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Post by minicamper on Jan 24, 2008 6:35:05 GMT 10
Howdy VVers,
The following question is going to be fairly subjective and no doubt will stir the usual tongue poking that Ford vs Holden conversations start, so try and play nicely!
I was just looking through a Carapark post and noticed in the brochures pictured various mixes of tow cars, including a Carapark Hunter for 8hp cars, a Humber Vogue, Wolseley (1500), VW Beetle etc. In amongst these were Zephyrs etc. I wonder jsut how well some of these cars coped..
I've been busily rebuilding my CRB van (still not nicknamed) without a lot of thought to what was going to pull it around (if I keep it)
I'm interested in people's experiences in tow car choices, particularly from anyone who fits the horsepower challenged category, current or past.
Reddo isn't allowed to bag any "pommy crap" cars and the hot rodders are welcome to comment as long as it doesn't involve sticking a chev or ford v8 into anything...
The reason i throw this open is although i have worked HZ V8 one tonner, it's not the aesthetic match for the 50's-60's vans i like nor is my current model diesel Golf which would be more likely to pull the chassis out from under the van.
I was amazed to see the 8hp Carapark ad, seeing as my Standard 8 takes some convincing to pull itself around, let alone a tag along...
My car collection runs from :
2 T model fords (so not really an option)
1939 Standard 8
1951 Morris Minor (sv)
1960 Humber Hawk
1963 Mini 850 sports. (already tows, but is too small for even small vans)
Im thinking the Humber wins so far...
(oh and did i mention I'm not allowed to buy another car...)
Cheers
Chris
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Post by Don Ricardo on Jan 24, 2008 7:43:18 GMT 10
Hi Chris,
Interesting question. I've seen UK pictures of (admittedly small) vans being towed by Minis, but I wouldn't like to try it.
I've always towed with larger cars so have no experience to offer. However, for the record the Wolseley in the Carapark picture may be a 24/80 model (6 cylinder, 2400 cc, 80 hp) rather than a 15/60 model (4 cylinder, 1500 cc, 60 hp).
My first car was a 15/60.
Don Ricardo
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Post by fbmad on Jan 24, 2008 8:54:40 GMT 10
If I were to pick from all your cars I'd guess the Humber would have the best size and bigger engine( what size is the Humber engine ??,auto/manual??,diff ratio?? ) if you were going to drive it in standard form.
Now I know you aren't fond of hot rodding but would a 6 cylinder Red Motor Holden fit into the Humber engine bay??...say a 179,186 or 202.
Still heaps of them around,plenty of parts still around,simple to work on and I'd say they would most likely be more powerfull than the Humber motor.
Down side to it is the time to fit and modify to fit,cost to fit and then having to "jump through the hoops" with the approved Vicroads engineer and then having to deal with the Robotic Vicroads customer services officers at the counter if you get to that point.
Reddo could give you some tips on how the red 6 Holden tows powerwise and maybe Col ( Kaybee ) would have some helpfull info on the conversion??
Terry.
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Post by minicamper on Jan 24, 2008 9:12:19 GMT 10
I wasn't being fair there.
I forgot most people don't even know what a Humber is..
The Hawk is a 4 cylinder, 2.267l or 138cu or the same as a Holden Grey motor, 3 spd Auto, diff ratio, hmm, yeah its got one of those...
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 24, 2008 11:10:53 GMT 10
Hi Chris My thoughts where with the Humber but.... 4 cylinders of the same capacity as the grey holden motor in a vehicle that weighs half as much again as an FJ -EJ Holden will be a bit lacking in the power to weight ratio department.... unless the old 4 banger hawk motor puts out globs of torque. Perhaps a later Humber super snipe with 6 cyl, twin carb and power steer.. oh and a disc brake front end would make for a desirable tow car. i have no problem with pommy cars I have owned my fair share over the years Standard cars where: Morris Mini panelvan Austin A30 panel van MKVa Humber super snipe. Modified: Austin Healey Bug Eye sprite with 1100 motor.. didnt make a great deal of difference in performance over the stock 850. Morris 1000 with Datto 1200 , 5 speed, disc braked... A much better power to weight combo than the original effort. Returning to your list... I am not "bagging " your chioce of cars. As cars they are fine . But to be honest, as tow cars there is nothing i can see there that i would say has adequate power or braking ability to tow anything larger than a teardrop or a propert van. You might have to add a blower to the '51 sidevalve morry  Reddo |
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Post by minicamper on Jan 24, 2008 11:29:18 GMT 10
Kaybee, there was no attitude. i just didn't want to be told to fit a V8 in anything, i here that all too often. I respect your right to make different choices and often admire the achievements of what rodders can do. The purpose of the post was to learn of peoples experiences with standard vehicles, particularly the horsepower challenged one's such as those depicted in the Carapark stuff i mentioned be they Holdens, Fords, English or whatever.
Reddo, i know you don't have an issue with English cars (having seen the red Morry you had) I had just finished reading your little dig at Lord Fred.
I hear you about the weight of the Humber vs Holden, the doors are crazy heavy! I think over engineered is a term I heard used before. Interestingly you're not the first person to suggest a blower on the Morry. I don't know how any engineer could have thought the SV was ever sufficient.
I'm curious to know just how heavy that Carapark suitable for an 8 hp car was...
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Post by minicamper on Jan 24, 2008 12:28:54 GMT 10
No problembo Col,
At the time of typing i also had a rodder in the back of my mind who readily fits into several categories that i shouldn't type here. lets just say some end in wit or ker. he is clearly not representative of all rodders
i was reading this morning and it seems that many people in here seem to have a love for EK, FB's etc. In my P plate days I had a real thing in particular for these two models including one i found inherited by a guy from his grandfather that still had the clear plastic on the perfect seats, the body was not so good.
if i'd bought it, maybe i'd be on a different road.
Do you guys know whether these are stock or upgraded with red motors?
i completely relate to the buzzing around at 100k's, i toured eastern vic and the mountain ranges in the Standard a few years ago. Never got over 80k's (fully loaded, but not towing) was a great trip and i quite enjoyed the slow pace.
Looks like for now, the Humber is gunna have ta lumber!
Reddo, a Super Snipe?
I knew there was something classy about you. ;D
Its a pity they didn't put the 6cyl in the Hawk body, i reckon the Hawk has a nicer face than the Snipe...
Guess I'll just be towing at 80 and not 100!
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Post by Deleted on Jan 24, 2008 13:06:07 GMT 10
Hi Chris I "Inherited " the super snipe from a guy around at the pub i drink at. Near burnt it out one day while trying to fix a sticky slide in the back carb. Here is the link to the story in "tow cars" from April last year vintagecaravans.proboards30.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=towcarsboard&thread=1176115216&page=1Jam packed full of my usual drivel but you being the liver.... ooooppppsss... lover... of british classics will enjoy the photos if not the story. The car was handed on to another double nuthin agent in Orange. Last i seen of it . the bondmobile was heading down the street on a trailer behind a Range rover. The range rover lights where pointing towards the sky. great idea cooil springs in the rear of tow cars... not.  Reddo |
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Post by minicamper on Jan 24, 2008 13:26:16 GMT 10
Seems we shared colour schemes too... Of all the bits i could've pinched from you... Thinkg I'm gunna   |
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Post by bigdidda on Jan 24, 2008 16:04:14 GMT 10
Chris,
Interesting comments being raised on this subject so being a bit of a pommy car tragic i will add a little bit more.
As Col says in earlier times cars werent expected to go like those of today are capable of.
I think it was Reddo who said most of the cars you listed probably wouldnt be suitable for towing and i would probably have to agree.
However i have towed my Propert with both a 1946 Austin 16 and a 1975 Triumph Dolomite.
Both times i will admit i have thoroughly enjoyed myself and hereby apologise to all the motorists i have probably driven to distraction especially when it concerns the Austin.
But its funny drive an old car and people usually are more forgiving.
The only real problem was with the Austin all hills are a drama due to lack of power? .
The funny thing was the Triumph with a 1850 ohc engine seemed much happier towing than the Austin with its 2100cc ohv engine.
The reason is possibly power over weight but others would be able to explain it better.
But it really depends on what van you want to tow and i suppose where you want to tow it.
And those little Standards werent so bad.
Hope i havent waffled on too much.
regards
don
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Post by Geoff & Jude on Jan 24, 2008 16:29:29 GMT 10
frankly, i prefer my rice puddings with the skin on, it's the best part.
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Post by minicamper on Jan 24, 2008 17:33:08 GMT 10
Yes, but something has to pull it off for you. Ooo, that's didn't sound right...  I'm yet to see a vv with a genuine oven on board, if there was one, i'd rustle you up a genuine English Rice Pudding, skin n all. Perhaps i could build up the spare Standard motor I have to a whopping 10 hp! That'd tow a teardrop.... |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 24, 2008 19:01:55 GMT 10
Thats not a Humber... wheres the bullet holes.  How can ya have a double nort agent towcar without a peppering ov bullit holes....  and bludd ya ....itz suppose ta have blood on it. Waaaayyyy too shiney  Reddo guest... ooooo bugger ... thats right i was suppose to sign on as a guest ;D ;D and cause all sotza sh!t Geez its been a while since i went "undercover" as a dubble nuthin agent.  Gunna havta practice up on my spy book readin'. I betta just fade away now ;D |
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Post by humpty2 on Jan 24, 2008 20:42:56 GMT 10
The Humber Hawk, even though it is only 2.25 litre is very torquey and when matched to the standard 4 speed manual gearbox is an excellent tow vehicle............I also believe the gearbox from a Hillman Hunter...with overdrive can be bolted on.
You can even put disc brakes on 'em.......they became standard towards the end of production
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Post by atouchofglass on Jan 24, 2008 21:58:08 GMT 10
Pity you can't go for another vehicle. Because I would put the cat among the pidgeons and suggest a 196....2 .................S series......... Valiant Mostly because I want one ............. one day  big six lots of horse power Yeah I know off the thread again me so solly Buy a Valiant (Whispered) Atog |
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Post by minicamper on Jan 25, 2008 6:13:12 GMT 10
A VALIANT?   Reddo, unless you can type a sentence in plain old English, (which i'm yet to see) i don't think you'll ever be anonymous ;D Oh bugger the A VALIANT? Why would i swap an "unpopular" English car for an "unpopular" South Australian one? Isn't it funny how we all end up with likings for those non "mainstream" cars, you know, Leyland P76's or Ford Edsels or (here's a cheap shot at the Holden guys) a Sunbird...etc etc... Its ok glass, you can have a Val if you want... We can be shunned by the Holden/Ford fraternity together... Humpty, you sound as if you speak from experience.. oh and don't worry about wandering on the topic a little. See, i've already learnt about the 4 speed box! Its why i asked for opinions.... |
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Post by minicamper on Jan 25, 2008 6:31:09 GMT 10
Oops, sorry Don, i missed your post. Feel free to waffle.
Funnily, my little Standard which is a 39 prewar 3 speed 1021cc sv can climb the hill to my place in top gear far better than the Morry, many years its junior, 4 spd 918cc sv.
i wasn't ever really considering using either as a towcar, although it's be nice to have something period for the Standard. The T model could definately tow something, not somehting 50's, but something...
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Post by atouchofglass on Jan 25, 2008 19:16:51 GMT 10
Minicamper I would deem it a privilege to be shunned because of owning a lesser appreciated car. ;D ;D At the time of production the S series produced almost twice the horsepower than either the Holden or Ford. Again off the thread .....a little..... See you at the lesser end of the caravan gatherings ......... perhaps we can have a few lesser appreciated beers and talk about unappreciated caravans......  Atog |
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whippy
Full Member
"Twiggy" the Globetrotter
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Post by whippy on Jan 25, 2008 21:45:36 GMT 10
Chris, The Humber looks great & if I remember correctly the Humber motors have a long stroke, which means it won't have a lot of torque but will be great cruisin. Why not give it a try & see how the car goes towing the VV.
Glynn
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Post by humpty2 on Jan 28, 2008 19:15:48 GMT 10
Yes Minicamper, definitely from experience.
Also had an S type valiant.....sold that.
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and bludd ya ....itz suppose ta have blood on it. 
