|
|
Post by belvue on Jan 21, 2014 12:50:46 GMT 10
One thing to check for with Valiants is body fatigue in the firewall/windscreen pillar area. You might see cracks near lower corner of the front windscreen. I suspect the front torsion bar rear mountings generate some movement in that area over time.
I think in a perfect world my preferred classic tow car would be an XT Falcon Fairmont 302 with C4 Trans.
I would try to avoid a Fairlane or other car with long rear overhang for outfit handling reasons.
|
|
|
|
Post by belvue on Jan 19, 2014 14:54:15 GMT 10
In the late 60's my father and I both towed the 12'6" Belvue with HD Holden and XM/XP Falcon. They were 3speed manual and the XM 2 speed auto. 179/170 motors.
From memory the Holden had better gear ratios, but no Synchro on 1st, so there was a bit of driving skill involved. Heaters were optional in those days and a fan heater with demister is essential for early cold start morning's. Both cars needed additional power brakes.
Ride and handling was mediocre, but when we had the Evans Levelrides put on the actual outfits handling was better than just a car IMO. Undulations and level crossings etc could be crossed with aplomb.
Fuel consumption dropped considerably, and I can remember a trip to the Western District with a very strong headwind was almost 2nd gear and abt 14mpg. Work on high teens or low 20 mpg.
Colin's comments about the Valiant are spot on it has abt an extra litre capacity after all. The Valiant's torqueflite auto is a much better proposition than the original Hydramatic, Powerglide, Fordomatic etc.
We also towed that same van with a 3.5 litre Jaguar with 4 speed manual, a much better tow car.
|
|
|
|
Post by belvue on Nov 5, 2010 15:24:05 GMT 10
Gone - Thanks for your interest
|
|
|
|
Post by belvue on Nov 4, 2010 19:47:30 GMT 10
I have been clearing out the shed and have something which might be of interest to vintage caravanners. I have 2 stabiliser bars one which my dad bought in 1965 to tow our van with a HD Holden sedan, the other I think was made or modified to suit my XP Falcon Wagon. Forgive me if I am wrong it was after all 45 years ago or so. There is one pair of tensioner springs. They operate on the same principle as a Reese hitch and the car was much nicer to drive with the van on than without. You will probably find reference to these in the period literature. I am stretching my memory here but I seem to recall an issue with towbar heights at the time when the vans were moving to 13" wheels. One was modified by Evans to a lower height . I only have the main bars and spring tensioners as the tongue stabilisers were left on the cars when they were sold. Likewise the drawbar fittings but I suspect you could use the Reese hitch items. I think these bars would have been drilled and angled to suit the EB (Evans Brothers) towbars of the period. These are free to a good home but must be picked up from Melb SE subs. Now that they have been moved around they must be gone soon otherwise the're off to scrap which would be a pity. To be gone by 22/11/10 at the latest More photos can be supplied on request.  |
|
