I may become necessary for me to tow a RWD Buick cross-country on a tow dolly. The Buick has no engine and trans, so I don't have to worry about possible automatic transmission damage. It coes have a limited slip-type rear end, however. Any reason to be concerned about damage to the rear-end (i.e., clutches, etc.)? I would prefer to use a trailer, but a tow dolly may be my only short term solution for now. As always, thanks for your help.
When in doubt, put the rear wheels on the dolly. Note - make sure the sunroof if it has one is latched down cause it will get sucked out when going backwards that fast... dont ask me how I know.
There is no risk to towing it with the rear on the ground. The rear gear has no outside cooling system anyway; it is the same as driving it (except with less load on it).
Thanks for the comments, so far. A couple more bits of information... The car is licensed (only way you can flat tow or dolly tow in CA, to my knowledge). Also, no steering lock, so putting the rear wheels on the dolly is out.
You know, from the late 40's (when AT was offered) until ~1968, cars were towed from the back all the time. I remember wrecker drivers tying off the steering wheel to a window frame when I was a kid... It can be done!
I have done this my self! As for towing the car on a dolly, with no engine or tranny I'm going to guess that this car has sat for a while? If so my only issue would be wanting to check out the wheel bearings. Make sure the breaks are not dragging at all while you are at it. Drums have a nasty habit of sticking when they sit for that long.
Yes i can LOL I remember my dad towing a 63 Sunbeam Alpine with the rear wheels up on the dolly and a rope holding the steering wheel... Towed it over 50 miles like that. But that's not cross country :Brow:
I have towed several GS's from as far as Ohio,NY, and Baltimore using a tow dolly. I only 1 time attemped to tow with the car on it backwards. I only made it 3-4 miles as the car started sawying so bad I had to turn it around.As long as there is fluid in it,the brakes are free,you will have no problems. Some of the cars I towed sat for several years. If the brakes are locked up,remove them totally. I pulled all the cars with my 98 Tacoma.Fully loaded and ones that were just body shells..
Make sure the side windows are rolled up. I had the back window of a 68 Riv blow out going down the highway, it had the side windows removed for restoration. The rear window seal had turned hard and could not hold it. No one got hurt , but made the Honda following me dodge the on coming wall of glass. Bruce
If the car has no drive line.... the front end geometry will be off.... better to tow with the front of the car on the dolly....and not flat tow at all....
