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General => General Discussion => Topic started by: Jeepers Creepers on August 25, 2016, 05:28:31 AM

Title: Having a Towbar Made.
Post by: Jeepers Creepers on August 25, 2016, 05:28:31 AM
I spoke with our local welding/sheetmetal guy yesterday about having a bar made for the Cadillac when it arrives.

Now, while I know, there's not too much to building a towbar, I though $700 was reasonable.

I stipulated, apart from the end plates, it would also have 2 more plates, each one about a 1/3 of the width of the main bar, to tie in with the bumper irons.
He reckons he can get it invisible from view, but that means I have to have the old bolt on tongue style rather than the box tube receiver.

Everything bolts to the existing bumper bar mounting points to eliminate any holes being drilled in the car.

I thought about making it myself, but all I can picture is Homer Simpson's spice rack quality work with a caravan hanging off it.

$700 seemed ok value from that thought onwards.

Title: Re: Having a Towbar Made.
Post by: moose2367 on August 25, 2016, 06:24:40 AM
The main expense is the engineering side of it.
Either you make your own and pay to get it passed by an engineer, or you pay someone to make one that has already been certified by an engineer to make them.


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Title: Re: Having a Towbar Made.
Post by: Bird on August 26, 2016, 01:37:28 PM
Quote from: moose2367 on August 25, 2016, 06:24:40 AM
The main expense is the engineering side of it.
Either you make your own and pay to get it passed by an engineer, or you pay someone to make one that has already been certified by an engineer to make them.


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if you can get all that inc engineering for 700 go for it.
Title: Re: Having a Towbar Made.
Post by: Jeepers Creepers on August 26, 2016, 04:22:08 PM
Quote from: Bird on August 26, 2016, 01:37:28 PM
if you can get all that inc engineering for 700 go for it.

I thought it was a good price
Title: Re: Having a Towbar Made.
Post by: Paddler Ed on August 26, 2016, 04:40:18 PM
Pre 1989 iirc does not need engineering or an approval number.
Title: Re: Having a Towbar Made.
Post by: Jeepers Creepers on August 26, 2016, 04:49:22 PM
Quote from: Paddler Ed on August 26, 2016, 04:40:18 PM
Pre 1989 iirc does not need engineering or an approval number.

Hey Ed, yeah, I was aware of that, but i'd like to know its done right for ease of mind.

With over 18 and half foot of car and a 17 and half foot of van, I thought the safety factor should kick in. (I think i had a sensible moment.  ??? )