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01-25-2015, 06:13 PM | #1 |
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Model A Tow Hitch Construction and Ideas?
I am looking for pictures and ideas for a sturdy tow hitch for a Model A without a rear bumper, such as a pickup or a station wagon. (commercial)
(I know back in 2013 the was a thread on this, but I am hoping to get more ideas and pictures) Thank you. |
01-25-2015, 07:09 PM | #2 |
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Re: Model A Tow Hitch Construction and Ideas?
depends on what you want to tow: a class 3 equivelent hit would be way more overkill than the model A could handle.
if your planning like a little motorcycle trailer or somehting then pretty much anything you make out of 1/4" steel would be just fine
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01-25-2015, 07:51 PM | #3 |
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Re: Model A Tow Hitch Construction and Ideas?
I have not gone there yet, but I have had the idea of adding a hitch to my 29 CC pickup truck.
A thought came to me that one might attach to the wooden "stringers" under the bed. They're pretty exposed with good access for drilling, with the only possible downside in that they are too high. Still, a structure might be made from Home Depot angle with four attachments and diagonal braces to bring the trailer tongue/ball down to a more reasonable (and matching modern trailer) height. Joe K
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01-25-2015, 07:59 PM | #4 |
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Re: Model A Tow Hitch Construction and Ideas?
Here is one over at HAMB which (apparently) replaces the lower retainers for the rear spring. Nice simple layout. One would have to be comfortable with bending or welding square tubing.
You might lose a little free motion of the rear axle. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/t...odel-a.715858/
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01-25-2015, 08:37 PM | #5 |
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Re: Model A Tow Hitch Construction and Ideas?
I found this one...
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01-26-2015, 03:29 PM | #6 |
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Re: Model A Tow Hitch Construction and Ideas?
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Paul in CT What are you going to tow?? Paul |
01-26-2015, 04:45 PM | #7 |
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Re: Model A Tow Hitch Construction and Ideas?
I would think rear bumper brackets for a car bolted to your frame could be a good start.
Square tubing bolted to the arms could be good for light towing. |
01-26-2015, 05:31 PM | #8 | |
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Re: Model A Tow Hitch Construction and Ideas?
Quote:
In the center of this he placed an angle (in lieu of the center medallion?) and a ball attached to the two bars. Sounds only a little flimsy to me. Square tube would be more comforting. Joe K
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01-26-2015, 05:55 PM | #9 |
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Re: Model A Tow Hitch Construction and Ideas?
I bought this little jewel from Wagner Products in St. Louis. It bolts on in place of the bumper spreader bar. Takes about 15 minutes to install. These are his pictures, I couldn't find mine as installed on my pickup. The one in the picture is installed on a roadster. Was an article about it in John LaVoy's magazine earlier last year, probably 2014 issue 2 (if my memory isn't completely gone!)
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Alaskan A's Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska Model A Ford Club of America Model A Restorers Club Antique Automobile Club of America Mullins Owner's Club Last edited by CarlG; 01-27-2015 at 11:27 AM. |
01-26-2015, 07:56 PM | #10 |
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Re: Model A Tow Hitch Construction and Ideas?
I built one just like the one Carl has posted,I hadn't even seen this picture, just measured,cut out some 2 inch square tubing and welded it up, works great. I'd post a picture, but won't be back home until mid March.
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01-27-2015, 04:49 PM | #11 |
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Re: Model A Tow Hitch Construction and Ideas?
I made one from a tow bar I bought from a wrecking yard and towed a heavy camper all the way around Australia late last year. My tow bar was in addition tot he spreader bar and worked fine.
That's an ant hill in the background. Just as well Model As don't have wooden wheels!
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01-27-2015, 05:13 PM | #12 |
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Re: Model A Tow Hitch Construction and Ideas?
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01-27-2015, 05:25 PM | #13 |
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Re: Model A Tow Hitch Construction and Ideas?
Here's a narrow gauge rail torched down to form a hitch. Some farmer was evidently handy with heat. Probably used it to pull hay wagons before quads were common. The rail goes all the way up under the bed. Probably weighs a ton.
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01-27-2015, 09:03 PM | #14 |
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Re: Model A Tow Hitch Construction and Ideas?
here are a few pics of my rear bumper and trailer hitch on my 31 pick-up. hope the pics show up. If you would like to see bigger pics email me at [email protected]
Tom |
01-27-2015, 09:30 PM | #15 |
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Re: Model A Tow Hitch Construction and Ideas?
to add to my last email, like others suggested I used the rear bumper brackets as a start, then added a six inch section of cold rolled steel to lengthen the bracket to ensure that the bumpers sit far enough back to protect the rear
tail gate of the box and to clear the fenders. I also used 28/29 round spreader bar to reinforce the brackets from sideway movement. then I added a length of 2 inch square tubing placed behind the 28/29 bar for extra strength. You do not have to install the bumpers if you choose to do without. In the pics you might be able to see the upright brace going to the bottom of the wood floor which is attached to the flooring. I then added a metal square tubing to attach my lights and licence bracket. Tom |
01-27-2015, 10:01 PM | #16 |
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Re: Model A Tow Hitch Construction and Ideas?
Carl, could you please furnish us with a contact number, part number and price. Thanks Dwayne
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01-28-2015, 02:30 AM | #17 |
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Re: Model A Tow Hitch Construction and Ideas?
This would require bumper brackets but it's a period accessory "drawbar." Originally it had a pin to hold a flat trailer tongue. The ball is a later addition.
Simple to reproduce. |
01-28-2015, 03:30 AM | #18 | |
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Re: Model A Tow Hitch Construction and Ideas?
Quote:
1520 Fenton Hills Rd Fenton, MO 63026 314-330-3906 Tom Wagner Quite a nice article in the Model A Times, Volume 10 Issue 2, Spring 2014 with pictures of the hitch installed on one of John LaVoy's Model A's. Don't think there is a part #, and you would have to get current pricing from Tom Wagner.
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01-28-2015, 06:47 AM | #19 |
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Re: Model A Tow Hitch Construction and Ideas?
Carl, thanks for the info. I will contact him this morning. Dwayne
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01-28-2015, 07:07 AM | #20 |
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Re: Model A Tow Hitch Construction and Ideas?
I built this for mine.
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01-28-2015, 01:47 PM | #21 |
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Re: Model A Tow Hitch Construction and Ideas?
That's the one I use. Strong and works well for towing the things I've done, (mixer, motorcycle trailer w/ ditch witch). No trailer lights or brakes, though. I figure no cop is going to hassle me with such a first class work truck.
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01-28-2015, 07:35 PM | #22 |
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Re: Model A Tow Hitch Construction and Ideas?
Brobrian,
Can you post some pictures here to show how it is mounted to the frame and such. Thank you, Don Jr |
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01-28-2015, 09:35 PM | #23 |
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Re: Model A Tow Hitch Construction and Ideas?
Home Depot is the wrong place to buy steel. Go to a steel store, you can but a 20' stick for about the same as s couple pieces at Home Depot. If a 20' piece is too long for you to haul they will cut it for you.
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01-28-2015, 09:44 PM | #24 | |
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Re: Model A Tow Hitch Construction and Ideas?
Quote:
Sometimes not in stock but they'll tell you on the online how long away it is. Joe K
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01-28-2015, 09:49 PM | #25 |
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Re: Model A Tow Hitch Construction and Ideas?
I picked up a commercial class 1 hitch at a swap meet for $10. It is a "Reese", obviously well built fits the hitch bar and complies with all requirements. It doesn't matter what it was built for.
Make two rectangular 1/4 plate flat brackets to mount on the 3 bumper to bracket bolt holes. You might want to angle it forward or back to suit. Make the plate long enough to drop the hitch to travel height. Cut the ends off the swap meet hitch to make it fit and weld it to your brackets. Bolt it in place with new longer grade 8 bolts. Finished! it's clean, strong and uncomplicated. You will get a lot of positive comments. Richard Anaheim CA |
01-29-2015, 07:39 AM | #26 |
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Re: Model A Tow Hitch Construction and Ideas?
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P.S. Has there been a thread on trailers with white walls? Last edited by Hoogah; 01-29-2015 at 08:10 AM. Reason: Extra comment added. |
01-29-2015, 03:08 PM | #27 | |
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Re: Model A Tow Hitch Construction and Ideas?
Quote:
Sorry about the sketch, not too draftsmanlike. Whole thing is made from 1/2 x 2" steel. One about 48" long and the tongue piece is about 26" long. Very simple.
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01-29-2015, 03:20 PM | #28 | |
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Re: Model A Tow Hitch Construction and Ideas?
Quote:
Good to see the old girl getting a work out. Maybe you could drive it to Ballarat, there is room to crash in the winnebago and take in the swap, and I can check the mitchell out. |
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01-29-2015, 05:31 PM | #29 |
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Re: Model A Tow Hitch Construction and Ideas?
Brobrian,
Thanks for posting. Some of my best deals have been drafted out on napkins! Thanks again, Don Jr |
01-29-2015, 08:41 PM | #30 |
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Re: Model A Tow Hitch Construction and Ideas?
James, really nice first class job. I was in heavy construction for many years and safety chain hooks should go the other way; else they can bounce out
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