Tow bar question, Will it work? Options

[dlee1967]

Dan, I am going to get the bar attachment point as high as possible for ground clearance and as close to the mounting plate as possible to remove the moment. While it is preferred to come out and up with an extended arm, this multiplies the force on the baseplate. It also looks ugly. We want low profile.

I'm jammed up for the next two nights with family and work projects, so the revised ears will have to wait until Wednesday night.

[DanT]

I am trying to load a photoshopped image with some graphics on it. but I can't get the system to allow me to upload...any suggestions?

[Andyrew]

Id pay 75-100 for it, pure bolt in.

[DanT]

does this make sense?

[dlee1967]

Dan, the yellow line is where the new tabs will reside. I have some concern about strength with the notch idea. It also means a lot more welding on my part. I think we can get there with just shorter tabs. We have to consider not only those with "special edition" spoilers as I have shown in my picture, but also other shallow spoilers. As it is currently built, the stock front valance will have to be notched for the tabs. Not somethiing that everyone will want to do. DLee

[plas76targa]

wrote this while the above post "arrived". edits look good

David, can the two piece's the pin attaches to reach more forward and up? Perhaps instead of a straight pc angling down, you add a bend to it to raise it an inch.

I like the look of your current tow eyes, would adding a second eye to each of those allow one to simply attach their TB with the pins? Definitely would be tough for those with the stock valence (me), but possible for the GT valence shown?

Suggestion, for further ground clearance can the SB bar be flipped over? (I don't recall what the Hitch end of that looks like, whether that can be removed or not).

Thanks for looking into this. This is exactly what I was wanted last summer but time forces a work around. I'll watch to see your final product.

[dlee1967]

Andrew......so you found some more change in your couch eh?

[DanT]

David,
I was pretty sure that the notch would add a lot more welding and fab for you, just an idea.
If the tabs could be shorter and more vertical, or more horizontal, might also help.
Actually, now that I think about it, with an LE spoiler the tabs would probably be mounted almost horizontally, extending forward. Giving more ground clearance as well as more shear strength.
I know this is a quick mule, but the tabs having rounded edges would also help with getting caught on stuff.
Looking very good. Keep up the good work.
You may get this up and flying before I even get my car back to try my own fabbing.
Still might have some bare baseplates for a trade in. (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/wink.gif)

[dlee1967]

Matt, you can't flip the SB tow bar over. It is already offset to allow for a low car and a high ball. If I could build my own bar with more of an offset it would be preferred, but I don't want to turn this into too big of a project. I also don't want to have to hassle with shipping full bars.

The idea of moviing the attachment points up and a bit out is what I will do on my next version. You can't go too far out without more reinforcement. More reinforcement will make it more obvious to those looking at your car. We are looking for stealth as well as function.

I am not sure what you are asking about the pins? This is designed so you only have to pull the two pins to remove the bar. (also remove safety chains). DLee

[dlee1967]

Dan, I've noticed your two references about trading in the base plates........I don't negotiate until I have something to barter with...... (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/wink.gif) DLee

[Andyrew]

Lol

To me, I'll pay for how difficult it is to make.

If I can make it... I wont pay much (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif)

Whatever design you make I'll take. Whatever price you show I'll pay (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/laugh.gif)

But I have to keep in mind that im running a 916 front bumper, and later a rennegade. But I dont mind cutting....

[dlee1967]

Andrew.....I have a 916 to try but it looks like it will need notching. The Renegade is a no go like the Ultimate Air dam.

[Andyrew]

oh.. you dont understand... I'll make it work (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif) (i'll probably just take off the bumperwhile traveling)

But.. if I havent said this before..


Thank you!

Your work on this is greatly appreciated!

[dlee1967]

Last post for today as I need to get some work done. I have attached a quick pick of how the new weldments will look. Up and out rather than out and down.

[Pugbug]

Why not move the tab on the tow bar to the bottom of the tubing ...Would solve clearance problem.

[DanT]

My clearance issue is more with the tabs hanging down on a very low racecar.
Curbing and rumblestrips don't like things hanging down from the suspension.
The clearance of the tow bar is secondary for me. (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/smile.gif)

That last rendering looks very promising David.

[grantsfo]

You have my interest now. I was thinking of towing my car in a similar fashion. Question I have is when you tow this way what do you use for brake and turn signal lights? Also any potential damage to the transmission when you tow the car like this?

[dlee1967]

No damage to the tranny if it is in neutral. I use a set of magnetic lights if I flat tow. See this link to some Harbor Fright ones.....$24. Mount them on the engine lid or they will slide of the rear trunk of a 914.

I've seen a link on how to wire your tow lights in the past, but couldn't find it when I looked last week.


Magnetic lights

[DanT]

new design something like this David?

[Pugbug]

Lookin' Good!