[GMCnet] vw tow bar - for Dan
Mr.erf ERFisher
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=31629
the bar says blue Ox, the bolt-on says "Automatic" I think you can find it
gene
--
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
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Rob Mueller
I got one of these with the VW I bought in Texas:
http://www.cbperformance.com/catalog.asp?ProductID=1488
It hooks up to the lower front axle tube like the Blue Ox.
Other than the fact that it hangs down lower than the Blue Ox is there a
reason why I shouldn't use it?
I realize I probably will have to drop the tow ball so that the tow bar is
level.
Regards,
Rob Mueller
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion-The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion-Double Trouble TZE365V100426
-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist...@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist...@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Mr.erf ERFisher
Sent: Saturday, 14 November 2009 5:30 AM
To: gmc...@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: [GMCnet] vw tow bar - for Dan
Here are pictures,
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=31629
the bar says blue Ox, the bolt-on says "Automatic" I think you can find it
gene
_______________________________________________
Mr.erf ERFisher
Dan
but
The problem is , you have to crawl on your belly like a snake to get it on
and off.
it will not fold up.
so when you want to disconnect for a quick trip, it is a pain in the butt.
Instead of a 5 min connect and disconnect, it is a task.
As Dan says " we all hate them" but they work great.
JWID
gene
>
> I got one of these with the VW I bought in Texas:
>
> http://www.cbperformance.com/catalog.asp?ProductID=1488
>
> It hooks up to the lower front axle tube like the Blue Ox.
>
> Other than the fact that it hangs down lower than the Blue Ox is there a
> reason why I shouldn't use it?
>
> --
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
-------
http://gmcmotorhome.info/
Alternator Protection Cable
http://gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
Dan Gregg
Thanks Gene. I may have a couple of pieces welded to my tubular bumper. I don't want anything too obtrusive. I like the "no show" stuff. To be able to hook on it and go is what I am looking for, with my Roadmaster tow bar. Rob, like Gene says, we all have those bars. One can even shop around and get them new for 50 bux. Works great. Hooking the bar to the axle and unhooking it is a pain. Have to get down on my knees, and pray a bit, before I can get it on or off, alone. Lot easier if two folks are working with it. Someone has a better idea and I am just trying to steal it. I did notice my brother in law, in Vancouver, has a permanant mount. I am trying to get him to send me pictures also.
Thanks,
Dan
--
Dan & Teri Gregg
///Halon Automatic Fire Extinguishers
Rob Mueller
Now that you guys have explained the disadvantages of the standard VW tow
bars I think I'll consider a different method.
I have "heard" that you shouldn't tow a VW by the bumper mounts. I suspect
that's because they attach to the sheet metal of the body. I am going to
look at my Dad's Type 3 and see if it REALLY is not a good idea.
If anyone has had any experience towing a VW from the bumper or bumper
mounts I'd like to know the result.
Off to find the VWnet and ask there!
Regards,
Rob Mueller
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion-The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion-Double Trouble TZE365V100426
_______________________________________________
Dan Gregg
Off to find the VWnet and ask there!
Regards,
Rob Mueller
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion-The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion-Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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[/quote]
Rob, it is thesamba.com
They are as active as this group.
Dan
--
Dan & Teri Gregg
///Halon Automatic Fire Extinguishers
Rob Mueller
Thanks, I thought that Samba was only a market place. DUH!
Regards,
Rob
-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist...@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist...@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Dan Gregg
Sent: Saturday, 14 November 2009 10:38 AM
To: gmc...@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] vw tow bar - for Dan
Rob, it is thesamba.com
They are as active as this group.
Dan
Kingsley Coach
http://www.jbugs.com/category/TowBars.html
I've put 1000's of miles and never a problem...cheap easy and fit in a pod
for 'hunting readyness' purposes
..
Mike in NS
--
Michael Beaton
1977 Kingsley 26-11
Antigonish, NS
Dan Gregg
Mike, I was hoping that you would show up. But, yes you are late. We have those bars already. I tow the bug behind the GMC now with one. I want permanant ears to hook my Roadmaster Falcon to it. Read up and then come back and give me a solution. I know that you are the bug man. :)
Dan
--
Dan & Teri Gregg
///Halon Automatic Fire Extinguishers
Kingsley Coach
On this one I'm afraid I'm fresh out of solutions......I've always been more
concerned with making sure it was behind me since I seldom could feel it,
than ease of 'start and go'. Lost a 356 one time, but that's another story
<VBG>
Even if the body was solid, I don't know if I'd like to bolt to the bumper
mounting points.....not sure.. I've always thought the only real strain is
taking off and stopping.....not sure again...
I could keep talking, but still wouldn't have a solution...let me know what
you do and I'll copy it <BG>
Mike in NS
--
Michael Beaton
1977 Kingsley 26-11
Antigonish, NS
Rob Mueller
I got a couple of responses off Samba and one noted that "PULLING" the VW
wouldn't be a problem but if I stopped hard it could/would "wrinkle" the
front body work.
I am going to take a good look at where the bumper brackets attach on my
Dad's Type 3. I do remember the attachment points are nut plates welded to
the sheet metal.
Regards,
Rob Mueller
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion-The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion-Double Trouble TZE365V100426
-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist...@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist...@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Kingsley Coach
Sent: Saturday, 14 November 2009 11:20 PM
To: gmc...@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] vw tow bar - for Dan
Dan
On this one I'm afraid I'm fresh out of solutions......I've always been more
concerned with making sure it was behind me since I seldom could feel it,
than ease of 'start and go'. Lost a 356 one time, but that's another story
<VBG>
Even if the body was solid, I don't know if I'd like to bolt to the bumper
mounting points.....not sure.. I've always thought the only real strain is
taking off and stopping.....not sure again...
I could keep talking, but still wouldn't have a solution...let me know what
you do and I'll copy it <BG>
Mike in NS
Kingsley Coach
I'm going to have to sit this one out <g> Do let me know what you find
out...at some point, I hope to tow a Westphalia
...home and cottage all in one sort of thing, but we shall see...and I've
only got about 40 good years left to do all this work<VBG>
Mike in NS
Michael Lincoln
Mike L
78 Royale and 87 Syncro Camper
Sent from my iPhone
On Nov 14, 2009, at 4:52 PM, Kingsley Coach <kings...@gmail.com>
wrote:
Dan Gregg
I am looking for a new set of headers, with muffler inserts, to go with the new paint. Seems several at Pueblo thought it was a tad loud. I am also going to find a welder who will weld some permanant tabs on the front axle. The GMC does not even know this little fella is back there.
Dan
--
Dan & Teri Gregg
///Halon Automatic Fire Extinguishers
Gene Dotson
WD0AFQ wrote on Sat, 14 November 2009 20:48
> I am looking for a new set of headers, with muffler inserts, to go with the new paint. Seems several at Pueblo thought it was a tad loud. I am also going to find a welder who will weld some permanant tabs on the front axle. The GMC does not even know this little fella is back there.
> Dan
Dan,
Was that several people your wife Terri. Seems like I heard a comment about the loud exhaust.
--
Gene Dotson
74 Canyonlands
www.bdub.net/Motorhome_Enhancements
New Windows and Aluminum Radiators
Dan Gregg
Yep. I like it loud but she dosent. I will get the new headers with removable inserts. When she is not around, out they come.
Dan
--
Dan & Teri Gregg
///Halon Automatic Fire Extinguishers
Gary Casey
Gary
________________________________
From: Dan Gregg <greg...@hotmail.com>
To: gmc...@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Sat, November 14, 2009 6:48:33 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] vw tow bar - for Dan
I am looking for a new set of headers, with muffler inserts, to go with the new paint. Seems several at Pueblo thought it was a tad loud. I am also going to find a welder who will weld some permanant tabs on the front axle. The GMC does not even know this little fella is back there.
Dan
--
Dan & Teri Gregg
Rob Mueller
I towed my Dad's 1968 T-3 Squareback from Houston to Los Angeles behind a
U-Haul 15 foot truck when we retired in 2002. I did my very best never to
park so I would have to back up. It was a good thing because the one time I
did have to back up the VW DID NOT COOPERATE! I had to unhook it and move it
out of the way; back up and then rehook it. That may because the tow bar
connects to the lower front axle.
I have no idea if the same thing is true backing up with a commercial tow
bar attached to any other vehicle.
Regards,
Rob Mueller
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion-The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion-Double Trouble TZE365V100426
-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist...@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist...@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Gary Casey
Sent: Sunday, 15 November 2009 11:04 PM
To: gmc...@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] vw tow bar - for Dan
Okay, I'll ask a dumb question from a motorhoming newbie - with the toad
attached, do you back up? I assume you don't - is that a big inconvenience
or not? And I've seen pictures of people towing dune buggies - isn't towing
an open vehicle likely to fill it with dust? I've not considered having a
toad, but..... And those dune buggies are so cool as is the Miata I'm ready
to buy. Gary
Steven Ferguson
--
Steve Ferguson
'76 EII
Sierra Vista, AZ
Urethane bushing source
www.bdub.net/ferguson/
Steven Ferguson
they're doing is behind the wheel. Otherwise, the wheels will flop
over to the stops. Sometimes it is possible to back straight up but
both vehicles must be perfectly straight with the steering on dead
zero.
The better the tow bar, the easier it is to disconnect quickly in an
emergency. Emergency being those times when you make a left instead
of a right on a dead end street and you can't make a complete U-turn,
or when some Adam Henry backs into the fuel pump directly in front of
you then goes into the quick mart to do their monthly shopping.
On Sun, Nov 15, 2009 at 4:03 AM, Gary Casey <casey...@yahoo.com> wrote:
> Okay, I'll ask a dumb question from a motorhoming newbie - with the toad attached, do you back up? I assume you don't - is that a big inconvenience or not? .
--
Steve Ferguson
'76 EII
Sierra Vista, AZ
Urethane bushing source
www.bdub.net/ferguson/
Ken Henderson
involved, but the slightest turn will probably slide the front tires of the
toad -- or at least attempt to do so.
I also learned a long time ago that one should NOT turn the tow vehicle's
front wheels hard over and THEN begin to move. Leaving a Florida
campground, where we were parked in the sand, I turned the wheels hard left
and then drove off. Unbeknownst to me, the 10' or so overhang on the rear
of the Airstream Land Yacht literally slid the front of the Toyota PU toad
2+ feet to the right. The PU's wheels locked in that full-right position,
with a mound of sand in front of them. Luckily, I looked in the mirror
about 100' later and saw the cloud of dust they plowed up. A more fragile
vehicle might have been severely damaged.
Ken H.
On Sun, Nov 15, 2009 at 7:03 AM, Gary Casey <casey...@yahoo.com> wrote:
> Okay, I'll ask a dumb question from a motorhoming newbie - with the toad
> attached, do you back up? ...
Steven Ferguson
roads. The wheels never straightened out, just locked in one
direction and dragged.
--
Steve Ferguson
'76 EII
Sierra Vista, AZ
Urethane bushing source
www.bdub.net/ferguson/
David L Greenberg
On Sun, 15 Nov 2009 04:03:51 -0800 (PST) Gary Casey
<casey...@yahoo.com> writes:
> Okay, I'll ask a dumb question from a motorhoming newbie - with the
> I've not considered having a toad, but..... And those dune buggies
> are so cool as is the Miata I'm ready to buy.
> Gary
>
>
got dusty. We had pads for the seats which w removed when towing but it
still needed a hosing. The Miata is a more practical toad. On the other
hand no Miatas in 77 and we had two pre teens aboard. Our Meyers Manx was
a good choice for us in 77.
David Lee Greenberg
Port St Lucie, FL
Dedicated to the Preservation of the Classic GMC Motorhome
http://GMCmhRegistry.com
48 Packard Super Eight http://www.picturetrail.com/gmcregistry
____________________________________________________________
Wholesale Hardwood Floors
Never pay retail again. Wholesale prices on all hardwood flooring!
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David L Greenberg
On Sun, 15 Nov 2009 04:03:51 -0800 (PST) Gary Casey
<casey...@yahoo.com> writes:
> Okay, I'll ask a dumb question from a motorhoming newbie - with the
> toad attached, do you back up? I assume you don't - is that a big
> inconvenience or not? >
a straight line and for a short distance. I've done it, when necessary to
get out of a tight spot, hundreds of times. If you have the co pilot
steer the toad you might be able to back up while turning but it can be a
tricky maneuver and will probably end up with you and your spouse not
speaking for a while.
David Lee Greenberg
Port St Lucie, FL
Dedicated to the Preservation of the Classic GMC Motorhome
http://GMCmhRegistry.com
48 Packard Super Eight http://www.picturetrail.com/gmcregistry
____________________________________________________________
Manufacturer-Direct Hardwood Floors
Never pay retail again. Wholesale prices on all hardwood floors!
http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/c?cp=bV9w8uh4foqbdHq_d7ujtQAAJ1Csyv5OnZl2mKFYY98JLnqKAAQAAAAFAAAAACEasz4AAAMlAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANldAAAAAA=
mike stewart
I began vw repair in 1972 so over the years I've seen customers use all types of towing set-ups used to bring wounded vws to the shop......some were scary.......you would not be safe towing a 1968 up standard beetle (with the bumper brackets openings in the fenders) using the front bumper brackets unless the car was super sound(never having any rust) and you removed the spare tire and built a sub-frame in the spare tire well...if not you could wrinkle the front bodywork from the cowl forward when making a sharp turn......the sub-frame would need to attach itself the the front frame "horns" where the axle beam mounts to the pan or attach to the axle beam itself......this same sub-frame type set-up could most likely be used on 1967 and earlier beetles with the bumper bracket openings in the front apron.....
on 1971 up super beetles most california vw parts distributors sell an easily detachable tow bar system for these....a plate bolts to the area under the front snout and then the tow bar atteches with two easily removeabe pins...the tow bar does not fold ....I am using one of these tow bars on my miata with the "universal" mount plate from a vw parts distributor and just completed a 1350 mile trip with no problems........
michael on towing your vanagon, roadmaster makes a vanagon tow
bracket kit priced at about $250.00 but you would have to use one of the RV type tow bars which can get expensive........also as you know the syncro westy is heavy.........
this is just my experience with towing the vw and does not imply that anyone should not use these methods on their vehicle..
--
mike stewart,
greer,s.c.
1973 GMC 26' Canyonlands &
1965 Chris Craft 18' V-8 powered Super Sport wooden fun boat
Gene Dotson
Gary Casey wrote on Sun, 15 November 2009 07:03
> Okay, I'll ask a dumb question from a motorhoming newbie - with the toad attached, do you back up? I assume you don't - is that a big inconvenience or not? And I've seen pictures of people towing dune buggies - isn't towing an open vehicle likely to fill it with dust? I've not considered having a toad, but..... And those dune buggies are so cool as is the Miata I'm ready to buy.
> Gary
Gary,
You may be able to back up 2 or 3 feet with out a problem, but it is safer to find a spot where you do not have to back up. If you do get caught in that condition, it is worth the trouble to disconnect then back up.
There was a company in Texas that made a tow bar that looked like and X shape that would allow you to back up but the rights were sold to Roadmaster. For the last 4 or 5 years I have checked with them at the FMCA conventions and they kept saying it would be available next November. This year at the Bowling Green, OH convention they finally admitted it would not be available saying they could not make it safe. I suspect they bought it in self defense since it would have ruined their sales for their tow bars if someone really put it in production. There were a couple people in Texas that had them from the original shop but not many were made. Too bad, I would have had one if it was available.
--
Gene Dotson
74 Canyonlands
www.bdub.net/Motorhome_Enhancements
New Windows and Aluminum Radiators
Kingsley Coach
http://www.rvtechstop.com/articles/m>ow.pdf
Mike in NS
--
Michael Beaton
1977 Kingsley 26-11
Antigonish, NS
Kingsley Coach
Mike Stewart, you're the new 'Go To' guy for Fahrvergnugen info...
Mike in NS
On Sun, Nov 15, 2009 at 11:35 AM, mike stewart
<klassic...@hotmail.com>wrote:
--
Michael Beaton
1977 Kingsley 26-11
Antigonish, NS
Dan Gregg
So Mike, the klassikamper guy, What is there to hook on a 66 ball joint axle that I can use my roadmaster Falcon on?
Dan
--
Dan & Teri Gregg
///Halon Automatic Fire Extinguishers
mike stewart
WD0AFQ wrote on Sun, 15 November 2009 12:30
> So Mike, the klassikamper guy, What is there to hook on a 66 ball joint axle that I can use my roadmaster Falcon on?
> Dan
I do not know of a "factory made" bracket for the beam axle 49-77 standard beetle to accept a falcon tow bar.......
roadmaster only markets brackets for the super beetle(74-79)(macpherson strut), but I feel the brackets should also fit a 71-73 super beetle.........
to use a falcon tow bar on 49-77 beam axle beetle, a person could take one of the axle beam mount tow bars and cut if off just edge of the front apron... weld a "make your own" or a roadmaster universal mount plate to the two stubs...be sure to cross (X) brace the two stubs also..... the wrap around bracket that attaches to the axle beam would have to be made not moveable and be either welded to the axle beam or braced to the shock tower with a triangular brace......the other option to make non moveable would be to weld a strap to the top beam.....for those unfamiliar with the standard beetle, they have two(upper and lower front axle beams) .....if not made non moveable you would have two pivot points and would operate correctly......
this tow bar set up would not be very visible when not in use and would save from crawling to connect/disconnect the standard beam mount tow bar......
these ideas and opinions are those of the author and does not reflect the ideas and opinions of the gmc net community...
please tow safely.......
--
mike stewart,
greer,s.c.
1973 GMC 26' Canyonlands &
1965 Chris Craft 18' V-8 powered Super Sport wooden fun boat
Dan Gregg
Mike, that is what I have in mind. Been thinking about it for a while. I might email you off the net when I get ready to have someone weld me up.
Thanks,
Dan
--
Dan & Teri Gregg
///Halon Automatic Fire Extinguishers
Kingsley Coach
I was wondering whatinhell you had a boat listed for...then I took another
look...
NICE !
Mike in NS
On Sun, Nov 15, 2009 at 3:17 PM, mike stewart <klassic...@hotmail.com>wrote:
>
>
> WD0AFQ wrote on Sun, 15 November 2009 12:30
--
Michael Beaton
1977 Kingsley 26-11
Antigonish, NS
Kosier
Inquiring minds want to now.
Gary Kosier
77EII & 77PB
Newark, Ohio
----- Original Message -----
From: "Kingsley Coach" <kings...@gmail.com>
To: <gmc...@temp.gmcnet.org>
Sent: Sunday, November 15, 2009 12:24 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] vw tow bar - for Dan
Gene Dotson
Kosier wrote on Sun, 15 November 2009 22:02
> hEY, is this the same unit Gene Dotson was referring to?
> Inquiring minds want to now.
>
> Gary Kosier
> 77EII & 77PB
> Newark, Ohio
Gary,
That is the tow bar I mentioned. It was called the M&G tow bar until Roadmaster purchased the rights. Feed back from two people who owned one said they really worked well.