Towing a Model A
 

Hello, could use some help.
I have a model A chassis, no engine, trans, steering wheel, that I have used to build a mockup delivery truck to be used as a food concession. I am going to tow it like a trailer, there is the problem. When I hook it to my pickup and move the front wheels go sideways after a few feet. How do I get the wheels to follow the pickup without welding the front end? If I do that I will drag the tires when I make a turn.
I have thought about welding brackets and using bungee cords from opposite directions, theory is the wheels might follow but return to center. Don't know.
Please help, thanks.

Re: Towing a Model A
 

PM me...I recently bought an A chassis with a modification used by farmers to convert a chassis to a wagon. This appears to be a well designed accessory from the 1930's.

Re: Towing a Model A
 

There has to be a lot of caster when you flat tow a car like this. If there is no transmission, where is the wishbone? It would control the caster. I think I'd leave the steering in there too.

Re: Towing a Model A
 

if your tow bar pivoted you could set a drag link to the bar that turned the wheels. I have seen hay carts being pulled slow or moving around a lot behind the tractor. how fast do you plan to pull this? you may need something to combat that.


https://www.millerwelds.com/-/media/...F74667330BDC0B

Re: Towing a Model A
 

I built a crossmember for the wishbone, not knowing how much pressure to put on it I raised it till it seemed firm, basically they are close to level. After I did that I could go 10' before sideways wheels.w

Re: Towing a Model A
 

55-60 mph

Re: Towing a Model A
 

I towed our 1930 Model A pick up with a tow bar 1,430 miles on I-5 at 60 MPH without a problem. From 29 Palms, California to Sedro-Woolley, WA. The only place I had a problem was once at a gas station where I had to make a sharp corner and the tires did not return to their center after turning into the gas station. Leave the steering wheel attached, it will slow down the possibility of a jack knife. Otherwise, without a drag link attached, a farmer's wagon steering attached like posted above will serve you well.

Re: Towing a Model A
 

I have towed my wide-bed pickup many miles. I had to disconnect the drag link at the axle end in order for it to straighten out after a turn. I stuck an old spark plug into the now open end of the drag link so the spring, etc. wouldn't fall out and get lost. You will need some caster to do this.

Re: Towing a Model A
 

Bracket your tow bar to the axle, block under the frame rails so they are supported, pull the front wheels, and pull it like a trailer.

Re: Towing a Model A
 

Wondered about that

Re: Towing a Model A
 

So the higher I lift the wishbone the more castor I get? Or is it like alining the front end?

Re: Towing a Model A
 

Nope. Other way around. The A transmission sets low and the radius rod end mounts down on the bottom of it. Caster is how much the steering knuckle king pins are angled back toward the rear. If it's zero straight up and down or angled forward then there is no caster effect as all.

Camber is done by bending the axle but it should be OK unless the axle has been damage or bent in an accident. Using a draw bar and a pivot point off the front axle with the attachment to twin tie rods as was mentioned was a way to get a steering axle for a hay wagon. It works but it will take a bit of engineering to get it right.

Re: Towing a Model A
 

You could split the wishbone and use the brackets on the frame like the hot rod guys do.

Re: Towing a Model A
 

Thanks for all the advice guys, really appreciate it.