VW Type 181 / Thing kit car

Volkswagen Type 181

aka “Thing” / "Safari" / “Trekker”

Inspired by Kocyns VW Golf Mk1 I decided to make a remix based on the Volkswagen Type 181, a 2 wheeled drive vehicle based on the VW Beetle introduced in the late 1960s.

This model features all new panels and parts with a semi-detailed interior, slightly tweaked chassis and seats from the Golf model plus the same wheels.

Assembly

Assembly can be a bit tricky. I would recommend fitting all parts to each other before trying to assemble as a whole just to work out any stiff joints. Also the 2 side parts and the rear panels have 3 creases which you should gently bend inwards beforehand.

The order of assembly that worked for me was add interior parts to one side, then add the back panels, front panels and then the roof.

Next add the chassis and then the bumpers to hold it all together. Finally add the wheels.

One thing to note is the bumper orientation. The rear one goes on upside down to the print orientation, the front goes on the same as the print orientation. Make sure the front is correct as it can be difficult to unclip once it's on.

Future versions

If there is interest I will add a multi colour / AMS version as well as a kit card version.

I also plan to continue with some other VW classics.

Thanks to Kocyns for the inspiration and the great model.