Skip to main content

The topic of tow bars comes up on occasion, so i thought I would post this pictorial tip on how I built the tow-bar for my Vintage Speedster. I will also put this in the 'Knowledge' section.

 

1. I started with a standard Empi tow-bar I bought at the local VW shop for $75. I don't know how to weld, so I took it to a local welding shop and gave the dimensions shown in the pic below...

DSCN4185

 

2. Here is a pic of the tow-bar on flat surface. The rise for the hitch-ball is 10" to mate the Speedster to our SUV tow-vehicle (with 4" drop hitch to level tow-bar)...

DSCN4186

 

...and attached to tow vehicle (with 4" ground clearance,which hasn't been a problem)...

DSCN3576

 

 

3. Here is the light-bar set-up I use while towing our VS...

Tow 4

 

...and attached to our VS luggage rack while in tow... 

DSCN3579

 

4. Here is a modification to use if you don't have a luggage rack (this is the set-up I used to tow Ted Pierson's Speedster)...

DSCN4189

 

...attached in the following manner...

Tow 6

 

...and then....

Tow 7

 

...then lower MacGuyver-thingie down to snug position against rear bulkhead (sorry for the the distracting cluttered-garage backdrop in this pic)...

Tow 8

MusbJim - aka; El Guapo, the most guapo hombre in all of SoCal! 

Attachments

Images (10)
  • DSCN4185
  • DSCN4186
  • DSCN3576
  • Tow 4
  • DSCN3579
  • DSCN4189
  • Tow 6
  • Tow 7
  • DSCN4199
  • Tow 8
Last edited by MusbJim
Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

Hello Jim,  
 
Great design for the tow bar and lights.  My question is about your surfboard rack.  I have been hanging them flat with a piece of rope between two hooks (2 sets per board).  It takes up a lot of horizontal space.  I don't have the height you have but still this would be a better way for surf and also paddle boards.  Most of them are hung under an exterior deck at our house.  In any event could you send a photo or description of what you used for the hanger.  Thanks and regards, John Loftus, Rye, NH
 
 
Originally Posted by MusbJim - '95 VS SoCal:

The topic of tow bars comes up on occasion, so i thought I would post this pictorial tip on how I built the tow-bar for my Vintage Speedster. I will also put this in the 'Knowledge' section.

 

1. I started with a standard Empi tow-bar I bought at the local VW shop for $75. I don't know how to weld, so I took it to a local welding shop and gave the dimensions shown in the pic below...

DSCN4185

 

2. Here is a pic of the tow-bar on flat surface. The rise for the hitch-ball is 10" to mate the Speedster to our SUV tow-vehicle (with 4" drop hitch to level tow-bar)...

DSCN4186

 

...and attached to tow vehicle (with 4" ground clearance,which hasn't been a problem)...

DSCN3576

 

 

3. Here is the light-bar set-up I use while towing our VS...

Tow 4

 

...and attached to our VS luggage rack while in tow... 

DSCN3579

 

4. Here is a modification to use if you don't have a luggage rack (this is the set-up I used to tow Ted Pierson's Speedster)...

DSCN4189

 

...attached in the following manner...

Tow 6

 

...and then....

Tow 7

 

...then lower MacGuyver-thingie down to snug position against rear bulkhead (sorry for the the distracting cluttered-garage backdrop in this pic)...

Tow 8

 

Thanks guys, but I actually got the idea a while back from Wild Bill D. I couldn't find his pic so I did this. 

 

John L - Simple method for the surfboard (I'm ALL ABOUT simplifying things). The board in the pic is a 9' 8" performer with triple fin;

 

1). I used small toggle bolts (little bolts through a spring-loaded wing) in the ceiling. I used 2 toggles per end spaced 12" apart. I spaced the straps located at front & back of board about 24" from board ends which make for easier insertion of the board.

 

2) I added a fender washer (wide flat washer with small diameter hole for small bolt) to snug up the bolt head against the dry-wall (or sheet-rock).

 

3) You know those padded shoulder straps that come with luggage or a briefcase? I used (2) those and attached with cord to the toggle bolts.

 

DSCN4202

Attachments

Images (1)
  • DSCN4202
Last edited by MusbJim
Jim,
 
Got it!  Thanks for this.  I have plenty of wood to attach to so it will be easier for me.  Just have to find room for the four boards!
 
John
 
 
Originally Posted by MusbJim - '95 VS SoCal:

Thanks guys, but I actually got the idea a while back from Wild Bill D. I couldn't find his pic so I did this. 

 

John L - Simple method for the surfboard (I'm ALL ABOUT simplifying things). The board in the pic is a 9' 8" performer with triple fin;

 

1). I used small toggle bolts (little bolts through a spring-loaded wing) in the ceiling. I used 2 toggles per end spaced 12" apart. I spaced the straps located at front & back of board about 24" from board ends which make for easier insertion of the board.

 

2) I added a fender washer (wide flat washer with small diameter hole for small bolt) to snug up the bolt head against the dry-wall (or sheet-rock).

 

3) You know those padded shoulder straps that come with luggage or a briefcase? I used (2) those and attached with cord to the toggle bolts.

 

DSCN4202

 

Dave - to slide those slats against the bulkhead, the snaps of the tonneau (or convertible top) must be unsnapped. Click on the attached picture below for a closer view of the bow/bulkhead.

 

The slats can then be inserted (wedged) between the bow of the folded-down top. This 'slat' configuration is primarily a fair-weather tow set-up!

 

Tow 7

Attachments

Images (1)
  • Tow 7
Last edited by MusbJim
Post Content
×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×
×