I have a '73 Thing with a bug engine.  The muffler has rusted through and the tail pipe is falling off.  My knowledge of engine repair is some what sub par, but I think I am capable of replacing the muffler (I think??).  My problem is that I am not sure what type of muffler to purchase, since I am unsure what year/size engine I have.  The current muffler has the heat exchangers on them, but are not connected since my Thing is heated by the BN4 gas heater (which doesn't work - anyone have any experience with the BN4?)  Any help is appreciated.  
Tom

One tailpipe ?  I guess you have some kind of header exhaust or a bus muffler. The 73 thing had 2 muff. originaly, one on each side. These can still be had ,but they are expensive.  More than likely you have a 1600cc engine so a Stock Bug muff would work. You might have to bend the tail pipes down a little. You could also use a " Header " made for a Thing. They make a loud one or a quite one.
   I think everyone should change out a VW muffler at least once in their life time so they can learn to appreciate the finer things like twisted off studs, batterd hands. ill fitting cheap mufflers. Some folks can do it and for a lot of folks it could turn into a disaster. I just love to drill out exhaust studs with the engine in the car after some  Pilgrim got heavy-handed with the old foot long 13mm wrench
 :roll:
     Your gas heater is not that hard to repair if you don`t have to have some expensive "goodie" to replace. Its more intimidating than anything considering you are dealing with sort of a "Baby Jet Engine"
      Good Luck !!

I have never used anti-seize on exhaust studs. I had a friend who did and he still could not get the nuts off any easier. I have a trick. Now that I think of it , I haven`t used anti-seize on anything
   VWAG would have a screaming fit If you put anti-seize on a spark plug. The stuff would turn to concret . High Temps I guess.  This was back in my VW school days. They may have better products now, I just don`t use it . Old habits die hard.   Hey its your coal truck .Do what you want to with it. :lol:

Well I wont use it then, Hey david I talked with the over the road department this morning. I may be leaving pretty quick now. What kind of time frame we looking at to get that engine back together.. I was just wanderin on the exhaust studs. I guess there is so much heat it doesn't matter. I may try it though lol... I have all the parts needed for the engine to be complete..... I just got the clutch pressure plate and throw out bearing.....  I really need to get this on the road man.. LOL.. Sorry but I have to get it going back.... Before I go OTR....


    Aaron

The dizzy should be here in 4 days.. And yes I intended on doing the tin and heads myself.. I wasn't going to throw it together I just wanted it to work on it slowly. I will read both my manuals on building it back and everything else. I just don't have much more cash. I got enough to pay the labor and parts on the engine and tranny but no more.. I will have to read the book... I would like for you to watch me build the heads and all back on it but I can't afford any more. Thanks.. I planned on taking my time with the top end because after all this money i am spending I don't want nothing to be messed up..


   Aaron