greg mgm
Explorer
Thought I'd start a thread and post updates and upgrades to my new Thing.
Today I solved a grinding sound with the brakes (posted in another thread) but they still pull to the left. I'll be replacing the wheel cylinders next week.
Also today I installed a CompU Fire ignition in the Thing.
I always install electronic ignitions in my VW's but have been using Pertronics modules. This will be the first time using a Compu Fire.
Installing this ignition is very simple...first you remove the points-
After removing the condenser, feed the module wire through the hole where he grommet was, and through the new plastic grommet that comes with the Compu Fire-
Secure the module with the allen wrench and screw that comes in the kit and snap the plastic grommet in place-
The kit comes with crimp on spade connectors.....but take your time and solder the connectors on...then heat shrink the ends to make the wires look.....almost....nice-
You may know which is + and - but double check....if the module is reversed it can burn out...that's what I was told. I'm going to re do the fuel lines away from the coil....(I just got the car!)
After hooking up the wires, my Thing started up immediately....as in right now. I usually had to crank the engine a few seconds to get it to start. Also it seems to have a slight bit more power accelerating. Overall, a nice upgrade and not too expensive at $70. Also, the old points and condenser can be bagged and kept in your cars tool kit.....just in case!
To get my Thing registered, I have to have it inspected at the Auto Club. The horn wasn't working and I know they are going to check that out.
The fix looked simple. I re attached the ground wire connector to the horn, but that didn't do it. If I pushed the horn cap (steering wheel) the horn only came on if I turned the steering wheel...and only in one spot.
So....let's see what makes this work. Grab the 27mm socket and remove the steering wheel-
OK, there's the problem. The brass horn conductors are gunked up and not making contact. This is after I cleaned them up with solvent and lightly sanded them.....nice and clean, but very worn. I'll have to find replacement horn contacts eventually-
It's now reassembled and works great!
While I was at it, I got the HI FIDELITY radio working. Had to replace a blown fuse (Oh ya, an easy fix!) and then I had major high end window shattering bottom end tunes BLASTING in the Thing-
OK, really I had the most tinny cheap sounding radio around playing. One speaker on the bottom of the radio.....and FM sounds like AM......but hey it works!
So that's it for today. I feel productive!
Today I solved a grinding sound with the brakes (posted in another thread) but they still pull to the left. I'll be replacing the wheel cylinders next week.
Also today I installed a CompU Fire ignition in the Thing.
I always install electronic ignitions in my VW's but have been using Pertronics modules. This will be the first time using a Compu Fire.
Installing this ignition is very simple...first you remove the points-
After removing the condenser, feed the module wire through the hole where he grommet was, and through the new plastic grommet that comes with the Compu Fire-
Secure the module with the allen wrench and screw that comes in the kit and snap the plastic grommet in place-
The kit comes with crimp on spade connectors.....but take your time and solder the connectors on...then heat shrink the ends to make the wires look.....almost....nice-
You may know which is + and - but double check....if the module is reversed it can burn out...that's what I was told. I'm going to re do the fuel lines away from the coil....(I just got the car!)
After hooking up the wires, my Thing started up immediately....as in right now. I usually had to crank the engine a few seconds to get it to start. Also it seems to have a slight bit more power accelerating. Overall, a nice upgrade and not too expensive at $70. Also, the old points and condenser can be bagged and kept in your cars tool kit.....just in case!
To get my Thing registered, I have to have it inspected at the Auto Club. The horn wasn't working and I know they are going to check that out.
The fix looked simple. I re attached the ground wire connector to the horn, but that didn't do it. If I pushed the horn cap (steering wheel) the horn only came on if I turned the steering wheel...and only in one spot.
So....let's see what makes this work. Grab the 27mm socket and remove the steering wheel-
OK, there's the problem. The brass horn conductors are gunked up and not making contact. This is after I cleaned them up with solvent and lightly sanded them.....nice and clean, but very worn. I'll have to find replacement horn contacts eventually-
It's now reassembled and works great!
While I was at it, I got the HI FIDELITY radio working. Had to replace a blown fuse (Oh ya, an easy fix!) and then I had major high end window shattering bottom end tunes BLASTING in the Thing-
OK, really I had the most tinny cheap sounding radio around playing. One speaker on the bottom of the radio.....and FM sounds like AM......but hey it works!
So that's it for today. I feel productive!
