1973 T181 Fun and Games

A few months ago, I picked up a 1973 Type 181 that had been sitting for quite some time. It lacked an engine but I had a spare to drop in it. The brakes needed a complete overhaul, replacing all the wheel cylinders, master cylinder, flex lines and a few of the hard lines. Finally got them working right and brake lights too! Electrical was and still is a mess. I replaced the fuse block and sorted out all the wires that were hanging loose. I think it still needs a new headlight switch before I spend any more time chasing wires.

The good news: With properly working brakes and brake lights, I took it for its first drive tonight through our neighborhood. It's running great and stopping great. I'm glad to pass that major milestone but there's much work ahead before I dare take it on any long drives.

Back home safe:

nice!

I guess it's official GEORGIA HAS GONE THING CRAZY. THANKS TO WILD THING
We got something going guys lol!!!!

well mine is already gone to SC

congrats Pete!

A little more progress. Sorted out the hood latch alignment so it can be opened and closed. Also, I welded the seat belt boss back into the tunnel that was ripped out. It appears the PO wrenched a frozen bolt and tore the mount right out! Makes me wonder how good the rest of this Mexican construction is.

Got the top frame and reinforcements cleaned up and painted this AM. Hopefully, the new top will get attached to the frame tomorrow. All the extra holes in the engine tin have been plugged to help keep it cool.

Shiny new top is fully installed and looks great! Also fixed the headlight issue after disassembling the headlight switch. The brass slider for the headlights migrated to the bottom of the case (who knows how long ago). Now back in the right spot, the headlights work. Too bad I trashed the rheostat for the dash lights in the process. I guess they'll be full bright from now on!

After some cutting, banging and welding, the T181 has its front bumper on once again. The PO really tweaked it somehow but at least the front clip is untouched. I think I'll still be looking for a replacement though.

Haven't done a lot to the Type 181 lately but some drive-ability progress has been made. I replaced the rotting snow tire on one wheel with a new 185/74R14 so now I can trust the tires to drive it more. After cruising for about 30 miles on Saturday and listening to the strange noises from the front end, it was time to replace the front wheel bearings. Got that done today. Also picked up a 5th 14 inch rim from Tim this weekend and will get a new tire for that as well. What a treat to have a spare for it rather than grab the one out of the 57 every time I want to take it out.

Tim told me about his ride in the 181, sounded like he really enjoyed it!

I was lucky to get away and still have it!!!

Haven't worked on the T181 much lately other than collecting some parts such as door skins and a KPH speedo and getting good tires all around. At least it was a great day for a cruise with the top down today!

Nice!

Still in the gathering mode for parts, accessories and upgrades but I did get one item taken care of today. Now sporting a hood rack. next step is getting rid of those big ugly tail lights.

That hood rack is sweet. Love the way that looks

After piddling around on the T181 a little at a time, I decided to jump into some major work this weekend. The fan shroud air snouts have been removed and plugs welded in, making it look more like an actual 73 Thing shroud. All the bits got new paint, crappy chrome cylinder tin gone, and the dual Solex carb kit is almost done.

It's looking really good.

Nice Pete!

Nice & clean!! I like it!

All the bits are back in and it's running as of an hour ago! Sounds much better with the dual carbs. Now I'll need to do all that fine tuning and synchronizing fun.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=augqwE05mqA

Drove the T181 to the Kubel Treffen last weekend and didn't like how it ran. It would misfire/skip frequently and only got 18 MPG on the trip. Not good! While inspecting the carbs tonight, I noticed a plug missing from the carb body. The air/fuel passages were visible inside. I'll bet that's not good either! The phillips screw (with teflon tape) now fills that hole and I'll get it back together tomorrow. I'm betting it'll run a whole lot better. My other progress is removing the tow dolly angles from the front bumper. All smoothed up and looking good.

sound like you maybe on to something there, 18 mpg almost makes you think that there is something wrong with the fuel gauge

I know there's something wrong with the fuel gauge...it don't work! Like most everything on this T181, it needs attention.

Push bar now installed. Now I just need to get some large tow hooks and large diameter rope and that should do it for front end accessories.