Towing Issues: towing a beetle, mid america motorworks, manual tranny
QuestionI have a 63 beetle that I need to transport from Kansas to Mass. I will be towing it with a 07 Escape 6 cyl. My question is should I tow it with a dolly or tow bar. I've been told that if I tow it with a dolly, that the back drive shaft in a car that old will be fine in neutral. It will cost about $400 to rent a dolly one way. I can purchase a tow bar for under $100 and a light kit for under $30. If I go that route, ( with all four wheels on the ground ) will it mess with the steering? Just wondering what you'd recommend or where I can find info.
Thanks, Rich
AnswerI don't know the full effect of a very long flat tow on an older beetle. Sometimes a manual tranny needs the gears spinning to lubricate the bearings. Not sure if the beetle is that way. You could fry the tranny on that long of a drive.
I would recommend you google for VW clubs, and maybe contact Mid America Motorworks as one of the major parts and service places in the country:
http://www.mamotorworks.com/acvw.html
Don