Need some input on tow bars. I like the EMPI setup but what conflicts come into play with ride height (Speedster) of car vs tow vehicle. Thanks in advance, Michael
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tow vehicle needs to be kinda low,try to getb the tow bar even or slightly down in the front.I didnt have an engine in mine when I towed it, and the bar contacted the body a few times....and glass cracks, but it had already been towed that way...how do I know??? just look at the cracks& small busted portion. I will get a bar at some point in time & mod it to work on my car so nothing happens, but Im not sure I will stay with vw suspension , I might go with A arms.
Hey Mike - I took the lead from SOC Wild Bill Dreyer when he modified a standard VW tow bar a few years back. SOC Troy Sloan also has a modified tow bar for when he retrieves his next masterpiece refurbish project.
The standard EMPI VW tow bar is too wide for towing our Speedster. Basically, here are the mods I made to tow my VS;
1. Cut & narrowed tow bar width by 8 inches (to fit between front torsion braces).
2. Extended tow bar by 24" to allow more space between towing vehicle and Speedster.
3. Modified hitch with a 10" rise to allow for ride height of tow hitch and ease entry/exit angles on driveways.
Hopefully these pics will demonstrate these mods for you.
...Tow bar narrowed by 8" and extended by 24". Increased rise for hitch up 10"...
...fabricated tow lights on 36" aluminum stock tubing, and attach to my luggage rack...
...and run the wiring under the convertible top (or tonneau), up through the opening for the trunk hinges, and out the front of the trunk lid...
...I cannot see the VS behind us when towing so I fabricated antennae for that purpose.
...another shot of modified height of tow hitch. I also use a 4" drop hitch) to compensate for height difference between the two vehicles.
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That's a real nice tow system you rigged up, Jim. Good to have the lights up high too. I had a tow bar made up for our Fla trip back in early 2011 but had to mount my rear light bar down on the rear bumper. Better up high.
Harbor Freight has an adjustable receiver - adjusts from level down 10". Paid less than $20 for it. I use it on my Yota 4 Runner to level the bar out. Attached is picture of my Speedster entow from VA to FL - 1000 miles by wife's Camry. Also many states now require a safety chain to the towed vehicle in addition to the tow vehicle. I slightly narrowed my VW tow bar to clear the bumper brackets. I cut all the spot welds - twisted it and had it rewelded (picture before rewelding).
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Jim, nice layout and dimensions and Woflgang, sounds like a deal on the receiver. On a different note, was discussing SOC site with girlfriend and mentioned Carlisle and all the input from evryone on the site....her comment,"So why aren't we going". She made reservations today on our way to Florida.I don't think the car will be ready but we will be there.
Originally Posted by MikelB:
Jim, nice layout and dimensions and Woflgang, sounds like a deal on the receiver. On a different note, was discussing SOC site with girlfriend and mentioned Carlisle and all the input from evryone on the site....her comment,"So why aren't we going". She made reservations today on our way to Florida.I don't think the car will be ready but we will be there.
That's awesome, Mike! You certainly won't regret making the trip and meeting all the great folks that show up! Looking forward to meeting you two at Carlisle! 
Getting off topic - but can someone post a photo of Cory's first year a Carlisle - his car was trailered there!
