1682703165, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 11336047, "authorName": "WarrenL", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/warrenl/", "bidAmount": 7600, "content": "$7,600 bid placed by WarrenL", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1682732205, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 11336156, "authorName": "2manytoyss", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/2manytoyss/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Cool looking rig,...will need to keep an eye on this one.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1682734100, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 11337464, "authorName": "samgrant1865", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/samgrant1865/", "bidAmount": 7700, "content": "$7,700 bid placed by samgrant1865", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1682777668, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 11337747, "authorName": "Adamnt3", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/adamnt3/", "bidAmount": 8000, "content": "$8,000 bid placed by Adamnt3", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1682780304, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 11341649, "authorName": "Billdozer2", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/billdozer2/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "The photos clearly show the plugs in the fan shroud where air would be pushed to the heater boxes and into the cabin. The heater boxes are removed and aftermarket J-tube exhaust installed, so there is nothing to connect those to anyway. Very common warm weather VW set up. If there were no plugs this would be a concern but since they are blocked off, 100% of the air generated by the fan is channeled down through the cylinder tins as designed. It makes sense, since the car has the gas heater up front, so no need for the semi-fragile \u201crobot arm\u201d flexible tubing. Seems like much ado about nothing. Of course that gas heater would need to be connected and determined to be functional to have heat.", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1682801703, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 11344960, "authorName": "OldBoxMan", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/oldboxman/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "This is a very nice set up without the flex tubing and evident of a true west coast VW.\r\nAs stated, if there are plugs in the fan shroud, the engine is being cooled like it should be. \r\nGLWTA Tlavoie \r\nThis is a very nice Thing, great color, with a lot of cool modifications and should get the money that it deserves.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1682862352, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 11351657, "authorName": "mavrick70", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mavrick70/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Tlavoie told me when he bought it from my BAT sale in feb.2022, he was buying it for his wife. When his 2 employees picked it up, they said same thing & it was a surprise to her. I don't think he's trying to flip it. This is a fun thing to drive & gets a lot of attention & plenty of looks. Only reason i sold it was i had 4 classics & only wanted 1 at the time. Good thing about a previous BAT sale for a potential buyer is you have double the pictures to look over & many other comments to digest. Good luck on Wednesday.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1682926230, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 11351667, "authorName": "mavrick70", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mavrick70/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Billdozer2 has it right. Pic's 73&74 clearly show 1 3/4\" soft plugs blocking off the 2 fan shroud openings. He is correct, it's much-a-do about nothing. The seals around hood opening & around base of engine at sheet metal are properly installed, so no hot exhaust air enters the engine compartment. All air going thru fan shroud flows on thru the oil cooler as it should. This engine purr's just as a VW should. Not a hint of a burn't valve as someone else talked of.", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1682927828, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 11351673, "authorName": "mavrick70", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mavrick70/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@OldBoxMan is correct. This thing was restored by a father & son in Southern California. The son saw my auction in 2022 & commented. They installed the 74 air boxes to this 73 model. I think they look nicer than \"Blinds\" on the sides!", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1682928894, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 11353156, "authorName": "luco13", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/luco13/", "bidAmount": 8500, "content": "$8,500 bid placed by luco13", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1682956782, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 11358542, "authorName": "Mexican_Spec", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mexican_spec/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Are these Safaris preferred raised like this, at stock height or a little lowered?", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1682982580, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 11359351, "authorName": "iltis74", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/iltis74/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Lots of talk about missing heater hoses from the fan shroud. If the owner of this tried to add those hoses he'd find no heater boxes, no control levers for the heater boxes, no ducting to hook the heater boxes up to. To get all of that going he'd be robbing parts from a '74 Thing, and when he then brings it into the dash he's going to realize there's still more work ahead. Simply put, the hoses are not missing, this car simply left the factory without any. That's right, no heater boxes from the factory, just the gas heater as standard equipment. What is wrong here is the shroud itself, as it should not have any outlets for the hoses to attach to. However, the '73 Thing fan shroud, being unique in missing these outlets from the factory, is a very desirable item in the general performance aftermarket for those ditching the heater boxes for aftermarket exhausts. It's desirable, and scarce, hence expensive, and not at all unusual to be missing from the vehicles they come from.", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1682989394, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 11360969, "authorName": "tfatout", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/tfatout/", "bidAmount": 8600, "content": "$8,600 bid placed by tfatout", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1683034351, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 11367233, "authorName": "Almond", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/almond/", "bidAmount": 8700, "content": "$8,700 bid placed by Almond", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1683064997, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 11368269, "authorName": "EGFORDGUY", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/egfordguy/", "bidAmount": 10000, "content": "$10,000 bid placed by EGFORDGUY", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1683072647, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 11368300, "authorName": "EGFORDGUY", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/egfordguy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I always wanted one of these! \r\nAnd this one is located 30 minutes from me!", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1683072936, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 11368628, "authorName": "Amaras", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/amaras/", "bidAmount": 12501, "content": "$12,501 bid placed by Amaras", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1683075896, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 11368725, "authorName": "Krepoman", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/krepoman/", "bidAmount": 12751, "content": "$12,751 bid placed by Krepoman", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1683077080, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 11368767, "authorName": "Amaras", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/amaras/", "bidAmount": 15011, "content": "$15,011 bid placed by Amaras", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1683077454, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 11369906, "authorName": "Cside25", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/cside25/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Any photos with the top down, and was this used as an Uber vehicle per the sticker on the windshield?", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1683117621, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 11369978, "authorName": "Krepoman", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/krepoman/", "bidAmount": 15271, "content": "$15,271 bid placed by Krepoman", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1683118637, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 11370235, "authorName": "SJBOTT", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/sjbott/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Very cool thing, being sold by an upfront owner... The fact that his wife is not that enthralled with a 50 year old vehicle from their youth is totally believable. \r\nGLWTA!", "likes": 5, "timestamp": 1683121083, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 11370462, "authorName": "EGFORDGUY", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/egfordguy/", "bidAmount": 16501, "content": "$16,501 bid placed by EGFORDGUY", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1683123066, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 11370835, "authorName": "Krepoman", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/krepoman/", "bidAmount": 16800, "content": "$16,800 bid placed by Krepoman", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1683126079, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 11370949, "authorName": "Chinkoguy", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/chinkoguy/", "bidAmount": 17050, "content": "$17,050 bid placed by Chinkoguy", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1683126924, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 11371045, "authorName": "1970Type2", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/1970type2/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Mexican_Spec the stance appears correct, given the 15\u201d wheels and Goodrich AT tires. I like the KYB shocks- I have them on my bus and I thought they were a big improvement: Bus and Thing are basically on the same platform, I believe. @RandD I actually like the seat covers- a little splash of color accents the ivory paint. Of course, there I is just NO accounting for people\u2019s taste, mine included... I do think a spare on a 15\u201d wheel might be in order. Really nice Thing. Best to both seller and buyer.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1683127696, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 11371458, "authorName": "mavrick70", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mavrick70/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Cside25 With me being the former owner of this Thing,i put the Uber sticker on the car for kicks. {found it in the junkyard}", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1683130936, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 11372410, "authorName": "Aguija", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/aguija/", "bidAmount": 17300, "content": "$17,300 bid placed by Aguija", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1683135168, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 11372451, "authorName": "Skreeg", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/skreeg/", "bidAmount": 17900, "content": "$17,900 bid placed by Skreeg", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1683135349, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 11372489, "authorName": "Jethom", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jethom/", "bidAmount": 18150, "content": "$18,150 bid placed by Jethom", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1683135480, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 11372520, "authorName": "Skreeg", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/skreeg/", "bidAmount": 18500, "content": "$18,500 bid placed by Skreeg", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1683135584, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 11372551, "authorName": "BCV", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bcv/", "bidAmount": 19000, "content": "$19,000 bid placed by BCV", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1683135676, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 11372579, "authorName": "Skreeg", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/skreeg/", "bidAmount": 19250, "content": "$19,250 bid placed by Skreeg", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1683135792, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 11372582, "authorName": "BCV", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bcv/", "bidAmount": 19500, "content": "$19,500 bid placed by BCV", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1683135801, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 11372615, "authorName": "realdealatthewheel", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/realdealatthewheel/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "There truly is some\u201dTHING\u201d intriguing about this car! \ud83d\ude0e", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1683135919, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 11372617, "authorName": "BCV", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bcv/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Sold on 5/3/23 for $19,500 to BCV", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1683135923, "type": "bat-bid-reserve"}]