* Original Design: The Thing was designed and built around a manual transmission. The engine, drivetrain, and even the floorpan are all configured for a manual gearbox.
* Parts Availability: Finding a suitable automatic transmission that would physically fit the Thing's limited space and connect to its existing drivetrain is extremely difficult, if not impossible.
* Complexity and Cost: Even if you could find the right parts, the conversion would be a complex and expensive project. It would likely require significant modifications to the engine, transmission tunnel, and other components.
Alternatives:
If you're looking for an automatic transmission in a classic Volkswagen, consider these options:
* Find a Thing with an Automatic: While rare, some Things were equipped with automatic transmissions in other markets.
* Consider a Different Model: Automatic transmissions were more common in other Volkswagen models of that era, like the Beetle or the Bus.
* Modern Transmission Swap: A more involved but potentially feasible option is a modern transmission swap, but this would require extensive fabrication and custom work, making it very costly.
Cost: It's impossible to provide an accurate cost estimate without knowing the exact parts and labor involved. However, a conversion project of this magnitude would likely cost thousands of dollars, potentially exceeding the value of the Thing itself.
Conclusion: While theoretically possible, converting a 1974 Volkswagen Thing to an automatic transmission is highly impractical and likely not cost-effective. Exploring other options, such as finding a Thing with an automatic transmission or choosing a different Volkswagen model, might be more reasonable.
