Towing early 911

[dhaines]

I hope this never happens, but what do you ask for if you ever have to tow an early 911? Flat bed? Especially concerned about it as my car has been lowered considerably. I just envision "Bruno" showing up, spitting out his chew and wanting to use a hook on the front end, dragging the exhaust on the pavement as we go! I hope I never have to use your advise, but thanks!

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Doug '67 911 2.2

[dtw]

I was a towing pro for a couple years. If I was Obin I'd probably be crying about your characterization of towing men...but I'm not, so I won't. There are some pretty comical guys out there.

There are two ways you can do this- a wheel lift under the rear, with self-loading dollies on the front end. This gets the car off the ground and will protect the trailing front of the car from dips on the road. This is actually what I would recommend. You CAN flatbed the car, but even the most experienced towmen can yank your front end out of alignment. You see, cars on flatbeds are supposed to be secured by j-hooks attached to the frame. Many towers won't waste time looking for the frame hooks and will just wrap the hook around a hub or A-arm, then ratchet the crap out of it until the car squats and preloads everything. This is nice and safe, but also really bad for alignment. Worse, older cars like your 911 don't even have the flatbed attachment points on the frame. That is why my recommendation would be for a wheel lift and self-loading dollies.

Get a recommendation if you can, and if not, tell the dispatcher you have an old car that you want treated right. Specifically ask for a wheel lift and dollies. Then make sure to watch the operator when he arrives, he'll be on his toes for you and careful. The fact is if you don't have a conscientious operator and you're not on top of him, he's gonna screw it up no matter what. This is true of any service- whether it be carpet cleaning or PC-techs.

Note- that dollies are designed for low-speed, short-distance towing, not extended highway transport. If you need to go a long distance, you'll have to make do with a flatbed or a transport company.

Hope this helps!

-d

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Dave
'72 911T to '73 RSR Replica Project

[Bruno Lavion]

I resemble that remark!

How timely a post... On saturday I am venturing to Rhode Island to recover my ailing 73 911E. Yes My name is Bruno and Yes I will be "towing" the skittle back to NY.

This of course is a controlled situation where I found myself in need of a tow. I was able to leave the car where it sat (at a luxurious home on the waterfront) and make plans to bring it back to NY. The best and most economical option was for me to rent a Uhaul and trailer. It should cost me about $200 for a one way, not including gas. Benefits are:
I get the best "Bruno" I know to tow it.. ME!
It's cheaper than that other "Bruno"
and I get to plug the benefits of having "Bruno" trailer the car on the Pelican Parts Bulleting Board.

I will take Pictures (if I dont crash the whole rig on the return trip).

Regards,

"Bruno"

[dhaines]

I knew I would find someone to insult. ;-). Hope the tow goes well.

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Doug '67 911 2.2

[Roland Kunz]

Hello

It is good to update the pre 74 cars to the later tow hooks a front. As the hook sits deeper you avoid scratching the spoilerlip and some cars have rustet pans/hooks and they will fly off under hard use.

Normaly a 911 will not have problems rolling on a trailer except the car is lowered then mostly the exhaust tip will scratch the street. But there are some tricks to avoid that. Mostly 4-5 bar in the tires will lift enough. If not then rise the front end from the trailer as this will give a long more straigt wedge. Some cars have deep spoilers and need more attention on front.

Grüsse

[Reg]

Does a car require two of these front tow hooks?

The ones here at pelican say 74 to 89, but look like they's mount on my 70's front suspension as well.

Also, is it ok to tow a 911 for a short distance rolling in neutral?

Thanks as always!
Reg

[davis911s]

Reg I don't know the answer to your question. But if it was me I would take the axles off! That way there is no moving parts except the tires.

I don't know the effect of the spinning axles and the transmission in a Porsche, but when I had a 4x4 they would always recommend removing the driveshaft when towing.

And hey it won't take THAT long to remove them, plus it'll give an opportunity to repack the CV joints.

Thats what I would do, I am sure if I am wrong someone will "sort me out"

Shawn

[Reg]

Shawn

I am not planning of towing the car any distance. Just wanted to have a hook there in case I have a failure and am fairly close to home as I'd tow it home with another car vs. calling a tilt and load etc...