Let's talk towing a spridget!

[Atrus]

So, at the end of June I am kicking around the idea of towing the Sprite up to the Mackinac bridge (St. Ignace) for the car show. My mother-in-law and uncle-in-law each have condos in town, and we always go up there. Sounds like everyone is bringing up various cars - Uncle a '69 Vette, Aunt her Ghia, M.I.L & her BF are driving a vintage Jag Roadster up.

So...I'd like to tow the Sprite. I have a tow vehicle, no problem there. I don't really have a trailer or dolly, and I'd like to avoid renting one due to cost. This will probably be a common occurence to bring it up there in years to come.

I know my Uncle-in-law towed a VW Bug up there a few years ago using one of those tow-bars (all 4 wheels on the bug on the road). I'd like to do the same. In fact, I believe I have the provisions for a bar bolted to the front frame rails on the sprite. I'd almost question if his bar would work with my Sprite - are they somewhat universal? He'll drive the vette up, so it should be free for me to use.

I'd disconnect the driveshaft so no worries about that. It's approximately 275 miles each way. I-75 straight up, so 65-70 mph speeds.

What do you all think? As long as the bearings are in good shape and whatnot, there should be no issue in it sustaining those speeds, should there? Any words of wisdom?

 

[Bugeye58]

Kevin, I flat towed a '62 Midget from Sacramento to here with no problems. I-80 most of the way across. The tow bar I used bolts on the front bumper brackets after you yank the bumper.
Towing to the bridge and back should be a piece of cake.
Jeff

 

[Atrus]

That's what I was hoping to hear Jeff!

My last final for my MBA is june 23rd. The St. Ignace show is right around then. So, this is my motivation. Get the suspension sorted out, and get a way to tow it up. These thoughts will get me through the next 14 weeks :wink:

 

[Atrus]

hmmmm...any idea of where a towbar could be picked up in case I need to purchase one?

 

[Bugeye58]

Kevin, you can borrow mine, if need be. (Mine is a Blue Ox. You may want to google it.) It's the basic towbar, and an adapter plate.
Jeff

 

[Atrus]

I appreciate the offer. Did you make the adapter plate, or buy it? Does it bolt right onto the bumper horns that stick out of the lower valence?

I'm thinking it might be best just to invest in one since I plan on towing it up there quite often (it's a yearly thing that we all go).

 

[Jer]

Kevin, your car will be one of the only LBC's in that show ! I used to go there for years but missed the last few shows until last year, I walked the entire show & didn't see one Sprite or Midget, I was hoping to as I don't see very many LBC's in my area.
I was thinking about making the drive down I-75 in my Midget this year as well, just under an hour on I-75 for me... think I can trust Midge that far My Midget is not exactly show quality... maybe I can hide in a side parking lot
St.Ignace car show isn't as huge as it has been & not nearly as fun since they clamped down on the after hours crusin etc. but still the biggest show I can get to in an hour from where I live, plus very scenic & a nice little town to have an excuse to visit !
I hope you make it up there with your Sprite !

 

[Bugeye58]

Kevin, I bought the adapter plate. All I had to do was measure and drill two holes for the bumper horns. Simply remove the bumper, attach the plate, and hook the towbar to the adapter.(Two pins.)
Jeff

 

[Atrus]

Jer - yeah, it has calmed down with the economy and the police crackdowns. Still a ton of fun. I saw one Midget 2 years back, not in the show but cruising. I'd say in the 6 years that I've gone I've seen 3 or so. There's an Austin Mini up there every year.

That'd be cool if you were around! I am hoping I get can mine up there. Trust me, mine is FAR from show quality. It'll be driven in the parade, and then I'll cruise in it. No showing this year, it's too embarassing :wink:

Jeff - sounds good, I'll have to see what I can come up with. I have some wired little plate steel mounts that come off of the front framerails under the front valence. They run parallel to the rails (front to back) and have a 1-1.5" hole in them. They look to be for pulling it. I'd prefer to use something like that as future plans wouldn't have the bumper brackets on anymore.

 

[startech47]

The plates you are referring to are to chain the car down during the original shipment.

 

[Atrus]

The plates you are referring to are to chain the car down during the original shipment.

Ah, good to know. Hmmm....I'll have to figure something out. I had planned on going sans-bumpers (already removed the front), and I planned in integrating some driving lights where the mount holes were in the valence.

Perhaps I could use the OE mounts and put some bumperettes up there. I think that'd look good, and I'd have the mounting for the towbar. I think they look better when you can see the curves of the valence. I don't care for the bumpered look, be it chrome or rubber.