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Bzonic Samba Member
Joined: September 22, 2017 Posts: 62 Location: Cleveland
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Posted: Thu Apr 12, 2018 4:29 am Post subject: Tow bar limitations? |
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Hey guys just wanted to get some insight when it comes to using a tow bar (early style). I need to tow the pictured beetle soon but don't know if it has been lowered or narrowed in the front. I'm wondering if the EMPI tow bar I'm using will conflict with a narrowed beam or a lowered front end. Anyone towed a beetle and run into issues? Thanks
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Sharp64 Samba Member
Joined: August 27, 2015 Posts: 5304 Location: Central Florida
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Posted: Thu Apr 12, 2018 4:33 am Post subject: Re: Tow bar limitations? |
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Post up a pic of the front end and someone will be able to give you a good idea if it’s been lowered or narrowed. Personally, I would flatbed it. _________________ 1960 Indigo Blue Ragtop (Blue Barry)
1967 Ghia
1985 Westy Money Pit
“...some men aren't looking for anything logical, like money. They can't be bought, bullied, reasoned, or negotiated with. Some men just want to watch the world burn.” - Michael Caine |
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Bzonic Samba Member
Joined: September 22, 2017 Posts: 62 Location: Cleveland
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Posted: Thu Apr 12, 2018 4:49 am Post subject: Re: Tow bar limitations? |
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This is actually an old photo and I do not have access to the car... until I go to tow it soon. Seems like as long as the attachment points on the lower beam are available I will be ok. I don't think it has been lowered much based on memory. |
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hitest Samba Member
Joined: September 30, 2008 Posts: 10296 Location: Prime Meridian, ID
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Posted: Thu Apr 12, 2018 8:02 am Post subject: Re: Tow bar limitations? |
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There are many threads on flat towing a beetle- read them because you will not get enough answers in time. I have towed beetles 100s of miles. All were 60 and up- and almost all were stock height. But straight away- I'd never in my most incoherent day flat tow a split window (or is this a back dated '65?).
The first time your tow vehicle hits a dip and the tow bar mashes two hard grooves into the front apron you will hate yourself for ever listening to anybody here. If it's not a true split- go nuts. _________________
EverettB wrote: |
I wonder what the nut looks like.
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'62 L390 151, '62 L469 117, '63 L380 113, '64 L87 311, '65 L512 265, '65 L31 SO-42, '66 L360 251, '68 L30k 141, '71 L12 113, '74 ORG 181
FU#5 |
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Erik G Samba Member
Joined: October 16, 2002 Posts: 13280 Location: Tejas!
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Posted: Thu Apr 12, 2018 8:16 am Post subject: Re: Tow bar limitations? |
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If it's not lowered much you should be fine for a short tow across town
If the beam is narrowed, no, a stock towbar will not work. The towbar needs narrowed in order to fit
I have used a towbar and never had any problems, however, I would not use it long distance, or with a nice car, or an unknown car. I would advise a 4 wheel trailer, or make it drivable and drive it _________________ Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery! |
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HippyTom Samba Member
Joined: December 18, 2013 Posts: 676 Location: Florida, West Pasco
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Posted: Thu Apr 12, 2018 8:33 am Post subject: Re: Tow bar limitations? |
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My 62 has an adjustable beam, non-narrowed. I raise it up and tow it fine. My buddy just lifts the front of his by hand and someone else slides the bar under. We've had no problem towing it lowered that way, but it doesn't have bumpers. When alone he drives his bug up on small wooden ramps to put tow bar under.
Looking at where my bar hitch points hit the beam, I don't think it would work on a narrowed beam. Maybe a 2" narrow. Not sure. |
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HippyTom Samba Member
Joined: December 18, 2013 Posts: 676 Location: Florida, West Pasco
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Posted: Thu Apr 12, 2018 8:39 am Post subject: Re: Tow bar limitations? |
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I towed this, which I consider a nice car, 750 miles from Virginia to Florida with no problem. It's not lowered though. You have to be careful to avoid dips and rises pulling in and out of places. So it takes paying attention and selective choices of where you pull into and out of so the bar won't his the car. And pull into places you can pull straight through and not have to back up. Otherwise, it's uneventful.
I've pulled both my cars on many trips a few hours at a time. Never a problem.
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Bzonic Samba Member
Joined: September 22, 2017 Posts: 62 Location: Cleveland
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Posted: Thu Apr 12, 2018 9:19 am Post subject: Re: Tow bar limitations? |
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Thanks Hitest and everyone. Just what I was looking for. If I proceed with the tow bar I will keep a close eye out for dip and rises. What a nightmare that would be. The beetle is a 65 btw. I'm looking to move it only 10 miles so I think I will proceed with caution and hope for the best. |
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anthracitedub Samba Member
Joined: June 20, 2007 Posts: 3241 Location: Michigan
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Posted: Thu Apr 12, 2018 5:24 pm Post subject: Re: Tow bar limitations? |
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Ten miles, just take it easy and you’ll be fine, as long as the bar fits the beam.
I tow bar’d my 57 Ghia 1200 miles. |
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56Cabrio Samba Member
Joined: May 22, 2008 Posts: 1899 Location: San Fernando Valley, CA
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johnr156 Samba Member
Joined: April 06, 2013 Posts: 144 Location: Dixon, Ca.
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Posted: Thu Apr 12, 2018 7:21 pm Post subject: Re: Tow bar limitations? |
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Does the tow bar mess up the paint on the beam? I'll also be towing my 66 a short distance in a couple of weeks. I was leaning towards a dolly, the kind where the front wheels are strapped down to it and the rear wheels roll on the road. Any thoughts on using this system? |
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HippyTom Samba Member
Joined: December 18, 2013 Posts: 676 Location: Florida, West Pasco
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Posted: Thu Apr 12, 2018 8:31 pm Post subject: Re: Tow bar limitations? |
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johnr156 wrote: |
Does the tow bar mess up the paint on the beam? I'll also be towing my 66 a short distance in a couple of weeks. I was leaning towards a dolly, the kind where the front wheels are strapped down to it and the rear wheels roll on the road. Any thoughts on using this system? |
Yes, but nothing a scuff pad and a couple shots from a rattle can can't fix.
I've used a tow dolly. It's ok, but a tow bar is easier. |
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slalombuggy Samba Member
Joined: July 17, 2010 Posts: 9147 Location: Canada
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Posted: Thu Apr 12, 2018 9:01 pm Post subject: Re: Tow bar limitations? |
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Wrap the beam in duct tape a fww times and the toq bar wont scratch it up. If the beam is narrowed a standard tow bar won't fit.
brad |
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daven Samba Member
Joined: January 13, 2009 Posts: 351 Location: Dayton OH
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Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2018 3:48 am Post subject: Re: Tow bar limitations? |
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Years ago I towed a bug from Ohio to Cali with a tow bar - put a little grease on the ball/socket for smooth turns. Word of caution - DON'T BACK-UP with the tow bar!
Dave |
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Cusser Samba Member
Joined: October 02, 2006 Posts: 31379 Location: Hot Arizona
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Rome Samba Member
Joined: June 02, 2004 Posts: 9652 Location: Pearl River, NY
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Posted: Sat Apr 14, 2018 9:00 am Post subject: Re: Tow bar limitations? |
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Quote: |
(or is this a back dated '65?) |
Hitest, very good spot! Was your clue the high taillamp position, or the larger side window size and the pop-out frame design? The semaphore delete plates are a nice touch to continue the era look.
OP, I've also used a Type 1 tow bar numerous times for towing up to approx. 85 miles one way. One was on a late '52 Beetle. All trips worked fine. One tip- when you are about to pull away for the first time, straighten the steering wheel on the Beetle. Once I had the front wheels pointed to one side, and the car shook strongly while still in the parking lot. I stopped the tow car ('89 Jetta) pointed straight, got out and steered the Beetle's steering wheel/front wheels straight, and went off without the shaking. |
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notsnarb Samba Member
Joined: April 05, 2006 Posts: 845 Location: MI
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Posted: Sat Apr 14, 2018 10:02 am Post subject: Re: Tow bar limitations? |
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My $0.002 worth.
I've flat towed my car hundreds of miles (850 in one weekend) the only advise other than already given is if you value your paintwork - and my car has show quality paint, invest in some crash wrap it will minimize damage from stones & dirt thrown up by the tow vehicle wheels. its a throw away wrap, buy the roll.
http://www.rscsales.com/adhesive-crash-wrap.html?g...hlEALw_wcB
or google crash wrap. |
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arizonabuckeye Samba Member
Joined: November 10, 2013 Posts: 544 Location: SLC
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Posted: Sun Apr 15, 2018 10:38 am Post subject: Re: Tow bar limitations? |
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A four hour rental of a four wheel flat bed car trailer from I haul is like $50... |
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rusty60 Samba Member
Joined: September 15, 2013 Posts: 126 Location: camano island
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Posted: Fri Apr 20, 2018 3:31 pm Post subject: Re: Tow bar limitations? |
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stupid question?? Does it run, got a friend, DRIVE IT?? 10 miles. |
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