Tow bar limitations?

[Bzonic]

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

[Sharp64]

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.
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[Bzonic]

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.

[hitest]

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.
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[Erik G]

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
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[HippyTom]

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.

[HippyTom]

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.

[Bzonic]

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.

[anthracitedub]

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.

[56Cabrio]

10 miles ! you could push it 10 miles
I towed my vert 600 miles with a tow bar when i bought it. Just make sure you have working lights so you don't get rear ended.
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[johnr156]

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?

[HippyTom]

[slalombuggy]

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

[daven]

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

[Cusser]

I towed my 1970 sedan 300 miles once, back in 1986 using the tow bar.
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[Rome]

[notsnarb]

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.

[arizonabuckeye]

A four hour rental of a four wheel flat bed car trailer from I haul is like $50...

[rusty60]

stupid question?? Does it run, got a friend, DRIVE IT?? 10 miles.