Tow bar for light towing

[Car Pit]

I'm still building up my collection of Model A support equipment and am pondering options for towing my A. I fully understand for the long road and higher speeds to get a full size trailer by rental or purchase. What I'm curious about is if a front mounted tow bar will work for short distance and lower speed towing. That seems awefully convenient for a spontaneous trip and I could get a pull home safely from most anyone if needed.

Any experience with that or advice?

[Pete]

They were all there was for many years. They work fine.
With a second driver you can also use the towed car as a helper to get over the mountains or if the tow car breaks down.

[grapp]

Hey I have one I'd sell.... Came with a bunch of parts and cars I bought...

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by Pete

They were all there was for many years. They work fine.
With a second driver you can also use the towed car as a helper to get over the mountains or if the tow car breaks down.

I remember "back in the day" that when my parents moved, we had to move the Model A with us. Tow bar was used, the kind that bolted to the front bumper brackets. When we got into the mountains, my dad had one of us kids (albeit underage) sit back in the Model A and use it's engine to help push things over the hills. If I remember correctly, he was towing it with a '50 Ford with a 6 cylinder engine.

[[email protected]]

I have an old tow bar that looks to be home made that was made to clamp onto the drag line in addition to the axle attachment allowing it to steer the Model A during towing. It works on the 28-29 with no problems but the 30-31's you have to remove the radiator apron to get the clearance. May not hurt to remove the front bumper as well.

I carry it under the rear seat in my Tudor on long tours. I personally have never needed it but it has been loaned out of several occasions. Reports back have been that it helped to keep the towed vehicle straight and works like a charm on sharp turns...

[Louis]

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I bought a universal tow bar from harbor freight, I did have to make some minor mod's on it, it clamps to the bumper, I carry it on the floor in the rumble seat area
[31 coupe] That way any friend with a bumper hitch can tow it, I have not had to use it yet, before I bought it I did have to tow it home, maybe 4 miles, I used a rope on one of the bumper bracket's, tow speed was 15-20 mph on back roads, I rode the breaks, no problem, after that I bought the tow bar.
My advice would be to buy a tow bar, but for use on short distance tow's and at low speeds.

[Kevin in NJ]

The tow bars can work for long distances no problem, well except for that law stuff. I know my family flat towed several early Fords 8 to 10 hours at speed. The transmissions do not blow up.

In many areas they have laws against towing unless there are brakes functioning on the towed vehicle. Some states it is ok and others it is not. Just because your state allows it does not mean you can tow through a state that does not allow it. I know the cops look for it.

Look up for towing rules on the net for more info.

[oliverguy]

My parents towed a 79 toyota truck from PA to CA and back behind a ryder truck when I was a kid. The tow bar is still sitting in my parents basement, where it's been for the last 25 years. I don't think they could afford to rent the trailer.

[denis4x4]

OK, you don't have to tie down the steering wheel! The front end won't fall apart when you drill holes in the axle and forget about disconnecting the steering! This is the same tow bar I used to haul a Jeep from San Diego to Telluride and back for years. Don't forget, the dry lake racers used Ford wishbones to make tow bars to haul race cars over the Grapevine before WWII!

When I take a vehicle in for service, I haul the roadster so that I don't have to inconvenience my wife for a ride.

[SLPreston53]

I have used a modified VW towbar many times, no problems.

[green30coupe]

I have used a VW tow bar for short slow speed trips. (mostly to get across town to another shop) I keep one around "just in case" of a local breakdown. Fits right on an A axle and the car follows without the steering wheel being tied, disconnecting the drag link, or anything. Just attach it and go. A cheap set of magnetic towing lights from Harbor Freight will work for you. I never backed up or went faster than about 35 or so.

Ed

[Louis]

Ed,
Was the VW tow bar you towed your A model with for the older VW or the 1970 and newer ? I know the bug changed their frt. end in 1971 I think, and used a diff. tow bar then the 1970 and older model's. Thanks.

[green30coupe]

This is the type I have. (not sure the picture posted) As far as I know the same tow bar will fit a regular beetle, Karman Ghia or Thing. The Super Beetle takes a different tow bar. The one that can be used for an A slips up on to the axle and is held in place by a heavy pin with a hairpin clip through it on each side.

[Charles Coe]

Back in the 60s the previous owner of my 31 SW sedan towed it from California to Florida. I've also towed it 300 miles a couple of times at 55 to 60 mph with no apparent problems. I disconnect the drag link since most As I've towed follow better with the steering disconnected.

[glenn in camino]

Towing an A by the bumper is not safe unless you have original bumper clamps.

[Mike V. Florida]

The one I used hung from the bumper but was chained to the axle.

[Charles Coe]

Mine attaches to the bumper and bumper arm together over the clamps. But it was built for a Model A by an elderly gentleman in our club back in the 70s.

[Jordan]

My grandparents used a homemade tow bar multiple times when the car would break down unexpectedly or when they would move and need to tow the Model A. However, they did try to always have one of them ride in the Model A if it was on a tow bar just incase it came off the bar (which one time it did).

[Drive Shaft Dave]

A friend of mine's elderly uncle had a tow bar he made for an A and was given to me. I modified it so that it would clamp around the axle. Used it to tow an A chassis about 75 mile , worked great.

[Car Pit]

Great feedback, and as always... Thanks.

I picked up a tow bar from Harbor freight with the thought that I could interchange the front bumper clamps with the bar mounting bracket. This way one bolt hole would already be provided and I would only have to get creative on securing the second bolt to the support. Do you guys think the bumper supports are forgiving enough to allow towing like this or would they yield out of their original position? Photos attached for reference of the positioning...

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by Car Pit

Great feedback, and as always... Thanks.

I picked up a tow bar from Harbor freight with the thought that I could interchange the front bumper clamps with the bar mounting bracket. This way one bolt hole would already be provided and I would only have to get creative on securing the second bolt to the support. Do you guys think the bumper supports are forgiving enough to allow towing like this or would they yield out of their original position? Photos attached for reference of the positioning...

It should work fine that way. I made my own tow bar and have about 7,000 tow miles on it and have never had a problem. I 've only used it once in the past twenty years since I built a light car hauling trailer. My tow bar would be bolted through the clamp holes also.

[jrapose]

I had one set up like that years ago, and it pulled the bumper apart...the bumper brackets just pulled apart....and it was a wild ride getting off the road....I would never ever tow using a bumper clamped tow bar....never ever !

I now have a VW style under the axle type tow bar...with some wings welded on to take any side to side play away....I think they used to sell for about $25 years ago and every volkswagen parts house sold them....probably see lots of them at swap meets for cheap.... I only use a tow bar in a pinch, but would far prefer to use a trailer....they rent cheap usually about $30 a day or better yet I bought my own so I diden't have to worry about towing....I also bought proper tie downs for the trailer...it makes the job much easier and after alll these years of using it has paid for itself many times over.

joel
Chester

[Merc Cruzer]

Since I live in Colorado and we have been known to have a fire or two during summer, I put together this tow bar setup for my 53' Merc with the same tow bar from Harbor Freight, to allow the car to be towed short distances on a short notice. The mounts stay on the car peminately so all you have to do is fasten the tow bar with the two pins and hook it the trailer hitch (in my case on the back of the Grand Cherokee) and you are ready to go. Time about 15 minutes. Not noticeable when standing in front of the car

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Originally Posted by denis4x4

OK, you don't have to tie down the steering wheel! The front end won't fall apart when you drill holes in the axle and forget about disconnecting the steering! This is the same tow bar I used to haul a Jeep from San Diego to Telluride and back for years. Don't forget, the dry lake racers used Ford wishbones to make tow bars to haul race cars over the Grapevine before WWII!

When I take a vehicle in for service, I haul the roadster so that I don't have to inconvenience my wife for a ride.

Dennis,
Saw a HUGE motor home pull over when it's towed Toyota Truck began shimmying badly. He tied the Toyota's steering wheel TIGHTLY to the windwing post!!! Sure would have liked to see his first 90 degree turn!!!!!!!!! Bill W.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Originally Posted by 1930 coupe

I did not want to damage the chrome on the bumper so I remove the bumper and attach a channel iron in its place, then fasten the tow bar to the channel iron.

1930 coupe,
Good lookin' simple, safe, tow bar. Love your "Black Phantom" Coupe! Hey! that's an Oklahoma license plate, my country! Pics of "MINERVA," had to sell her, (Sigh!) for care home $$$$ for Pat. Bill W.

[Car Pit]

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I appreciate the warnings and the ideas. Making those brackets functional, accessible, and inconspicuous is a fun challenge.

Joel,
I'll be sure those brackets are not mounted only to the bumper bars.

Denis,
I really like the idea of towing the model A in when I'm getting my truck serviced. That makes the routine service call sound more motivating.

[[email protected]]

Originally Posted by [email protected]

I have an old tow bar that looks to be home made that was made to clamp onto the drag line in addition to the axle attachment allowing it to steer the Model A during towing. It works on the 28-29 with no problems but the 30-31's you have to remove the radiator apron to get the clearance. May not hurt to remove the front bumper as well.

I carry it under the rear seat in my Tudor on long tours. I personally have never needed it but it has been loaned out of several occasions. Reports back have been that it helped to keep the towed vehicle straight and works like a charm on sharp turns...

I dug out that Model A tow bar that I mentioned earlier and took some snaps of it. It is pretty hevi duty and just plain heavy..

It clamps onto the axle and then the back end clamps onto the steering drag line. Works like a hay rack wagon tongue for steering. It is small enough to fit under my Tudor back seat along with a good log chain and is my towing insurance policy to get pulled off the road to a service spot...

Model A Tow Bar 1.jpg

Model A Tow Bar 2.jpg

Model A Tow Bar 3.jpg

[leo]

I'm resurrecting this post because it talks about VW tow bars and Harbor Freight universal tow bars. I need the specifics. I have a Ford F150 pickup and a 1930 coupe. I want to carry a tow bar in the pickup should I get stuck. Not going any long distance, just home to the garage. Are there any posts, Model A News or Model A Restorer layouts which detail what to do for this purpose?

[JackA]

I remember seeing a plan for one in a "Restorer" magazine. Hooked to the outside bumper bracket bolts.

[Bruce,Upstate NY]

The best would be the ones that used to be manufactured for making hay wagons from a car chassis. A forged or cast part clamped to the front axle. A tongue extended from the hitch point , pivoted at the axle, and clamped with a pivot point on the tie rod. Just like a hay wagon today.

[bettlesr]

Years ago, I flat towed a 1956 Corvette from NJ to NH and back behind a 1961 Chevy convertible a number of times to the track. Only problem I ever had was when one of the front tires in on the Corvette blew out. It was an interesting and wild ride getting it slowed down. I had a wire feeding the tail and stop lights and a reflective sign I put on the back saying "Car in Tow". After the tire incident, the next and all further trips were on a double axle trailer behind a full size van.
Tow brackets were welded on to the front of the chassis on the Corvette.

['29wagon]

I tow my willys jeep with one of those like denis4x4 has in that picture and the cast c channels twisted to the point of danger.
I replaced them with 2"square tube but I still don't trust the ball connector,I've seen them damaged .
Always use a chain and take it slow.

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by leo

I'm resurrecting this post because it talks about VW tow bars and Harbor Freight universal tow bars. I need the specifics. I have a Ford F150 pickup and a 1930 coupe. I want to carry a tow bar in the pickup should I get stuck. Not going any long distance, just home to the garage. Are there any posts, Model A News or Model A Restorer layouts which detail what to do for this purpose?

I don't think you will find one specific well documented step by step procedure.

If I were you I would get the Harbor freight unit ($80.00) and fit it to the car with the bumper removed as to prevent the clamps from breaking. Mount the tow bar to the bumper mounts.

I removed the pitman arm and hung it by a piece of wire to take strain off the steering box.

[BarracudaBoy]

Originally Posted by [email protected]

I dug out that Model A tow bar that I mentioned earlier and took some snaps of it. It is pretty hevi duty and just plain heavy..

It clamps onto the axle and then the back end clamps onto the steering drag line. Works like a hay rack wagon tongue for steering. It is small enough to fit under my Tudor back seat along with a good log chain and is my towing insurance policy to get pulled off the road to a service spot...

Attachment 108405

Attachment 108406

Attachment 108407

I like that design!

[Car Pit]

I bought the Harbor Freight unit and it has served well pulling the car back and forth on a couple short runs.

I remove the bumper clamps, turn the backing plates to the front, and mount the adaptors with the bumper in place. I also disconnect the pitman arm.

Everything needs to be tightened down securely, otherwise you'll risk bending the bumper brackets that connect the bumper to the frame.