MGB Moving an MGB

[kyreb1862]

I'm sure this has probably been addressed before but, I need to ask again. I am closing a deal this weekend on a 1977 MGB. The car is located about 200 miles from my home. The PO says while it runs he doesn't know if he would trust it for that distance. I don't own a trailer but I do have access to a car dolly. What prep work do I need to do to the car to be able to tow it? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[rick_ingram]

Make sure she rolls...and then disconnect the drive shaft from the differential. (You can then tie the shaft up to the bodyshell or completely remove the driveshaft.)

 

[jlaird]

Not a good idea to remove the driveshaft, tranny oil will leak out, just tie it up with a coathanger.

 

[kyreb1862]

I also need to ask about the car dolly. The PO says he thinks the car may be to narrow for the dolly. Anybody have any experience with this?

 

[rick_ingram]

It will be tight on a dolly, but you can do it.

I've never had a problem with a leaking transmission on a tow dolly with the driveshaft removed.

IF it does leak, you can always check the level and top off if needed. With a new purchase, this should be done anyway.

 

[tony barnhill]

Put your best tires on the rear & make sure the rear end is full of 90wt..

 

[Jarhead]

when I bought my '77 it was a little over 150 miles from home. I had a buddy take me over with a small tool box and enough various fluids to top of the systems. I then drove it home. It was the best way to find out what it was going to need. I was lucky it made it all the way to the garage without a problem, short of mis-firing, coughing and spitting all the way. Ended up putting new ignition and carburation on it. Good luck either way.

 

[Scott_Hower]

[ QUOTE ]
I also need to ask about the car dolly. The PO says he thinks the car may be to narrow for the dolly. Anybody have any experience with this?

[/ QUOTE ]

I used a dolly to drag a Midget home a few years ago. It fit, but barely! I added a couple of washers to each wheel stud to get another 1/4-1/2" of track clearance. I think a Midget is about 4ft.

 

[tony barnhill]

If its one of those rental dollies, it'll work.

 

[kennypinkerton]

What is wrong with putting the back wheels on the dollie and towing the car backwords? Wouldn't even have to get under the car.

 

[tony barnhill]

Gotta tie down the front wheels then, Kenny...so they track straight

 

[rick_ingram]

And you CANNOT do that if the car has wire wheels!

 

[kennypinkerton]

Steering lock mechanism won't hold it? - Just curious.

 

[tony barnhill]

Might - if he got the tires lined up perfectly straight...otherwise the car will 'crab' down the road & wear out the tread...plus, as mentioned above - if its wire wheels, they could loosen themaselves running backwards

 

[kyreb1862]

Car has disc wheels but the truth is, I have never been comfortable towing one backward. A little more work, but I think I would feel more comfortable taking the drive shaft loose. Also had a thought ( made my head hurt) does U Haul rent trailers you could haul a car on? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[sunkissedhealey]

Yep, at least U-Haul used to have such trailers 30 years ago. I've rented many car-carrier trailers from them, moving my MGA (had it 20+ years) from California to Tennessee to Washington D.C. and then back again. Give them a call.

Rob

 

[brdave]

What damage can be done if the driveshaft is not disconnected?
brdave

 

[rick_ingram]

Yes..U-Haul rents car haulers. I don't know if they rent just the trailer without the truck. Do NOT be afraid of a tow dolly. I've used one for an MGA, my MGC, a friend's MGB, all without incident..a couple on treks of 300 miles. Almost easier to use than a trailer....except darned near imposible to back up, as the pivot quite easily.

 

[tony barnhill]

[ QUOTE ]
What damage can be done if the driveshaft is not disconnected?

[/ QUOTE ]


Can ruin the front pinion bearing in the rear end.

 

[jlaird]

Sure, need a class 3 hitch though.