Date:         Mon, 27 Dec 1999 10:44:22 -0800
Reply-To:     Mark Keller <kelphoto@ISLANDNET.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Mark Keller <kelphoto@ISLANDNET.COM>
Subject:      Re: tow bar
Comments: To: Alan Pickersgill <pickersgill@HOME.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; x-mac-type="54455854";
              x-mac-creator="4D4F5353"

Alan,

    I worked on the front crash beam of my 91, it's behind the flimsey
fiberglass bumper cover on mine.  This crash beam is constucted of super high
strenth steel, and it probably not a good location to drill or weld.  However
the tow hook, actually it's a loop, is attached to the frame rail that the crash
beam is attached to.  There are some holes and captured nuts in the frame rail
that might give you an attachment point.  I'm thinking that the large bolts for
the front sway bar, 2 each side, about 8mm I think, could be replace with a
longer bolt, then have a tang made-up with with to attach your pulling force to.

The crash beam would be fine as a stopping or braking point, but I'd remove the
metal "bumper" cover.

Sincerely,

Mark Keller.
91 Carat WLE "Lazarus"

Alan Pickersgill wrote:

> Hi Joseph: Don't need one till April. Van is in a barn with a snow bank
> lock on it till then.
>
> Was thinking that the list might think I was looking for a trailer hitch,
> which I am as well come to think of it. But I meant a bar that would attach
> to the front of the van to allow it to be towed.
>
> I'm thinking that some design that would use tow rings (can't remember if
> there are two and can't look) or the heavy frame member behind the bumper.
> The bumper itself seems to flimsy.
>
> List members must have found/created/used tow bars many times over the years.
>
> Alan Pickersgill
> Ottawa Ontario
> Canada
>
> At 06:50 AM 27/12/99 +0000, you wrote:
> >Alan,
> >
> >If you find a source please pass it on to the list & my pmail if you
> >would. I was thinking about getting around to making one (or possible 2
> >) should the need arise.  How soon would you need one?
> >
> >best of luck
> >joseph
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >Anybody know of a source for a good reliable (detachable) tow bar for
> >towing my Vanagon? For that matter might someone have one for sale?
> >
> >Alan Pickersgill
> >Ottawa Ontario
> >Canada
> >"85 Transporter/Homemade West.
> >Alan Pickersgill
> >Ottawa, ON
> >Canada
> >
> Alan Pickersgill
> Ottawa, ON
> Canada