<VV> Towing a Convertible backwards-put the top down?

[Charlie]

Frank makes a good point that, even with the top down as I did, the windshield could potentially be damaged?

I guess the wind pressure could push it out at higher speeds?



Charlie


-----Original Message-----
From: Frank [mailto:64monzaconv at gmail.com] 
Sent: Saturday, February 28, 2015 11:48 AM
To: Charlie
Cc: J. R. Read; Virtual Vairs
Subject: Re: Towing a Convertible backwards-put the top down?

In the past, I've heard a lot of cons about towing a PG with the rear wheels on the ground.  I've also heard to never tow a convertible backwards with the top down because it could damage the windshield.  Financially, a tow dolly is the best solution for me to transport my Vair.  For the time being securing the vinyl above the rear window makes the most sense.  I appreciate the responses I've received.  Also, thanks for the heads up about the difficulty of  backing up a tow dolly (thought it was just me).  Thanks, Frank


Sent from my iPhone

> On Feb 28, 2015, at 2:03 AM, "Charlie" <chaz at properproper.com> wrote:
> 
> Hmmm...
> 
> This would have helped me a few weeks ago when my '65 Monza alternator 
> swallowed its "GRD" bolt (the external had fallen off, and gone 
> unnoticed!)
> 
> This little bolt jerked the engine (via the fan belt) to an abrupt halt, and almost immediately, the engine stalled from the dead short in the alternator (across the alternator heat sink)! 
> 
> However, I think I inadvertently avoided all the aforementioned 
> problems of getting dolly-towed backward 13 miles home down a steep 
> hill (coasting I can reach 90 down this grade.)
> 
> Anyway, my top was down (as it ALWAYS is!), so none of those problems 
> occurred to my car, since there was nothing but the windshield to 
> "Catch the Wind" (as Donovan would have said.)
> 
> It had never occurred to me to put the top up, and if I had, I would have discovered firsthand what all you guys are now warning others not to do!
> 
> Good advice, and now I know!  (Besides never putting my top UP in the 
> first place!)
> 
> Thanks for all the interesting stories!
> 
> Charlie
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: VirtualVairs [mailto:virtualvairs-bounces at corvair.org] On Behalf 
> Of J. R. Read via VirtualVairs
> Sent: Friday, February 27, 2015 3:11 PM
> To: Frank Campbell; virtualvairs at corvair.org
> Subject: Re: <VV> Towing a Convertible with a Tow Dolly
> 
> With a convertible, I'd either flat tow or trailer - in a forward position.
> Later, JR
> 
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Frank Campbell via VirtualVairs" <virtualvairs at corvair.org>
> To: <virtualvairs at corvair.org>
> Sent: Friday, February 27, 2015 3:17 PM
> Subject: <VV> Towing a Convertible with a Tow Dolly
> 
> 
>> ​​I recently bought a tow dolly to pull my 64 Monza PG convertible.  I
>> loaded the car on the dolly with the rear wheels in the cradle.   I
>> am inexperienced at towing but everything seemed to go well except 
>> the backing up part.
>> 
>> While towing the car, I noticed the convertible top just above the 
>> rear window was being pulled up by the wind at highway speeds.
>> 
>> Question, will this hurt the top and if so, is there a way to prevent 
>> the wind from catching the top and pulling it up ?  Any thoughts or 
>> suggestions will be appreciated.
>> 
>> Thanks, Frank
>