19 replies to this topic

[Detta]

As above, I've heard horror stories as to the integrity of the front towing eye. As such, would you recommend against doing a slow speed, one off rope tow on the road over a distance of about 6 miles? Need to get the car to a garage to ger the slave cyl done and I'm wondering if this would be a few quid saved or a stupid risk?

[The Batman]

My mate has towed me around a roads on front toe eye for 8miles Mine survived but give the tow eye a good tap to clean the threads first and take it easy

[Gedi]

I wouldn't wanna risk it, it's an expensive repair if something goes wrong.

I hired a trailer when I moved my VX.

[jules_s]

Mines been towed too - only with a rigid brace though! As Joe said, make sure the towing eye threads are really clean so you get enough of the eye in to not pull itself out

[The Batman]

I would really give it a good look to make sure it isn't too rusted too

[myles]

'Break down' and get the AA to tow you to the garage of your choice. Other breakdown companies are available.

[mbes2]

Wouldn't use a tow rope with the VX

 

As above. call for a flatbed via your recovery 

[Pidgeon]

Any tow is only as smooth as the drivers of the vehicles.  If the driver of the towing vehicle is super smooth and anticipates the road, while the towed driver keeps the rope taught, you'll be fine. If the guy in front does an emergency start when you've a yard of slack - goodbye front of clam.

[TheRealVXed]

I would definitely tow with a solid bar if at all.  The garage replaced my tow eye bracket when I had some repairs done to the front clam and my towing eye has been in ever since.  If you can't make all the thread disappear don't even think about using it.  It is really for extreme emergencies only and honestly not really up to the task of towning the car over long distances

[Ormes]

Just change the slave yourself... from your previous posts you seem up for having a go at mechanical stuff... buy a VXer a beer or two in exchange for some help... if I was closer I'd help 

[The Batman]

Where are you in the world?

[smithers]

I was towed at 40+mph with a rigid brace down country lanes in 2 inches of snow once - on 888s - got caught out and a friendly farmer pulled me for about 5 miles at speed in his 4X4.

 

Scared the living sh*t out of me and would never do it again. I wouldn't let a friend do it now, let alone a stranger, full lock steering and being hung out like a rally car into oncoming traffic was not my idea of fun... bent the sh*t out of the towing eyelet too, the strut itself was fine though.

[james_ly]

I was towed at 40+mph with a rigid brace down country lanes in 2 inches of snow once - on 888s - got caught out and a friendly farmer pulled me for about 5 miles at speed in his 4X4.

 

Scared the living sh*t out of me and would never do it again. I wouldn't let a friend do it now, let alone a stranger, full lock steering and being hung out like a rally car into oncoming traffic was not my idea of fun... bent the sh*t out of the towing eyelet too, the strut itself was fine though.

 

Going out on 888s in the snow! Brave.  

[smithers]

 

I was towed at 40+mph with a rigid brace down country lanes in 2 inches of snow once - on 888s - got caught out and a friendly farmer pulled me for about 5 miles at speed in his 4X4.

 

Scared the living sh*t out of me and would never do it again. I wouldn't let a friend do it now, let alone a stranger, full lock steering and being hung out like a rally car into oncoming traffic was not my idea of fun... bent the sh*t out of the towing eyelet too, the strut itself was fine though.

 

Going out on 888s in the snow! Brave.  

 

It wasn't snowing when I started out! 3 hours later it was a bit of a nightmare on uncleared roads!

[Detta]

I'm in East Sussex, don't seem to be a huge number of VX'ers in the region sadly! 

 

EDIT: More specifically Eastbourne/Hailsham region.

 

I did have a good look through Nev's guide, but lack of (correct) tools, a proper ramp or ability to catch the gear box has lead me to believe that this one might be beyond my modest ability. I would love to DIY it with the help of a more knowledgeable & better equipped buddy but sadly I have none!

Edited by Detta, 08 October 2014 - 11:12 AM.

[simonlpearce]

Could you not get a rope onto a wishbone? Would be safer option than the eye i reckon.

[myles]

Could you not get a rope onto a wishbone? Would be safer option than the eye i reckon.

 

 

How will the rope get to the tow vehicle without sawing through or at least smashing the clam?

[Mopeytitan]

Aren't tow ropes only supposed to be used for recovery and not towing now? Thought you were meant to use a brace if you towing for any distance? Could be wrong. I just stick the vx on trailer when I need to get it somewhere and can't drive.

[TheRealVXed]

I'm in East Sussex, don't seem to be a huge number of VX'ers in the region sadly! 

 

EDIT: More specifically Eastbourne/Hailsham region.

 

I did have a good look through Nev's guide, but lack of (correct) tools, a proper ramp or ability to catch the gear box has lead me to believe that this one might be beyond my modest ability. I would love to DIY it with the help of a more knowledgeable & better equipped buddy but sadly I have none!

 

"Catching" the gearbox is fine.  Just put a jack under it with a block of wood inbetween.  Then once you've undone the bolts it will sit on the jack you can slowly lower the jack and with some help tease the GB free.  They aren't that heavy once it comes away from the engine.  To re-fit just do the same in reverse

[Goosenka]

Martin s is Littlehampton ish. Sutil is sussex.