RE: IML: Imperials on a tow dolly

["Wm. R. Ulman" <twolaneblacktop@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

My '60 had a rear pump.  It was the cast Iron transmission.  In '62 with
the Aluminum Torqueflite, I think the rear pump went away.  I know my
'63 did not have a rear pump, at least that is what I was told when I
had it rebuilt when reverse farted out on me.  I tried to push start my
'60 one time following directions in the manual.  I even had a small
hill to push it down.  Pushing a 6,000 lb car up to 20 mph and then
pushing in the first gear button did nothing, and yes, the ignition
switch was in the on position.  AAA Flatbed.  Final answer.  My
experience only.

Bill

-----Original Message-----
From: mailing-list-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:mailing-list-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Dick Benjamin
Sent: Sunday, December 05, 2004 7:34 PM
To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: RE: IML: Imperials on a tow dolly


Check in your owner's manual; that will tell you if your transmission
has a rear pump. If the car can be "push started", then it has a rear
pump, and you can safely tow it with the rear wheels down, at least for
the distance you are contemplating.  I'm not sure whether the 64 or the
65 was the last year for a rear pump, but I think it was 65.  

If you decide to use a tow truck, I advise letting him pick it up at the
front.  Picking these cars up from the rear adds a lot of extra weight
to the front suspension - I have broken a front spindle doing exactly
that, when the towed car slammed into a pot hole.  

When the tow truck picks it up from the front, there is also weight
transfer to the back, but the tow truck has most of the weight of a
front engine car, and the rear suspension is a lot less complicated and
vulnerable to an overload.

However, regarding the tow dollies, most of them are rated for a 3500
pound vehicle, maximum, and your car is way over that.  So unless you
have a special heavy duty tow dolly, you will be exceeding the safe
rating.

I think things will go much better for you if you beg, borrow or steal a
3/4 ton truck and a flatbed car trailer.  Towing this heavy a car with a
passenger car or a 1/2 ton truck is quite hazardous.  

If you have only 10 miles to go, and you can do it all at 20 MPH
maximum, without causing a traffic mess, then I guess I might be tempted
also to save money, but be aware you are taking a chance.  The whole
shindig will be very unstable on the road above about 30 MPH, won't stop
worth a darn, and could very well cause some damage to both vehicles if
it wraps around on you.

Been there, done that, had to change my shorts!

Dick Benjamin





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