Tow bar brackets are now available.

More installed pictures to follow as users forward them..........


Click Here for Details.........

A few more pics.....

Two...

Three...

Four...

Welded race eye option shown on a Reese/Drawtite style bracket. Eye can either be welded or bolted.

David,

Any 'valance' issues? (GT valance)

TIA

E.

Eric -

David addresses this later in his thread under the section titled "Instructions for mounting the bracket to the car". Specifically he instructs that the front valance be removed if so equipped. It may also be necessary to remove the front spoiler depending on the style.

Cheers,

Hoss

Yes Eric......what Hoss said. The valance and spoiler should be removed for attachment of the tow bar prior to towing. The base bracket can be left in place when not towing if you are using a spoiler. The 916 type front bumper or stock steel valance will not fit unless notched.....and who wants to do that?

I tried to come up with a design that would work with a wide range of spoilers and valances attached, but with so many variation, it became a impossible task. To remove a spoiler should only take a few minutes and the guys that are towing their cars to autocrosses generally have quick mount spoilers anyway. For those who tow their car to events (like the WCC) a 8mm wrench and ratchet should be all that is needed to remove the stock valance if it is still attached with stock hardware.

I believe you are asking specifically about the GT valance as that is what you run on one of your cars. I am sorry to say that it must be removed prior to bar attachment and I don't believe it will fit over the base bracket. Of all the spoilers and valances that I have in my stash, that is one that I don't have in the mix. The good news is that the base bracket fits with only 6 bolts and you can mount it in about 5-8 minutes should you need to attach it to your car. After the tow, you can remove the base bracket and reattach your GT spoiler.

If anyone has an old/damaged GT spoiler that they can send to me, I would like to do some test fitting with it.
thank you....DLee

I have found that some tow bars may have pins that are too short to pass through my beefy tow bar bracket. If you have a current issure Empi Super Beetle bar or Reese/Drawtite bar, there should not be a problem. If you are exploring the use of my adapter with some other brand, model or vintage, please check with me by email prior to ordering. I will provide the dimensions needed.

The Empi style bar should have pins that have a usable length of at least 1 7/8" long. The Reese/DrawTite bar or copies should have a pin with at least 2 7/8" in usable length. Both are 1/2" in diameter.

If your pins are too short or you have lost them, I may be able to provide the pins for a small adder ($) or send you to a local vendor that has them.

Thank you Richard for your help in providing this valuable information. I want to make sure that there are no suprises when someone buys a product from me.

QUOTE (dlee1967 @ Mar 7 2006, 06:37 AM)

The 916 type front bumper or stock steel valance will not fit unless notched.....and who wants to do that? I believe you are asking specifically about the GT valance as that is what you run on one of your cars. I am sorry to say that it must be removed prior to bar attachment and I don't believe it will fit over the base bracket.

David,

Since the stock valance and the GT are somewhat similar with the exception of the
oil cooler opening, I would gues that both would have the same issues. And since the
stock valance will not fit over the towing bracket without notching it, the same should
be true for the GT valance. Do you have the proper notch dimensions and locations for
anyone wishing to do this? I have a GT valance that will be going on my 72 shortly and
would like to add your towing bracket as well.

And by the way, this bracket set up is just what I was looking for and I've been told by
my wife to oder one. When's Mother's Day this year? I'll kill two birds with one stone.

Gary, my suggestion in your case would be DON'T CUT THAT VALANCE! Buy the tow bar bracket and stash it with your tow bar. When you need it, take a few minutes extra to take off the valance and then attach the bracket to the suspension points (only 6 bolts). You don't even have to jack up the car.

I have not notched a stock valance myself as I can't bare to cut the only clean steel one I have left. The one on my wife's V8 car is steel and I cut it for air flow to the radiator. I've had more comments from people that see the car and can't believe I cut up a steel unit when they have been looking for a clean one for their ride.

The GT valance also protrudes a bit further than the stock valance and will mean a little different measurement.
If someone can provide a beat up GT valance, I would be glad to mock it up and develope a template, but at this time I have not found one. If I can sell a few more brackets, I will just buy one and be done with it.

I am sorry if that is not the answer you were looking for, but we are in our infancy with these brackets. More solutions to come.

( I loved the Mother's Day gift idea. Does this mean she's had to pick you up on the side of the road on occasion?)

QUOTE (dlee1967 @ Mar 14 2006, 11:13 AM)

( I loved the Mother's Day gift idea. Does this mean she's had to pick you up on the side of the road on occasion?)

Not at all. We just drove back from Wisconsin to visit her folks and I mentioned that I'd like to trailer the 914 back there on our next visit.
I mentioned your tow bracket and you know the rest. Cost to rent a
trailer round trip would pay for the bracket and tow bar.

Just an FYI.

I attempted to purchase the Draw Tite clone bar from ebay. The sleeze took my paypal payment, which I am currently disputing and has closed his ebay store and opened another one under a new name. Beware this scum.

old ebay username: smartinvestors
new ebay username: sliou02

Sorry, let me add, this has nothing to do with David's excellent product. I'm just trying to warn others about my mistake. I also see several of the generic type tow bars on craig list.

Just to clarify.....I do not sell the tow bars, only the interface brackets that bolt to a 914. I am not the sleeze that took blitZ money.

The Resse/Drawtite brand bars are available at many FLAPS. Most recently I have seen them at Pep Boys, but they are pricey. There is a knock off available from a few vendors on Ebay, but please take the appropritate precautions when dealing with this type of vendor. blitZ had a bad experence, but I think Paypal will come through in the end and reverse his payment.

I also bought a Reese type tow bar from an eBay seller, bestchoiceproducts.
He did have a few negative feed backs, but was still at 98.3% so I took the gamble. At less than $60, not too much to loose if I made a mistake, and I did PayPal so I have some protection. I'll let you all know when (if) it arrives.

David, not you need to offer a tie-down accessory piece for each type of tow bracket you sell, designed to fit between the tabs and secured by the hitch pins. One for the VW bracket should be a piece of cake to make, the Reese type would need to be a weldment.

I am definitely interested in this partial tow package for the 914. I have what looks like the Reese type tow bar for the Jeep. The only questions I have is the width of the tow bar attachment points and where to attach the safety chains. I use two safety chains running from the pickup hitch down each side of the tow bar and attach the chains at left and right sides of the towed vehicle.

I also will have a 916 front (FG) bumper on the vehicle.

Can you tell me what the measurement is where the Reese type tow bar is attached to your tow package. This is where the pins attach to your package.

Thanks,
Steve Hurt

Steve. I will post this reply here rather than PM as others might have the same questions.

The inside tab dimensions of the Reese/Drawtite bar adapter are 17 3/8" and the outside dimension is 21". These are designed for a 2" tube coupler on the Reese type bar.

The inside tab dimensions of the SB type bar are 22 1/4" and the outside dimension is 23 1/4". The SB bar only has a small 1/4" tab coupler to contend with.

If these won't work for you, the other option is that I can weld the bar tabs where you need them for the pin attachment. I would then need the measurements of your bar, tab thickness, pin dimensions and so forth.

When in doubt, go with the design that is proven to work. If there is any question about your jeep bar, spring for a new towbar specifically for your 914.

Most people are wrapping the safety chains around the cross bar and attaching with a quick link. I could weld an extra pair of tabs but would have to fab them up. This would be at an extra expense, but not too rough. As you are using a 914 front, we would also have to discuss the location.

I do have some concern that the rigid "jeep" bar that you have will put the bar at a steep upward incline and not give the best attachment at the ball. Most "jeep" bars that I have seen are rather short. The Reese adjustable bar is long and the Empi bar is swan necked for better allignment of the coupler and ball.

I've been asked by a few owners with 916 fiberglass bumpers to provide a template for notching out for the tow bar adapter ears. I don't have such a template. There are so many variations and suppliers of this bumper, I am sure that I would get it wrong 85% of the time. My suggestion is to take your time, make measurements based on your bumper/spoiler combo and then make your own cuts. It might also be a good idea to paint the lower section of your 916 glass front black in color so that the bar adapter ears are not as noticable. This will also help hide all of those rock chips in your body colored 916 front.

I hope this reply is helpful to you. DLee

Thanks for the info. I also will answer here in case the information will help others.

The first items of concern

1. I have an after market tow bar which can change the width for attachment purposes. The total weight towing is rated for 5000#. Length fully closed is about 42 inches with the attachment points 2 inches wide (tube where pin goes through). The pin is a tight 1/2 inch and service length about 3 1/2in. This is a universal bar, not made strickly for Jeep's.

2. There may be some concern about the angle the tow bar will attach to the tow vehicle. I use a 2 inch rated ball with the receiver bar running in the lower position (i.e. ball is mounted in the lower position rather than even or higher to the tow vehicle hitch. This places the ball about 2-3 inches lower; should approximately match the angle from the 914. If it proves to be two great an angle, then I will have to adapt. I repeat, this is not a rigid, short Jeep bar; it is adjustable on the angle width to accomodate different towed items.

3. I use two safety chains attaching to the tow vehicle next to the receiver; and, two attachments will be needed on the tow bar adaptor. I would prefer the "rings" for attachment be 3/8 inch and wrapped around the adaptor for strength. Safety chains are attached with 2000# rings/clamps.

4. Position of the attachment "rings" should be close if not in line with the pulling points of your adaptor. If the "rings" appear to interfer with the 916 front, then maybe they can be mounted downward. If I have too, I will run without the 916 front when towing.

5. My thoughts if the 916 front is used when towing, if the vehicle breaks loose it will be damaged anyway. The point is to make the towing safe as possible to prevent damage to the tow vehicle and mainly to other traffic. We must tow safely at all costs.

6. I like your suggestion that the user make his own cuts; if I have to make cuts more than minimum in the 916 front then I will tow without it.

I hope the above information helps others. Now what I need:

The modification I need is to have two 3/8 inch rings welded adjacient or in front of the attachment points of the adaptor to the 914. It looks like they should be welded on the front or adjacient to the outer edge of each hitch attachment point.

I think my hitch attachment points will fit as long as the adaptor attachment points have inner clearance of 2 inches and take a 1/2 x 3 1/2 inch pin.

Other incidentals that may affect the adaption beside the 916 front is that I am using a 911 front suspension with 17inch rims and low profile tires (could affect the tow bar angle to the tow vehicle).

I really like the way the adaptor is made and with some adaption can be made to fit differing individual needs. Dave has given us a platform that is stable and meets the needs of the 914 community.

Let me know what the price is along with the modifications for the safety change attachment rings, If you think the diameter of the safety rings needs to be bigger, then we adapt.- Each safety chain is being built to take 2000#; the hitch is rated at 5000#; Receiver is rated at 5000-6500#'s. Overkill, Yes!!! Rather be safe than sorry.

Sincerely,
Steve Hurt
Shoguneagle

PM sent...thanks..DLee

For those who don't want to use magnetic lights on their engine lid, there is a solution. For a number of years the RV world has used wiring interface kits. (Imagine that......Porsche owners taking a lesson from the breadbox on wheels crowd) By using diodes, you can tap into the 914 wiring harness and only have a very short trailer light wiring plug to contend with. I have provided a link to Roadmasters instructions on these kits. They my be purchased at most local RV shops.

Roadmaster Kit instructions

like this

In these pics this was just the first test and I did not have my 4 inch drop draw bar on the Suburban. When towing the tow bar should be as close to level as possible...I will post another pic later with the more correct draw bar in place

or this

I've had a number of inquiries about how my brackets work with a 916 style fiberglass nose. Well, I finally dug one out of the stash and fitted it to show the details. I should really start by saying each manufacturer of these noses seems to be a bit different in their treatment and trimming of the lower lip, but at least this will give you the idea of what may be necessary for fitment.

1) The Super Beetle bar by Empi should fit if you are using the lower of the two mounting holes that I provide on my bracket. If you use the upper hole for more ground clearance for the bar, you may have to trim the lower lip of the nose slightly.

2) The DrawTite/Reese style bar (that type of bracket shown here) will require trimming of the nose to allow for upper movement of the bar. The amount depends on the height of you trailer hitch on the tow vehicle as this effects the angle of the bar. Remember to allow for humps, bumps and railroad crossings!

Another variation in angle...

Another safety minded 914 owner has asked that I add two safety chain tabs to his bar to allow for easy cafety chain hookup. This sure beats the basic idea of wrapping the chains around the crossbar. I am glad to do this, but there is a slight added cost for the weldment. Attached are a couple of pictures of this option for review.

Thanks Steve for your idea and after the paint drys today, your bar will be on its way. You will find the placement of the tabs is easy to get to from either side and also well away from your 916 nose.

another angle

last

916 cutout ideas

straight on.....

Last update for today! I have found that a couple of customers of these brackets are having to wrestle to get them installed as their mounting holes from the bar to the 914 body are not lining up correctly. (small variances) I guess it shouldn't be a suprise that all of our cars were not created equally.....Each bar is built on a welding fixture and clamped into place before welding. I even checked the first 20 bars on a live car prior to shipment.

I don't want anyone to have to cuss me when going through this installation.

The solution is that I have opened up the mounting holes to 9/16" to allow for "variances" in the 914 torsion bar mounting lugs. This has been shown to be enough to make the difference on the bars.

I do have one bar coming back to me for this treatment as the customer does not have the means to make this adjustment on his early production bar.

Should you be struggling with mounting your bar please let me know. I hate to go to slotted holes, but it may be necessary if we find more variations. Heck, our 914s have slotted torsion bar front mounts.

Thank you for your input and support. I want to make my products easy to install for anyone with basic tools and interest. Your comments are always welcomed....

David,

In doing dome searching for information on safe towing,
I came upon the following web sites that may be of interest to anyone considering flat towing their 914. Among other things, I found out some very useful information on safety chains, proper towing hitch height and other helpful hints.

Low Cost Trailer Supplies

http://www.lowcosttrailersupplies.com/trai...ront-index.html

Selecting a Ball Mount with the Correct Rise or Drop:

http://www.lowcosttrailersupplies.com/Tech...ll%20mounts.htm

Great source Gary! thank you...

You bet I am going to cuss you out. Why, you say???? Just to do it

Like your product and thanks for informing us on your discovery and whatever problem you think you have. You found out and have a correction going; your product will stand on its own and we all know there are small diffferences in every 914. If you think you have problems with the 914 and fitting new parts, you ought to have a hand built car. I mean the entire body is hand made and different parts are slightly out of measurement. I think you have done a great job in your design and making a good product available to us. So I am not going to let you off without a good cussing.



How do you like getting cussed out?

Steve Hurt
Shoguneagle

Ouch Steve.....you're tough.

Seriously though..........I appriciate your feedback. Thanks....

Got the bar and just had to try it on the 914. IT WAS SNOWING!!!! ALL YOUR FAULT, DAVE!!!! TIME FOR ANOTHER CUSSIN' OUT!!!!

QUALITY AND FIT WAS GREAT! EXCELLENT PRODUCT!!

Thanks, Dave

Steve Hurt

Can't wait for mine to get here...

The tow bar fits into my plans for short range towing while I get the car fixed up, converted, emergency events, and PCA/914 Club events. I have a 16ft. open trailer for long hauls to Oregon, Wash., etc. This bar fits my needs perfectly. If someone breaks down and has to be towed, it can be lent out with very little change over. I really like the versitility and it meets many functions.

Reddog,

I see you are a "newbie" to the board. Welcome and you will really enjoy all aspects of it. The people are really great. I see you are from Willits, CA. I was born there and did alot of competitive track and basketball there. I went to high school in Kelseyville (LakeCo.)

I know you will like the towing adaptor.

Steve Hurt

Quick update.

Used David's tow bracket and my super beetle tow bar to take my track car to Buttonwillow Ca from San Jose Ca last Saturday.
I am impressed. Car towed straight and true the entire time at all speeds including a few times in the 70mph range to pass some slower traffic.

almost 500 miles with no issues what so ever.

I have been towing RVs, boats, trailers and race car trailers for over 35 years and this worked beautifully.

I highly recommend this for all 914 owners that are wanting a clean, easy and inexpensive way to transport their 914.

Had several 914 owners admire the set up at the track event I attended. All thought it to be a very clean and elegant solution.

Just recieved my tow bar...looks great...

Thanks Steve, just saw your welcome...I have 62 acres near Hearst, I'll PM later...

As soon as I finish eating my tacos I'll be test fitting David's bar to the zambeziteen. I will be using this setup to get the car to WCC06 with my new/used Nissan Titan. Pics to follow. Stay tuned!

Gawdamit...

That wasn't much fun. It's pretty hot in my south facing garage with only the overhead door. Maybe my tub is crooked, although it tracks straight as an arrow down the highway, but I had to clearance the inside of the outer tabs AND clearance the bolt holes a bit. It still fits pretty tight, but it's on there. Now I get to go take it off and put the valance back on. I have another 914 (I bought back my first 914 last week) in a dirt storage lot. I'm planning on using this bracket to haul it out of there. I'll snap a few pics and post them later.

Back to the salt mines...

Did you get one of the early ones....

Mine was the prototype for super beetle bar and I had to clearance mine a bit also..
I contacted David and he said he was going to open up the holes or slot them a bit to allow for chassis differences on any subsequent brackets.

You will like the way it works....I have used mine to tow over 700 miles now with absolutely ZERO problems of any kind....
very sturdy and actually stiffens the front of the car.

Probably. I ordered the first day or two.

Don't misunderstand me; it's a beautiful piece. Thanks David for producing these! I couldn't have created something this nice and I intend to use it a great deal. It looks like it's gonna do a great job.

It was just a royal PITA getting it mounted to this car. But better to test fit here in my garage than in a dirt storage lot. Good thing it wasn't 95+ again today like it was yesterday.

Yes, it is a very nice piece. I was planning on making something similar to the brackets with Davids tow eye base plates...after emailing and PMing back and forth David came up with this basic design and I gave him some input on what I was going to do....this is what he came up with.
I am towing to Sears point from south San Jose tomorrow for a track day...
This will be an easy tow...
Up and out of the house by 4:30am tomorrow. Car is ready to go just have to hook up the bar to car and Suburban and off we go.

The latest versions all have the larger mounting holes to allow for variances in our hand built cars. Gint....I am sorry that you had to sweat it out with one of the first versions. They now all have 9/16" mounting holes and that seems to have done the trick on all but Garys car and I am convinced that his car in unique. His first bar didn't fit, so I sent another (with 9/16" holes) and it was still not right. The first bar came back and fit both of the cars in my garage and it has since been sold to another owner and fit his car properly.

Thanks to all for the support. There are a lot of new items on the horizon. Now the website is up I can start to focus on production of the new goods. Powdercoating of all items is also just around the corner. This will really improve the service life and appearance without an adjustment in price.

I guess Ill chime in I had a similar experiance guys, I just chalked it
up to variances in the tub but I had to clearance both the outside
mount holes and jack around with it for a good while to get it on.
One trick you might pass on is to jack up the car and unload both
arms via jackstants on the front donuts before removeing & replcing the mounting bolts.

I want to buy a two bar. Please contat me.

Andy

send him a PM instead of having him contact you

rennenmetal.com too