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Posted by: Mikey914 Aug 21 2018, 10:16 AM

So, I have made hundreds of these and have many satisfied customers. I flat tow longer distances as it gives me an insurance policy that if it stops running I can always get it back home at minimal expense. It's also the only way the wife will go on the further trips. You don't even notice it's there. I leave mine on all the time. The LE airdam allows for the bracket to be accessed without removing anything.
The assembly bolts to the "frame" at the front A arm mount point and we provide the hardened steel bolts to do so as part of the kit.

The LE airdam is ONLY available at $125 with the purchase of the tow bar. Brackets are optional and not required if a Empi style tow bar is not used.

So, who's interested?

I'll post up more pictures later today.


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Posted by: Mikey914 Aug 21 2018, 10:25 AM

As you can see from the angle it hides pretty well.
Note that the mounts are actually rounded to act as a skid plate and that the bar is tucked up under the mount point to make it less likely you could "find" something with it.


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Posted by: Mikey914 Aug 21 2018, 01:11 PM

Just to be clear I need 10 takers to offer this up.

Posted by: relentless Aug 21 2018, 03:06 PM

Mark, what else is needed to connect to the tow vehicle?

Posted by: Mikey914 Aug 21 2018, 03:40 PM

Currently the VW beetle tow bar that is available on Amazon and other places as well as the tow lights from harbor freight. They often go on sale for $10. Don't bother with LED as I've had my reg ones for 5 years.

The improvement we are working on will add $26 but will allow for use of the cheaper tow bar. often on sale for about $69.
https://www.harborfreight.com/5000-lb-capacity-adjustable-tow-bar-94696.html

20% of coupons help

Here's one for $39.99

https://www.ruralking.com/tow-bar-adjustbl-5000lb-capacity?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=shopping&utm_content=25753129&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjJbJ_Iz_3AIVDdRkCh29rgX8EAQYASABEgKgFvD_BwE

The lights are here -

https://www.ruralking.com/max-load-12v-mag-towing-lt-kit?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=shopping&utm_content=31013484&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIl7Ky3o3_3AIVhfhkCh2mgg9DEAQYBSABEgKAuPD_BwE

and here

https://www.harborfreight.com/12-volt-magnetic-towing-light-kit-63100.html

Posted by: Grafiks Aug 22 2018, 04:22 AM

Bob Hodgin
Grafiks

Posted by: Grafiks Aug 22 2018, 04:25 AM

Will buy
Grafiks
Bob Hodgin
Banner Elk, NC

Posted by: Rleog Aug 22 2018, 05:30 AM

I'm not familiar with general towing laws. How much weight can you legally tow without having brakes on the towed vehicle/trailer actuated by the towing vehicle?

Posted by: Mikey914 Aug 22 2018, 07:06 AM

may vary in different states, but 3000# is the only thing I've ever seen.

Posted by: PanelBilly Aug 22 2018, 10:48 AM

I want the new bar that works with the HF tow bar. I’ve been trying to figure out how to modify my brand new bar that I still haven’t installed because it doesn’t connect with the HF unit. Can I trade you if I pay for a new spoiler too?

Posted by: Mikey914 Aug 22 2018, 11:10 AM

Actuall it's an add on so you will just need the new adapter.

Posted by: markhoward Aug 22 2018, 11:43 AM

Would like to get in on an LE air dam deal but already bought your flat tow bar last year.

Posted by: cuddy_k Aug 22 2018, 02:09 PM

Thanks for this, Mark! I'm in for the bar and LE airdam...

Ian

Posted by: PanelBilly Aug 22 2018, 03:10 PM

Are the adapters ready?

Posted by: pilothyer Aug 22 2018, 04:32 PM

Mark...…….Looks like an excellent idea. I would be up for the package....Jerry

Posted by: Mikey914 Aug 22 2018, 06:19 PM

Will be this week.
Finishing up testing, just need to finalize hardware schedule.
Mark

Posted by: KELTY360 Aug 22 2018, 06:49 PM

I'm looking at options to tow my 914 behind my SVX Westy. What's the difference between this one and the one @http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showuser=453 has in the Member Vendor section?

http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=294018

Posted by: Mikey914 Aug 22 2018, 09:04 PM

His is a diferent design. Functionally woud be simular. Im just not a fan of the amgle bracket.
Other than that mine you used to have to buy the super beetle tow bar for mine. With the new adapter, you will be able to use a tow bar that is less expensive and you could pick up localky to save shipping on a heavy part.

Posted by: relentless Aug 23 2018, 05:14 PM

Mark, will the air dam work on a BUB car?

Posted by: 914werke Aug 23 2018, 06:38 PM

Cool I just got a "notification" that I was tagged & could follow the embedded link to this thread.
Thanks Andy!

To address the question Kelty posed... While I dont understand what your issue is with the use of an angle on the construction of my bracket, it looks like you are now intending to adapt your bracket to mimic the function (& price) of one that is already available! http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?s=&showtopic=294018&view=findpost&p=2396178
I guess imitation "is" the sincerest form of flattery.

Posted by: whitetwinturbo Aug 23 2018, 10:17 PM

I'm in!

Posted by: Mikey914 Aug 25 2018, 11:23 PM

Sorry not getting it, BUB?

Posted by: Mikey914 Aug 25 2018, 11:30 PM

No the design of mine has not changed. I've simply made adapters to allow for the customer to use a less expensive tow bar and save some cash.

My problem is that the angle bracket gives you a wider profile to "catch" something with. You invite frame damage should it catch with any force as they do mount to the frame. That's the idea of the rounded protrusion used to mount the bar. My exposed profile is 3/8" looks like yours is at least 1-1/4"

Thanks for jumping on the thread and plugging your product. You don't see me jumping on your classifieds and threads. Just say'n

Posted by: Mikey914 Aug 26 2018, 04:03 PM

Here's picture of the new adapter compared to the original HF mount. we used 3/8" steel, they used something less than 1/4" but close to it. We also moved the hole to raise the bracket some giving it a clearance similar to the Empi tow bar.
you can even use the same hardware. More pictures soon. Working today.


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Posted by: Coondog Aug 26 2018, 04:26 PM

I have a Blue Ox tow bar for my motorhome. If your set up works then I am a buyer.

Posted by: Mikey914 Aug 26 2018, 11:21 PM

Post up the dimensions for the gaps I will measure off and confirm.
-Mark

Posted by: 914werke Aug 26 2018, 11:26 PM

Sorry but all you are doing now is spreading inprobable FUD about a product whos features that in your own words, are an improvement over the version you now offer .
Lets be Real...If your car has functioning suspension (& you have to assume it does if you plan on towing it) there is no way to "catch" the crossbar on anything.
I know you understand that a 914 is a unitbody design so Ill let the "frame" comments slide...but if you are dragging a 914 over anything that would impact the tow brackt... that is the least of your worries.

Hmm so when URO makes what you believe are derogitiory comments about your products in a thread its fair game to repsond, but when you are the one slinging the about another members vendors parts its not? Wow!

Last I checked Mark this isnt the Classifieds, its the Garage. Have you forgotten the distinction?

Posted by: Mikey914 Aug 26 2018, 11:36 PM

I never compared my product top yours, I will answer questions, but I believe it to be better in that the clearance is greater.

Regardless, I don't jump on your thread that you keep bumping and try to sell my stuff on it. Hoped you might have the same courtesy, but I guess not.

Posted by: mepstein Aug 27 2018, 06:04 AM

Mark, I'll take one.

I'm thinking it would be cheap insurance to have on a car while I'm testing things out. It's a lot easier to find a friend with a pickup and hitch than wait for a flatbed.

Posted by: Coondog Aug 27 2018, 07:21 AM

Might take awhile as it’s buried in my storage unit...... Put me down for one anyway....

Posted by: 914forme Aug 27 2018, 07:04 PM

I'm in, I have a trailer but as others have said it is a lot easier to get the wife to drive the truck over with the hitch in the cab if I break down on shake down runs.

Posted by: Mikey914 Aug 28 2018, 10:40 AM

I know mine has paid for itself several times over.

Posted by: Kansas 914 Aug 28 2018, 11:32 AM

If the adapters are ready soon - can Matt bring a set to Red Rocks? I will pre-pay!

PS: What are the "stand-off spacers" referenced on the website? I don't think I got those and might need them as well. (I haven't installed mine yet - but plan to before Rennsport....)

Posted by: 7TPorsh Aug 28 2018, 03:44 PM

BUB is Big Ugly Bumpers - late car. Are the spoilers available by themselves?

Posted by: Mikey914 Aug 29 2018, 12:43 AM

Yes the BUB can use the LE, and the tow bracket. I have yet to picture what the LE would look like on the late as I never did it and backdated my 75 bumpers.
The spoilers are available alone, but are priced better with the bar.

https://shop.914rubber.com/LE-replica-airdam-914AD-LE.htm?categoryId=-1

Posted by: Mikey914 Aug 29 2018, 12:44 AM

Parts are actually done, just doing some testing to assure QC and things work as intended.

Posted by: Rleog Aug 29 2018, 05:09 PM

I'm in for a bar.

Posted by: relentless Aug 30 2018, 05:15 PM

I'm in for a bar for my BUB car. Bit ugly bumpers they may well be.

Posted by: Mikey914 Aug 30 2018, 11:00 PM

Looks like we hit 10 I'll get the package put together and PM all.
Thanks,
mark

Posted by: 914forme Aug 31 2018, 07:31 AM

One the Blue Ox to your bar there are adapters out there to cross convert systems. Harbor freight most likely "based the design" off an existing system. That allows worse case for the end user to purchase a proper adapter for the tow bar base your selling.

Posted by: Mikey914 Aug 31 2018, 10:44 AM

Thats what I was thinking too

Posted by: Mikey914 Aug 31 2018, 06:04 PM

Been a little busy, just finishing these up. The ones closest are pretty much done, they will all be in the finished pile tonight.

Powder next week.




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Posted by: mb911 Sep 1 2018, 08:25 AM

Wow that is allot of work for a super cheap price. I am impressed as it looks high quality.. Great job on this and that is someone that's specialties are welding and fabrication.. .

Posted by: 914forme Sep 1 2018, 10:11 AM

These look closer to the old Renn-metal products. He made one with his trailer tie down brackets on the front that I have been thinking of duplicating. I love his tie downs on the front, the rear is a different story, but I just welded my one set to the arm.

The design error was not due to his design I used it for my own rear swayer mount for the rear drop links.

I prefer to tie down via the chassis and keep suspension movement to a minimum. I have wheel wraps, suspension wraps. But just hooking to the tie downs was fast and easy and reduced the unintended mileage added to the shocks.

I may be crazy.

Posted by: Mikey914 Sep 1 2018, 12:58 PM

Pat and I thank you. Yes lots of fabrication and architectural projects.

Posted by: Mikey914 Sep 14 2018, 04:12 PM

For those that want the GB price use the coupon code "towGB18" at checkout
I will have these in hand Tuesday with fresh powder on them.

Posted by: Mikey914 Sep 14 2018, 04:25 PM

I didn't like the adapters I made so, I'm working on the adapters and will have ready in about 10 days.

The new ones will be $25 when ready and I will keep the GB open until They are complete + a week or two. If you want them you can wait.


BUT the good news is I will GIVE you the ones I made. no charge. Will cost more to rework them than bend up new metal.


They work but need the hole located up a little more (in my opinion) You be the judge, may save you $25

Thanks for your patience,
mark

Posted by: PotterPorsche Sep 14 2018, 06:34 PM

I have one from the last group but, thing works awesome . Thanks 914rubber.

Posted by: Kansas 914 Sep 19 2018, 02:35 PM

Hi Mark,

Do you have a picture of the adapters?

I have your bracket attached to my car and the Harbor Freight Tow Bar. I leave Tuesday (early AM) for California and would like to have something in case of catastrophic failure...

I arrive at Rennsport Thursday in the 914 Corral.

Thanks!

Posted by: Mikey914 Sep 19 2018, 11:48 PM

Here's the adapters mounted on the harbor freight bar. Mine are the big ones if you can't tell. You can use the bolts that come with the bar to mount these.

Just picked up from powder today and will be packing up to be ready to ship tomorrow. I have a few LE air dams left in stock and will have more end of next week.


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Posted by: Kansas 914 Sep 20 2018, 07:43 AM

Mark - thanks for the detailed update and images.

I don't think I have time to order these and get delivered before Rennsport - but it is exactly what I need - well done.

Is anyone from 914Rubber coming to Rennsport that can hand deliver? I plan on driving the car both ways from Durango - but it is nice to have a plan B.

Posted by: Mikey914 Sep 20 2018, 11:16 AM

Matt is planning on being there. I can send him with some stuff. We have all the hardware you need to change out (as the 3/8" steel adds length to the requirement for the hardware, as well as spacer tubes for the front bolts.

One thing that hasn't been mentioned is that we include the mounting hardware you need to install these so you will not need to make a trip to the hardware store looking for bolts.

If your front end has any tweaked you can add a washer or two.

Posted by: Kansas 914 Sep 20 2018, 11:29 AM

Once again - you guys are the best.

I look forward to having these adapters on hand in case something happens on the 1000 mile return trip!

Posted by: HansJan Sep 20 2018, 05:53 PM

Can I still order one?

Posted by: Mikey914 Sep 20 2018, 06:04 PM

Yes this is just starting to get rolling, Scott actually packaged them all up and they are ready to ship.

Posted by: HansJan Sep 20 2018, 06:48 PM

Is my car a good candidate (see pic)?

Posted by: Mikey914 Sep 20 2018, 07:02 PM

YES, I'd say you are 1/2 way there. No need to remove the air dam as you have the clearance.


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Posted by: pilothyer Oct 17 2018, 02:25 AM

Hey Mark...…..I received the Tow Bar, The Adapters, and that beautiful LE Air Dam. What a well made group of products...….Thanks...………..Jerry

Posted by: Kansas 914 Oct 17 2018, 07:18 AM

Are the adapters for the HF tow bar on the website now? Also - are the spacers listed?

Posted by: HansJan Oct 17 2018, 04:50 PM

Totally agree.
Most importantly.... it works!!

Posted by: 914werke Oct 17 2018, 07:19 PM

hard to tell from that shot but it looks like its attached kinda crooked?

Posted by: Chris914n6 Oct 17 2018, 08:00 PM

Looks like your adapters were welded wrong. That's a double pivot and not the way to do it.

Posted by: HansJan Oct 17 2018, 09:40 PM

[quote name='Chris914n6' date='Oct 17 2018, 09:00 PM' post='2658317']
Looks like your adapters were welded wrong. That's a double pivot and not the way to do it.

You are right. You think I have received the wrong adapter, for the HF bar?

Posted by: Chris914n6 Oct 17 2018, 11:19 PM

Compare yours to the ones Mikey posted earlier. Looks different to me.

Posted by: pilothyer Oct 18 2018, 02:59 AM

[quote name='Chris914n6' date='Oct 18 2018, 12:19 AM' post='2658356']
[quote name='HansJan' date='Oct 17 2018, 08:40 PM' post='2658334']
[quote name='Chris914n6' date='Oct 17 2018, 09:00 PM' post='2658317']
Looks like your adapters were welded wrong. That's a double pivot and not the way to do it.

You are right. You think I have received the wrong adapter, for the HF bar?
[/quote]
Compare yours to the ones Mikey posted earlier. Looks different to me.
[/quote]

Posted by: sixnotfour Oct 18 2018, 03:17 AM

2 many adapters...both wrong


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Posted by: Mikey914 Oct 18 2018, 09:00 AM

Actually the HF end needs to be removed and the new part replaces it. I'll see if I can drop a pic shortly. It can use the bolt and nut that attaches the HF end piece that it comes with. I made them so you didn't have to go buy hardware.
Mark

Posted by: HansJan Oct 18 2018, 11:11 AM

Thanks for the reply Mark,
Scott mentioned that I accidentally received some parts that were meant to be scrapped, and that the correct parts are being mailed.

I never gave it a thought. Our friends on in this community, with 20/20 vision, pointed it out.

Thanks for looking after me guys.

Posted by: HansJan Oct 20 2018, 03:59 PM

Installed the LE airdam today. Looks good.
And received the new adapters for the towbar.
All seems good (will test later this week).

Posted by: HansJan Oct 21 2018, 11:36 AM

Adapters are good.
Thanks guys.

Posted by: Kansas 914 Oct 21 2018, 11:41 AM

Nice!

I need those adapters for my HF tow bar. Did you use the spacers for the mount as well?

Posted by: mb911 Oct 21 2018, 12:21 PM

I have never towed a 914 or any car this way before and will likely not ever but how does the car turn corners? Do you just leave the steering wheel unlocked?

Posted by: 914werke Oct 21 2018, 01:00 PM

yes. tracks fine

Posted by: sixnotfour Oct 21 2018, 01:46 PM

Ive flatowed at least 20 different 914s ,,,only had one that the steering wheel needed to be locked straight...be cause it would not stay centered waving side to side.

Posted by: Steve Oct 21 2018, 02:02 PM

Curious, do you disconnect the battery and leave the keys in the ignition to prevent the steering from locking?

Posted by: Mikey914 Oct 22 2018, 10:44 AM

No need to disconnect the battery. Just turn the key enough to unlock the wheel. If you are not towing very far I have turned on the headlights to get the running lights (key off) for extra visibility at night.

Posted by: HansJan Oct 22 2018, 08:39 PM

Nice!

I need those adapters for my HF tow bar. Did you use the spacers for the mount as well?
[/quote]

Not sure which spacers you are referring to. It bolts directly to the car (after removing the cover that protect the torsion bars) with 3 bolts on each side.

I probably have to lower the tow-hitch a few inches, to avoid the bar from pointing upwards too much (which could damage the airdam).

Posted by: Amphicar770 Oct 25 2018, 07:51 PM

My flat towbar and the harbor freight unit both arrived today. Do I also need to separately order the adapters referenced in this thread? Are those on your website?

Posted by: Kansas 914 Oct 26 2018, 07:30 AM

Mark has mentioned he has spacers to achieve the correct geometry - they might be what you need.

Posted by: Amphicar770 Oct 26 2018, 09:19 AM

All the discussion about adapters and spacers has me confused.

I bought the flat tow bar kit. I bought the harbor freight towbar. Both just came in. Do I need to buy more stuff and from where?

Posted by: HansJan Oct 26 2018, 11:49 AM

See below picture.
If you have this adapter in your stash, you are good to go.
Otherwise, call 914Rubber or send this picture to them.

Posted by: Chris914n6 Oct 26 2018, 04:19 PM

I have an older tow bar. Will the adapters fit a 1"x2" box tube?

Posted by: Mikey914 Sep 19 2020, 06:30 PM

Just completed universal tow bar brackets that allow you to use the EMPI bar without them or you can use HF, Walmart towbars with the adapter brackets. You can see how my adapters allow you to simply trade out the originals and that the steel we used was thicker than than the actual tow bar.

The bar with the hardware to mount it is $99 and the adapter brackets are $25
New brackets shown on a Walmart bar.

My tow bar is barely visible from the front We're doing another run who's in ?

I've been using this in testing for the last 6 months probably should sell these eventually so GB is on


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Posted by: mepstein Sep 19 2020, 07:15 PM

I bought mine a year ago but same question. I don’t remember anything about adaptors.

Posted by: Mikey914 Sep 20 2020, 10:54 AM

If you bought my bar you might need the adaptors. You can see the end that I took off that would allow a bolt to go through. The adaptors are shown attached to the Walmart bar.
You should take a look and see what you have as the bars I made were designed for the Empi tow bar. Post up a pic of what you have I can let you know.
Mark

Posted by: Chris914n6 Oct 8 2020, 03:40 PM

I have an older tow bar from Pepboys circa 2000ish. Will the adapters fit a 2" box tube?
Or... what size is the HF C-channel bar?

@http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showuser=3348

Posted by: Mikey914 Oct 8 2020, 05:25 PM

Should opening is 2-1/8"