Towing 63 with tow dolly
#1
Drifting
Thread Starter
Towing 63 with tow dolly
My engine crapped out 40 miles from home with a knocking noise like bent pushrod or loose rocker arm. I plan on retrieving it tomorrow with a tow dolly.
It is a 63 327 with a powerglide.
I assume I can put the powerglide in neutral and tow by the front wheels?
It is a 63 327 with a powerglide.
I assume I can put the powerglide in neutral and tow by the front wheels?
#2
Melting Slicks
I fried a Turbo 350 by towing it a couple thousand miles like that. So, you might not fry it but it may hurt it since it's not being lubed by the pump. $.02
#4
Melting Slicks
There are many different opinions on this topic (example), and I don't know the answer myself. Until JohnZ shows up and sets the record straight, I'd play it safe and get all four wheels up off the ground. U-Haul rents a car hauler trailer if your tow vehicle is big enough to handle it.
P.S.
Don't even think about putting your rear wheels on the dolly and towing it backwards. It's unstable.
P.S.
Don't even think about putting your rear wheels on the dolly and towing it backwards. It's unstable.
Last edited by kellsdad; 01-28-2012 at 07:44 AM. Reason: PS
#5
Team Owner
Member Since: Mar 2003
Location: Greenville, Indiana
Posts: 26,118
Received 1,843 Likes
on
1,398 Posts
No need to argue about it or wait for someone to come along. Why not look in the Owner's Manual? Or the '63 Service Manual.
"If a vehicle is equipped with Powerglide becomes disabled and requires towing or pushing, speed must not exceed 30 mph. Driveshaft must be disconnected if vehicle is to be towed at speeds above 30 mph.
When towing a vehicle on it's front wheels only, the steering wheel should be secured to maintain a straight forward posotion."
If the problem is a rocker or pushrod, I'd just fix it alongside the road.
"If a vehicle is equipped with Powerglide becomes disabled and requires towing or pushing, speed must not exceed 30 mph. Driveshaft must be disconnected if vehicle is to be towed at speeds above 30 mph.
When towing a vehicle on it's front wheels only, the steering wheel should be secured to maintain a straight forward posotion."
If the problem is a rocker or pushrod, I'd just fix it alongside the road.
Last edited by MikeM; 01-28-2012 at 08:30 AM.
#6
Burning Brakes
Powerglides wont get lube if towed in neutral, to do it without damage you need to pull the rear of the drive shaft and tie the shaft out of the way (or pull it and install a trans plug)..4 bolts. otherwise your only option is roll-back or car trailer.
*note - powerglides did have a rear pump up to the 66 model year, it was eliminated in 67. Even though it would seem that you would get enough lube with that pump, the factory recommendation was still to not flat tow the car in neutral.
*note - powerglides did have a rear pump up to the 66 model year, it was eliminated in 67. Even though it would seem that you would get enough lube with that pump, the factory recommendation was still to not flat tow the car in neutral.
Last edited by C6Matt; 01-28-2012 at 08:38 AM.
#7
Drifting
Don't.
Tow dolly's are the worst. Not only will you hurt your car towing it, There is a good chance you will do body damage trying to push it onto the tow dolly.
Just hire a flat bad, even if it's $200.00 (shouldn't be) it's worth it.
Tow dolly's are the worst. Not only will you hurt your car towing it, There is a good chance you will do body damage trying to push it onto the tow dolly.
Just hire a flat bad, even if it's $200.00 (shouldn't be) it's worth it.
#8
Safety Car
#9
Team Owner
Member Since: Mar 2003
Location: Greenville, Indiana
Posts: 26,118
Received 1,843 Likes
on
1,398 Posts
#11
Burning Brakes
I should of stated that I assumed he would want to go faster than 30mph, he's 40 miles away. I know I would.. but if it were me it would be on a car trailer. If I HAD to use a dolly... drop the shaft. You are correct that if he crawled along he would get home...eventually. And if you are assuming there are no roads with a minimum speed along the way IE..freeway.
Last edited by C6Matt; 01-28-2012 at 11:32 AM.
#12
Team Owner
Member Since: Mar 2003
Location: Greenville, Indiana
Posts: 26,118
Received 1,843 Likes
on
1,398 Posts
I should of stated that I assumed he would want to go faster than 30mph, he's 40 miles away. I know I would.. but if it were me it would be on a car trailer. If I HAD to use a dolly... drop the shaft. You are correct that if he crawled along he would get home...eventually. And if you are assuming there are no roads with a minimum speed along the way IE..freeway.
Here was his question.
"I assume I can put the powerglide in neutral and tow by the front wheels?"
I was merely correcting your post about the factory recommendation.
#13
Le Mans Master
If the dolley is your most convienent method? Use it.
I am not sure why it would mess up your body work? That would be up to the incompetence of the loader.
I have towed many vehicles on a dolley.
Dolleys are great for quick transport.
My first choice would be the flatbed.
I am not sure why it would mess up your body work? That would be up to the incompetence of the loader.
I have towed many vehicles on a dolley.
Dolleys are great for quick transport.
My first choice would be the flatbed.
#14
Team Owner
Member Since: Feb 2003
Location: Sitting in his Nowhere land Hanover Pa
Posts: 49,015
Received 6,945 Likes
on
4,784 Posts
2015 C2 of Year Finalist
I would not tow a car going to junk yard on a dolly non the less a classic car. I heard and seen to many bad things as a result of using one
#15
Drifting
Thread Starter
Thanks for the suggestions
Well, why didn't I think of this last night? My insurance covers towing. I haven't had to get a car towed since I don't know when.
The flatbed came by and I'm safely home now.
This made all the racket:
I actually towed a restored frame from Kansas City to Beaumont,Tx on a tow dolly, my only experience.
The flatbed came by and I'm safely home now.
This made all the racket:
I actually towed a restored frame from Kansas City to Beaumont,Tx on a tow dolly, my only experience.
#17
Drifting
Thread Starter
#18
Le Mans Master
Like many things. It's only as good as the user.
I will admit, I would search for other options when it comes to my Vette. But I would use it if thats all I have. For very short distance in an emergency.
I don't tow my C2 in any fashion unless theres a shield on the trailer. Thats why the flatbed is my first choice.
Last edited by MiguelsC2; 01-28-2012 at 10:02 PM.
#20
Team Owner
Member Since: Mar 2003
Location: Greenville, Indiana
Posts: 26,118
Received 1,843 Likes
on
1,398 Posts
I would use the dolly if that's all you have at hand, and you don't want to spend large for a flatbed, BUT I would put the dolly under the BACK end, and tie the steering wheel straight, and so it can't move and away you go. No problem. Keep the speed reasonably low as well, and remember the extra weight when braking. Let us know what you did decide to do. Good Luck.