Transporting 74 Midget

[Flatlander]

I have purchased a non-running 74 Midget but need to transport it 500 miles back home. My choices are:

1. Rent an auto trailer.
2. Rent a car dolly: Does anyone know the inside of tire to inside of tire width for a Midget? Are car dollys typically narrow enough to accommodate a Midget?
3. Bolt a tow bar to the front bumber mounting points: Has any one done this and is this a secure point of attachment? Can anyone tell me center to center spacing of the front bumper mounting bolts? Size of bolts?

I am trying to come up with alternatives prior to going to pickup the car and would appreciate any input.

Thanks,

Gary

 

[Dave_W]

Towing with a dolly with the back wheels on the ground will necessitate removing the driveshaft to prevent transmission damage. The same applies with flat tow using a tow bar. Also, do you know the condition of the tires and wheel bearings?

I would probably go with the trailer if it were my choice.

 

[drooartz]

Be careful with a car trailer -- the Midget has a very narrow track and may not fit on many two-rail trailers. A flat bed may work better.

 

[rick_ingram]

Towing with a dolly with the back wheels on the ground will necessitate removing the driveshaft to prevent transmission damage. The same applies with flat tow using a tow bar. Also, do you know the condition of the tires and wheel bearings?

I would probably go with the trailer if it were my choice.

I may be a little dense today, but how would flat towing a Midget with a tow bar without disconnecting the driveshaft damage the transmission? I can see potential damage on a tow dolly with the nose higher than the rear and decreased oil splash/supply to the fron of the transmission....but flat towing?

I had a Midget given to me last October...I used an enclosed trailer to transport it. The Midget was free...but it cost me $150 in gas to get it home.

 

[Dave_W]

What happens is that there are not enough elements in the transmission turning to stir up the oil. This leaves the rear bearings running dry. If the engine is running the input shaft turns the cluster gear and that splashes the oil around inside. But if only the output shaft turns that doesn't happen. The problem is with the back of the transmission no the front.

If a tow dolly is used, the trans is on a tail down angle and may get some oil to the back but even then I wouldn't count on it.

 

[Deleted member 8987]

And the bearing between the input and main shaft runs dry.
And it gets unnecessarily expensive.

 

[Flatlander]

Thanks for everyones input. I have decided to rent a flatbed trailer.

 

[Flatlander]

Rick,

Were there tie downs in the trailer you used to secure the car? If not did you secure the caR INTHE TRAILER SOME OTHER WAY?

Thanks,

Gary

 

[vping]

Thanks for everyones input. I have decided to rent a flatbed trailer.

On unknown tire or suspension, this is the way I always bring home my finds. I've brought home enough of them over the past few years to know for sure.

 

[rick_ingram]

Rick,

Were there tie downs in the trailer you used to secure the car? If not did you secure the caR INTHE TRAILER SOME OTHER WAY?

Thanks,

Gary

Yes, the Midget was secured on all four corners before we left for home. In fact, you can see the yellow tie-downs in the picture, running from the rear of the trailer to the differential. A luggage rack and other miscellaneous parts hide some of the straps.



When I moved to Illinois from Michigan in 1977, I owned a 1972 Midget.

I put that car in the back of a 22' Ryder box van...safely secured...it made the 400 mile trip unscathed, as did everything I had packed around (and in it). I used a farm implement loading dock to get the car on to and off of the truck. Wish I had a picture.