Free-wheeling hubs-old style towing
 

Hey guys,
My car is close to ready to get some racing in this year. I really don't want to drive it to the track anymore and I might not be able to get insurance on the car due to roll cage etc...

I am bucks down right now so I can't afford to buy a decent open car trailer.
I recall back in the days people used to "flat tow" their cars. They had a "free wheeling hubs" attached to a suitable tow vehicle with a tow bar.

I can't seem to find these hubs anymore, but after talking to some people I think I could make some. I would remove a front drum application off a GM A-body (to get the hubs) and make some mounting plates (1/2 steel). I would also construct some type of tow bar...

I would need to find a small thin tire that would act as the wheels for the hub..I also don't have a e-brake anymore due to c-clip elims install..

Hopefully there are some guys out there who did this back in the day and can give me some advice..
Thanks,
Kris

Re: Free-wheeling hubs-old style towing
 

I may have two sets in my ex mother in laws garage. For Large bolt pattern chrysler , ford also have tow bar. Make me a reasonable offer and pay for shipping. These are cool because they have one hole bored to make R&R easy you just have to drill a hole into the tow wheels you will be using.
Mike

Re: Free-wheeling hubs-old style towing
 

Cool! I have the GM 4.75 bolt pattern with 1/2 studs. Can I assume the "large" Chrysler pattern is 4.5? Could I just drill out the holes a addition 1/4 inch to make them work?

If so, I am very interested!

Re: Free-wheeling hubs-old style towing
 

no i don't think they will work out for you. I'd rather see you find the 4.75 bolt pattern. I'd hate to hear that you had a towing mishap. There out there keep looking.
Mike

Re: Free-wheeling hubs-old style towing
 

Thanks Mike,
I found a old post on here from a few years ago with a guy (Ronnie Hamlin) who might have some for sale...I will e-mail him and see..OR I can make them myself. I know of a front wheel drum setup in a pick-a-part yard.
KP

Re: Free-wheeling hubs-old style towing
 

I used those for years on my different stockers before I got a trailer, I just sold them this spring. We have e brakes on the Nova and my 57 wagon with C clip eliminators.

Re: Free-wheeling hubs-old style towing
 

Back in the days of towbars I always wondered why people didn't use RV-style tow dollies, with the car on it backwards and the steering locked straight ahead? I was planning to get one, but eventually bought a truck and trailer.

Re: Free-wheeling hubs-old style towing
 

I have been looking for a set of tow hubs or some how to on making them. Did you have any luck finding or making any?

Re: Free-wheeling hubs-old style towing
 

i would really lean toward a tow dolly. the free wheeling hubs will only work with certain body styles. with a tow dolly, back the car on the unit, lock the steering wheel straight and go. when home the dolly can be stood straight up and save space. i towed all around the mid west with a tow bar, and would never ever do that again. tow bars are dangerous when raining [don't ask how i know] are hard to back up and have to be designed just right or they will not track.
with the free wheelin' hubs you still have to have the front wheels on the ground, you still have to have a tow ball and light wires. plus all the time to change tires commin' and goin'.
all in all the tow dolly is best hands down.
rod in AZ

Re: Free-wheeling hubs-old style towing
 

The towing hubs you are talking about are free wheeling hubs and were made by NMW, the same manufacturer of ladder bars for coil spring cars. Try looking on Ebay or put in a classified on Craigslist. You could try locating the manufacturer or whoever bought out his stock. If you really want it ---take a shot !