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MGB Moving an MGB

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kyreb1862

kyreb1862

Jedi Knight
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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
 
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.)
 
Not a good idea to remove the driveshaft, tranny oil will leak out, just tie it up with a coathanger.
 
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?
 
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.
 
Put your best tires on the rear & make sure the rear end is full of 90wt..
 
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.
 
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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?

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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.
 
If its one of those rental dollies, it'll work.
 
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.
 
Gotta tie down the front wheels then, Kenny...so they track straight
 
And you CANNOT do that if the car has wire wheels!
 
Steering lock mechanism won't hold it? - Just curious.
 
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
 
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
 
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
 
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.
 
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What damage can be done if the driveshaft is not disconnected?

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Can ruin the front pinion bearing in the rear end.
 
Sure, need a class 3 hitch though.
 
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