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bear15
Samba Member
Joined: May 29, 2011
Posts: 55
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 Posted: Sun Dec 29, 2019 10:00 pm Post subject: 1982 Vanagon front tow bar kit etc. |
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Does anyone know if there is any type of front tow bar kit etc. available for our 1982 vanagon?
Any help appreciated. |
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bobbyblack 
Samba Member
Joined: May 21, 2015
Posts: 4348
Location: United States, Iowa
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| Posted: Sun Dec 29, 2019 11:30 pm Post subject: Re: 1982 Vanagon front tow bar kit etc. |
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There are some good options. I will link in some shots. At the advice of danfromsry, I investigated a tow bar that can break down into pieces small enough to stash just about anywhere. Can get it on any Vanagon in ~25 minutes.
Here is a good thread:
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=...mp;start=0
Just the last few posts to the thread. Life can be simple. Many WalMarts, and HarborFreights have these things.
What i did:
Got some bolts as mentioned in the thread, and Schlock-welded some radiator-frame-bracket backing plate supports up in a few minutes -- just needs to keep the bolts centered and keep them from sliding around in the frame. The welds i have here merely prevent the plates from wobbling around in the frame. . Towed a handful of Vanagons with this. Feels natural.
_________________
'87 Westy 'Flossie','86 Westy 'R1','86 tintop GL - Subi2.2 'J2','83.5 stock tintop L 'ZoomBus','74 Karmann Ghia, '63 Notch |
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djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32576
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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bear15
Samba Member
Joined: May 29, 2011
Posts: 55
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| Posted: Mon Dec 30, 2019 9:29 am Post subject: Re: 1982 Vanagon front tow bar kit etc. |
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Thanks for the very helpful information. We really appreciate it.
I have a quick follow-up question.
-Regarding the chrome bumper, did you cut slots into the chrome bumper so it can be reinstalled over the connectors you added? If yes, what did you use to cut the chrome?
| bobbyblack wrote: |
There are some good options. I will link in some shots. At the advice of danfromsry, I investigated a tow bar that can break down into pieces small enough to stash just about anywhere. Can get it on any Vanagon in ~25 minutes.
Here is a good thread:
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=...mp;start=0
Just the last few posts to the thread. Life can be simple. Many WalMarts, and HarborFreights have these things.
What i did:
Got some bolts as mentioned in the thread, and Schlock-welded some radiator-frame-bracket backing plate supports up in a few minutes -- just needs to keep the bolts centered and keep them from sliding around in the frame. The welds i have here merely prevent the plates from wobbling around in the frame. . Towed a handful of Vanagons with this. Feels natural.
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djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32576
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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bear15
Samba Member
Joined: May 29, 2011
Posts: 55
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| Posted: Mon Dec 30, 2019 4:32 pm Post subject: Re: 1982 Vanagon front tow bar kit etc. |
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Hi Dave,
Thank you for the heads-up. Yes, I do have the safety chains and the 4 speed manual transmission and will be towing less than 20 miles or so at slower speeds.
What I do not see, however, is how to get the connector through/around/under/etc. the chrome bumper cover.
Any help appreciated.
| djkeev wrote: |
Keep in mind, IF your unit has an automatic transmission, towing just became problematic.
There is also spirited debate about the safety aspects of flat towing a vehicle.
One thing these links really don't show is the required safety chains between the towing and towed units.
Dave |
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4Gears4Tires
Samba Member
Joined: October 08, 2018
Posts: 3019
Location: MD
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| Posted: Mon Dec 30, 2019 4:45 pm Post subject: Re: 1982 Vanagon front tow bar kit etc. |
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You have 2 options.
1. Leave the chrome bumper cover off.
2. Cut holes in the chrome bumper cover.
_________________
'87 Syncro
Ferric Oxyhydroxide Superleggera Edition |
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djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32576
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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bear15
Samba Member
Joined: May 29, 2011
Posts: 55
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| Posted: Mon Dec 30, 2019 5:46 pm Post subject: Re: 1982 Vanagon front tow bar kit etc. |
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Sounds good. Happy New Year!
| djkeev wrote: |
Just take the bumper off.
Two long sheet metal screws, one on each end cap.
Two 8mm bolts under the rubber strip.
Leave it off until you're done towing.
Only takes 10 minutes.
Dave |
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bobbyblack
Samba Member
Joined: May 21, 2015
Posts: 4348
Location: United States, Iowa
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| Posted: Mon Dec 30, 2019 9:21 pm Post subject: Re: 1982 Vanagon front tow bar kit etc. |
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Ahoy,
So about the holes in the bumper.. um, the PO had done the holes and his version of a bumper tow with similar pin-pivots as I ended up re-doing. At several suggestions from this forum, I cut, ground and caffed off the PO's version of a DIY tow bar, which I did not get in the handoff. So, at the suggestion of those great Vanagon owners who have forged a trail, I took the good advice I was given. The holes in the bumper were just bonus.
If I were to do it as a first, certainly, I would take the bumper off if/when towing. Easy to do, really per DJKeev's suggestion.
-bobby
_________________
'87 Westy 'Flossie','86 Westy 'R1','86 tintop GL - Subi2.2 'J2','83.5 stock tintop L 'ZoomBus','74 Karmann Ghia, '63 Notch |
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danfromsyr
Samba Member
Joined: March 01, 2004
Posts: 15143
Location: Syracuse, NY
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bear15
Samba Member
Joined: May 29, 2011
Posts: 55
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| Posted: Tue Dec 31, 2019 9:13 am Post subject: Re: 1982 Vanagon front tow bar kit etc. |
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Many thanks! Looks like a good option.
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bear15
Samba Member
Joined: May 29, 2011
Posts: 55
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| Posted: Tue Dec 31, 2019 9:22 am Post subject: Re: 1982 Vanagon front tow bar kit etc. |
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Does anyone have a used pair they might be willing to sell?
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bear15
Samba Member
Joined: May 29, 2011
Posts: 55
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| Posted: Tue Dec 31, 2019 9:13 pm Post subject: Re: 1982 Vanagon front tow bar kit etc. |
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Any idea on where I might find a used pair?
| bear15 wrote: |
Does anyone have a used pair they might be willing to sell?
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jimf909
Samba Member
Joined: April 03, 2014
Posts: 7462
Location: WA/ID
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| Posted: Tue Dec 31, 2019 10:28 pm Post subject: Re: 1982 Vanagon front tow bar kit etc. |
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You could post a want to buy ad here or check e-bay, etc.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/add.php
_________________
- Jim
| Abscate wrote: |
Do not get killed, do not kill others.
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Current: 1990 Westy Camper - Bostig RG4, 2wd, manual trans w/Peloquin, NAHT high-top, 280 ah LFP battery, 160 watts solar, Flash Silver, seam rust, bondo, etc., etc.
Past: 1985 Westy Camper - 1.9 wbx, 2wd, manual trans, Merian Brown, (sold after 17 years to Northwesty who converted it to a Syncro). |
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flyboyaviator
Samba Member
Joined: November 29, 2009
Posts: 154
Location: South Florida
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| Posted: Wed Jan 01, 2020 1:03 pm Post subject: Re: 1982 Vanagon front tow bar kit etc. |
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| I have a tow bar I was using to tow my toyota tacoma, and comes witha an attachment to mount to the tow bar, all you will need is the attacment to be installed on the front on the vanagon/ estfalia. Let me know. I'm in Florida. |
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bobbyblack
Samba Member
Joined: May 21, 2015
Posts: 4348
Location: United States, Iowa
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| Posted: Wed Jan 01, 2020 1:34 pm Post subject: Re: 1982 Vanagon front tow bar kit etc. |
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Good of you to look for one on the used market, I like re-use when it's an option too.
However.. I think the bar I got was $90. I have too many Vanagons, and I like to move the ones that I have not gotten to start/run around often enough that I looked into the mount points that attach to the vehicle. They are $80 per pair for what I have.
Its a no-brainer, get a brand new one for each Vanagon you want to tow. Yes, holes in the bumper are UGLY, but I have only seen about 2 Vanagons that were NOT ugly. (Beauty is only skin deep, some say). There are plenty of interesting things you can do with the link points if they are installed long-term with holes in the bumper.
Light Bar
Spoiler
Camera mounts
Curb Feelers
bush guard
hula dancers
endless ideas out there!!
My PO put on some nice shin protectors that I re-attached after getting the new attachment points on.
-bobby
_________________
'87 Westy 'Flossie','86 Westy 'R1','86 tintop GL - Subi2.2 'J2','83.5 stock tintop L 'ZoomBus','74 Karmann Ghia, '63 Notch |
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danfromsyr
Samba Member
Joined: March 01, 2004
Posts: 15143
Location: Syracuse, NY
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| Posted: Wed Jan 01, 2020 1:56 pm Post subject: Re: 1982 Vanagon front tow bar kit etc. |
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finding a used pair taken off and available
while not impossible, is improbable
the aftermarket built vanagon chassis mounts just aren't that common..
be happy that they are even available on a commercial basis..
for the towbar it'self you can buy one at most autoparts stores even walmart and harbor freight/tractor supply/rural king etc..
| bear15 wrote: |
Any idea on where I might find a used pair?
| bear15 wrote: |
Does anyone have a used pair they might be willing to sell?
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bear15
Samba Member
Joined: May 29, 2011
Posts: 55
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| Posted: Wed Jan 01, 2020 4:31 pm Post subject: Re: 1982 Vanagon front tow bar kit etc. |
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I already have the new tow bar (inexpensive) what I am in need of is the roadmaster front mounts you mentioned which are much more expensive.
Sorry for any confusion . . . Ed
| danfromsyr wrote: |
finding a used pair taken off and available
while not impossible, is improbable
the aftermarket built vanagon chassis mounts just aren't that common..
be happy that they are even available on a commercial basis..
for the towbar it'self you can buy one at most autoparts stores even walmart and harbor freight/tractor supply/rural king etc..
| bear15 wrote: |
Any idea on where I might find a used pair?
| bear15 wrote: |
Does anyone have a used pair they might be willing to sell?
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danfromsyr
Samba Member
Joined: March 01, 2004
Posts: 15143
Location: Syracuse, NY
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| Posted: Wed Jan 01, 2020 8:22 pm Post subject: Re: 1982 Vanagon front tow bar kit etc. |
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na, I got that..
I figured you bought the cheap part and balked on the $$ part
you can always go with the remove bumper and $30 set of bolts.. but do NOT cheap on the HEAVY backing plate/washer..
I can't guess at your DIY abilities or if you want to remove the bumper each time or always when you tow the van..
the roadmaster fit kit isn't common at all. very few van owners go the extra $$ and in fact I'm surprised with so few sales. that the parts are even still offered for sale.. |
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