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09-09-2012, 04:08 PM | #1 |
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Towing A Model A
I am planning to tow my Model A from Northern CA to Phoenix AZ using a tow dolly. My question is, would it be better to tow it backwards with the steering wheel secured so the drive trainis not in motiion? I have heard that with the drive shaft moving the output shaft of the transmission could go without lubrication since the cluster gear is not turning. ny suggestions.
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09-09-2012, 04:23 PM | #2 |
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Re: Towing A Model A
I'd use a flatbed trailer. U-Haul, if necessary.
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09-09-2012, 05:07 PM | #3 |
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Re: Towing A Model A
Ditto on the trailer!
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09-09-2012, 05:09 PM | #4 |
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Re: Towing A Model A
Trailer would be best, but with all vehicles old and new, you should never tow them on the drive wheels.
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09-09-2012, 05:46 PM | #5 |
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Re: Towing A Model A
There have been a few threads from a few years ago. Others have done it. I have successfully towed my 29 CCPU more than 600 miles one day on a tow dolly. It has an F-150 trans.
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09-09-2012, 06:34 PM | #6 |
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Re: Towing A Model A
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09-09-2012, 07:04 PM | #7 |
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Re: Towing A Model A
flat trailer all the way uhaul is an option
it can be done but ditch the dolly Last edited by Mitch//pa; 09-09-2012 at 08:15 PM. |
09-09-2012, 07:04 PM | #8 |
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Re: Towing A Model A
The $65 must be for 24 hours and returned to the same location. It cost me a few hundred "one way" from Everett, WA to Pendleton, OR
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09-09-2012, 07:25 PM | #9 |
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Re: Towing A Model A
U-Haul trailers weigh more than a Model A so make sure you have a vehicle they approve of. U-Haul rented me a trailer to tow behind my Astrovan rated at 5000 lbs and the next time they wouldn't rent to me with that vehicle
The trailer with a Model A is just about 5000 so they are worried you will put an F250 or a vintage Cadillac on the trailer and go way over the rating. Just for the record, there have been thousands of Model As towed cross country with four wheels down. Some stop and run the engine every couple of houirs and "drive" the A a few feet to insure lubing the cluster. Some overfill the transmission case and end up with an oil bath clutch. Some do nothing and have no problems. Richard Anaheim CA |
09-09-2012, 08:42 PM | #10 |
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Re: Towing A Model A
Use a flat bed!
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09-09-2012, 09:52 PM | #11 |
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Re: Towing A Model A
Back in the 60's I towed my model A on the wheels from Fort Bragg,Ca. to Sanford,Fl. I had made a tow bar that attached to the frame horns - without the bumper - I had big balloony tires on it. No trouble =ever at 75 mph across the desert. BUT! I'm the luckiest guy in the world! Gary
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09-09-2012, 10:00 PM | #12 |
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Re: Towing A Model A
another vote for the uhaul auto trailer, I use them all the time, they're fantastic.
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09-09-2012, 10:18 PM | #13 |
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Re: Towing A Model A
12 years ago when I bought my A I rented a trailer from U-Haul and they wouldn't let me pull it with my car. Ended up renting a truck from them. By the time it was all over it would have been cheaper to hire a roll-back tow truck, have him dead head to San Antonio and bring it to me in Houston. Consider the total cost.
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09-09-2012, 11:04 PM | #14 | |
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Re: Towing A Model A
I towed my 31 coupe from near Havre, MT to Tacoma, WA a year ago. I towed it with my 98 F-150 and a U-Haul trailer. Other than my half ton pickup sucking down the gas @ 9-11mpg (heavy load w/o overdrive) the trip was great. I was pulling at about 65mph the whole way, If I'd slowed it down a bit I might have had better milage. I've had my F150 since new and with 175K on the odometer and 13 years old it towed my 5,000+ pound payload (lots of spare wheels and parts in the bed) over 4 mountain passes and didn't burn (or leak) a drop of oil. The trailer ran me $305 dollars for the nearly 800 mile trip. Fuel? Well lets just say thank God it wasn't with this years prices.
Quote:
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09-10-2012, 08:00 AM | #15 |
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Re: Towing A Model A
The trailer method is our choice. We are working on an article regarding towing the Model A for the next issue of the Model A Times. We have used all the methods mentioned over the past 50 years. While we haven't had the failures mentioned here we find in comforting to know the Model A is secure and safe on a trailer with out causing unnecessary wear and tear on the old part on a tow situation.
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09-10-2012, 09:07 AM | #16 |
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Re: Towing A Model A
In 1973 my brother towed a Model A from New Mexico to Maryland. The tow vehicle was a 1939 Rolls Royce. (Wish I had a picture of that).
At night, he would unhook the A and drive it around the motel parking lot to oil the transmission bearings. He was not trying to tow it 70 mph. ' If you have sealed bearings in the transmission, take the top off and fill it to the brim. That will keep the bearings good for the trip but I still wouldn't try to break any speed records. |
09-10-2012, 09:49 AM | #17 |
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Re: Towing A Model A
While trailer towing is best, I used to flat-tow my widebed every where I went. My theory is that the output shaft is turning, so the low/reverse sliding gear is turning and splashing oil throughout the trans. My A's have V8 transmissions in them.
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09-10-2012, 10:59 AM | #18 |
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Re: Towing A Model A
Be aware -- U-Haul has restrictions on the tow vehicle. A Ford Explorer doesn't qualify! (even if they [U-Haul] are the ones that installed the hitch!)
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09-10-2012, 06:47 PM | #19 | |
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Re: Towing A Model A
Quote:
last year I got an online quote to from U Haul to pull a car hauler with a Toyota Tundra pickup carrying a Model A one way to the Cleveland area. it was almost $400. cheaper to drive the Model A and spend a night in a motel. tonight I checked again to confirm, it's $340.
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09-10-2012, 11:53 PM | #20 |
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Re: Towing A Model A
Back in 67 I drove a 39 Dodge 3/4 ton 1,200 miles to look at a 28 Phaeton,liked what I saw and flat towed the car with a home made tow bar back home with no trouble at all.
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09-11-2012, 09:06 AM | #21 | |
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Re: Towing A Model A
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You can easily see if you're vehicle is a suitable tow vehicle using the U-Haul web site, they even have the entire Model A line available as "towed vehicle" choices!! http://www.uhaul.com/Reservations/Eq....aspx?model=AT |
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09-11-2012, 12:40 PM | #22 |
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Re: Towing A Model A
I would be wary about towing with the jeep's short wheelbase (unless it's the larger wagon. Short wheel base (even an older K5 type blazer) can lead to sway problems and have seen them roll over. JMO
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09-11-2012, 06:14 PM | #23 |
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Re: Towing A Model A
A lot depends on what Jeep you're using. My 07 Commander 4x4 is rated to tow 6,500#.
The Jeep weighs 4,800#.
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09-11-2012, 09:00 PM | #24 |
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Re: Towing A Model A
Because the hitch is close to the rear axle on a Jeep (or my 1971 Scoout) I'd consider it a very good tow vehicle. That's the big advantage of a 5th wheel trailer, having the hitch right over the rear axle.
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09-11-2012, 09:41 PM | #25 |
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Re: Towing A Model A
I flat towed a Model A chassis with a home made tow bar , from Minneapolis MN. to St. Cloud MN. Had no problems, but that was only 75 M.
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09-11-2012, 11:23 PM | #26 |
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Re: Towing A Model A
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09-12-2012, 12:43 AM | #27 |
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Re: Towing A Model A
I have towed model A's and 32's on the ground all over the country.
The tow bars attached to the frame horns with the spreader bar left in. Building tow bars was a very good sideline business for us in the 50's. |
09-12-2012, 10:51 AM | #28 |
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Re: Towing A Model A
Not knowing the condition of the vehicle, why not make some sandwiches & ice tea for the trip, drive the A to AZ & return by Greyhound?
That would appear to be a 1930's vintage common sense thought, if this is possible. |
09-20-2012, 09:03 PM | #29 |
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Re: Towing A Model A
Drive it ,the secret to life is enjoying the passing of time.
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09-20-2012, 11:49 PM | #30 |
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Re: Towing A Model A
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09-21-2012, 04:03 AM | #31 | |
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Re: Towing A Model A
Quote:
Show your Model A some respect .... Potential damage to the Model A because you more than likely will be towing it at speeds higher than it was intended to drive .... Potential damage to the Model A because your tow dolly fails .... Get your hands on a trailer and trailer it Jim |
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09-21-2012, 05:45 AM | #32 |
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Re: Towing A Model A
Tow barred a Model A coupe from Branford, CT to Detroit. When my uncle drove he went too fast, Dad kept cussing him out telling him to take it easy (I was like 16 at the time). We towed it with a 72 Buick Estate wagon. Big F'n car with a 455 and my uncle was cruisin up to and over 80 for a couple dozen miles. Once we got off for fuel or whatever, I could hear something funny. It was a front wheel bearing and we caught it all in time and did a midnight fix at a truck stop. Dad drove the rest of the way, never topping 70MPH (the speed limit back then). No other issues...
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09-21-2012, 09:14 AM | #33 |
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Re: Towing A Model A
A related question... I am about to tow an A from Michigan to Florida on a trailer. Do you suppose it would be better with a fitted car cover on it or off? I'd like to prevent bugs and stone chips but am concerned that the cover flapping might harm the finish. Thanks.
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09-21-2012, 09:47 AM | #34 |
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Re: Towing A Model A
Absolutely do not put a car cover on it it will rub down to the metal. Make sur your tow vehicle has a large full width low hanging deflector and you might check into the towed vehicle shields that lay flat in front around the tow bar area.
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09-21-2012, 10:02 AM | #35 |
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Re: Towing A Model A
Thanks for the info Gene. I will be renting a truck and trailer so we'll have to see how it comes. Maybe they offer to rent shields or deflectors as an option.
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09-21-2012, 10:06 AM | #36 | |
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Re: Towing A Model A
Quote:
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09-21-2012, 12:46 PM | #37 |
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Re: Towing A Model A
Love bugs are out in Florida right now. They will etch your paint-job if left on too long. I have an enclosed trailer, but I spray the front of my truck and the trailer with PAM cooking spray. DO NOT spray it on your tow vehicle's windshield. I use GLASS PLUS and a squeegee/scrubber to remove the bugs from the windshield at fuel stops. It dissolves the bugs. The PAM & bugs will wash off easily when you get where you're going. Stone chips are another problem... full-width mud flap on the tow vehicle maybe?
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09-21-2012, 02:01 PM | #38 |
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Re: Towing A Model A
I'm a bit scared with people saying they towed, or want to tow a 5000lb trailer (combined load) with an Astrovan or a Ford explorer.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I wouldn't think an Explorer should tow more than maybe 3500lbs and I would assume far less for an Astrovan. |
09-21-2012, 02:18 PM | #39 | |
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Re: Towing A Model A
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09-21-2012, 02:20 PM | #40 |
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Re: Towing A Model A
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09-21-2012, 02:38 PM | #41 |
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Re: Towing A Model A
They have a "hit" list of OK vehicles to tow with or to be towed, supposedly weight and size driven.
I've hauled a few Geo Metros that look a lot like Buicks or Cadillacs.
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09-21-2012, 03:56 PM | #42 | ||
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Re: Towing A Model A
Quote:
Quote:
to Florida ... Considering all the costs - it is cheaper to have someone haul it for you in an enclosed trailer. Never trailer a car you car about with a car cover on it, it will rub the paint off ... Jim |
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09-21-2012, 06:02 PM | #43 |
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Re: Towing A Model A
My problem with using a trailer is that my vehicle is only rated to tow 3500 pounds. Amodel A and trailer would exceed that. That is why I chose the dolly.
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09-21-2012, 06:19 PM | #44 |
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Re: Towing A Model A
they rent pickups to tow the trailer also.
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09-21-2012, 06:27 PM | #45 |
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Re: Towing A Model A
Hehe graeagle1, now they have you renting a truck to tow the trailer they want you to rent.
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09-21-2012, 11:33 PM | #46 |
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Re: Towing A Model A
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09-22-2012, 12:23 AM | #47 | |
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Re: Towing A Model A
Quote:
I wouldn't want to do it with anything smaller than a half ton pickup and would opt to have all 4 wheels off the ground. If you're that close to max weight for towing, or have a smaller vehicle that trailer might drive you, rather than the other way around. Experience in driving with a trailer and manuvering / parking is also a consideration. The load would also put some serious wear and tear on the drivetrain. If this is the case I think trulyvintage is right on the mark. It would be cheaper and easier to hire someone to do the job. Just my 2 cents worth.
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09-22-2012, 07:30 AM | #48 |
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Re: Towing A Model A
the U-Haul trailers are heavy as a lead anchor. over-engineered to minimize their litigation potential I suppose. Used one to carry a Roadster once, the load on the engine (E-150 6 cylinder) felt the same with or without the car on the trailer.......
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09-22-2012, 09:55 AM | #49 |
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Re: Towing A Model A
I have used a U Haul 14 ft cube van so your car is out of the weather and you drive the van and The A inside it wouked out cheaper and safer than a traler worked well for me Gord. B
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