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Rear tie downs for old folks

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jlaird

jlaird

Great Pumpkin
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Well when in doubt it pays to go to the garage and discuss these issues with Miss Agatha.

Look at the slot between the wheel rim and the center part of the wheel. Now how easy is that and it is big enough to slide a strap through and even better it is out where a person can get a hand to it easily and quickly.

First I am off to WallMart and see if there is about a three foot piece of the small strap with a sewn eye on each end then a regular strap tie down would go through both ends at the same time. Did that make sense, if not I will try to do a better job of it.

More to follow.
 
Great idea, Jack - as long as the metal edge isn't too sharp that it may cut through the strap. I'm gonna have to check my wheels to see if it'll work, as I've always had a tough time finding a proper tie-down location, and crawling under the trailer just isn't as much fun as it used to be...
 
What's wrong with axle straps? This is what I have always used to tow the Bugeye on a trailer. Takes no effort or time to put on and secure. A chain or strap with a hook, and secured at the other end to the trailer is all that's needed Two, of course.

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I think nothing wrong with axle straps but can not get to them without crawling under the car ie can not just reach and hook.
 
Question as I can not tell size, I see on Amazon. Will the strap slide through the opening in Spridget wheels. Will the metal end peice go through the slot? The length is great.
 
jlaird said:
I think nothing wrong with axle straps but can not get to them without crawling under the car ie can not just reach and hook.
Click to expand...

Aha... I was not sure if that was your issue or not.

As far as what straps will fit through the wheel, I can't say as I assume there is a wide variance in the dimensions of the D-ring. I would think you could find some that would work though.
 
I just tried my straps and they will not fit through the wheel slots. The slot is wide enough but the web at the metal piece is too thick to pass through.
 
I can tell you I had some straps I ran through wheel slots when towing Bugsy II home from Toronto. All went well until I got to the border and I need to get down i75 through Detroit. Broke 2-3 straps on 15 Mike stretch through metro Detroit. Make sure you use something leather or other material. I would also think you could setup a rope positioned on the end of a pole that you could use to put over the axle and then use the rope to pull the axle strap forward.
 
Jack,
these are the tie down mounts I use on my trailer and they are rated at 900 lbs. they could be easily installed thru the rear bumper bracket near the 3 bolt holes. Once mounted they don't hang down or rattle. You can also use small tow hooks in the same mounting spot or on both ends.
Rut
 

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Gona thing on this some more, will get back to ya, must be a good way.
 
Jack,
Let me think about this and see what I can make in the way of a bolt on.
Rut
 
Jack,
I put these together this morning and they are drilled to fit the front two holes of the bumper bracket mount. The D rings are rated at 900 lbs and drop down just enough so you can tie or clip a strap to it. I'll get them in the mail sometime this week so you can see if they work for you.
Rut
 

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I'd have to look at mine to see if it clears but can't you just drop the strap behind the wheel from over the top and just grab the end where it hangs down and pull it back towards the rear of the trailer?
 
You could also use a stick / pole to shove a rope over the top of the axle that is tied to the end of an axle strap. Could be easy to reach up there from the side of the trailer with some sort of helper stick to lead the rope up there. I do like Ruts idea however. Rut where did those come from?
 
Jim,
I used a substantial L bracket about 3/16" thick and cut it in half, ground off the galvanized coating and welded a 900 lb capacity D ring to the end I bent down. I drilled holes to match up with the bumper bracket and slotted the middle hole since I have a difference in the measurements between my 1960 and 1963, kinda universal. You might be able to use the original bolts, but I would go a 1/4" or so longer.
Rut
 
Thanks Rut !
 
Got a package from Rut today in the mail. It was two rear tie downs for a bugeye. A strap with holes cut for the bolts that hold the rear bumperettes on with a loop on one end as shown in a previous pict Rut posted. All painted flat black.

These guys are the you know what, this is the way to go. With the front tie downs from a late model MG and these for the rear from Rut a person does not even need to bend over to tie down a bugeye, how wonderful is that.

Could not wait, had to go see how they worked. I need to bend the end with the eye down about 45 degrees. No prob. Will fix that tomorrow. The bumper bracket requires the additional bend.

Thanks Rut, I really appreciate your thoughtfulness.
 
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