Suitable Day 2 Tow Car ? ! ?
 

I picked this up last evening with thoughts of using it as my Day 2 tow vehicle .
A '74 Malibu Classic with 33,200 actual true miles.She's a 3 owner car, Garaged, mostly original paint ,extremely clean interior, trunk, under carriage. (A big trunk for a tool box,jack, spares and maybe a small set of slicks)
350 4 barrel Q jet ,Mallory electronic ignition, chrome dress up kit. Stock manifolds with a mild deep tone SS Dual exhaust.
Trans cooler, Turbo 350 with a shift improver kit. Drives nice, straight and solid. Has new radials.

To tow a 3500# car I'm needing to add a class III or class IV ball hitch to the frame of course.
What's the best way to set up the rear of car ?
Moog Cargo coils, Air bags (inner spring) or modern Gabriel Air Shocks OR something else ?https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...ml_600x450.jpg
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...o3_600x450.jpg
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...b8_600x450.jpg
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...de_600x450.jpg
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...wl_600x450.jpg

Thanks, I'm asking for input and experienced opinions

Re: Suitable Day 2 Tow Car ? ! ?
 

Cool new ride [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

Dan

Re: Suitable Day 2 Tow Car ? ! ?
 

Freakin' sweet..

Re: Suitable Day 2 Tow Car ? ! ?
 

VERY nice!!!! All it needs is swivel buckets!

Re: Suitable Day 2 Tow Car ? ! ?
 

Damn , you're reading my mind on those swivel buckets &amp; &amp; &amp; Console floor shift &amp; &amp; &amp; tilt wheel !.
Before I even called the guy I was scanning for swivels &amp; related hardware . Lol... [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/hmmm.gif[/img]

Re: Suitable Day 2 Tow Car ? ! ?
 

The swivels they designed for this era Chevelle were just cool as was the console. It would not be a hard swap to make and would make a huge difference in appearance. Still a great looking car.

Re: Suitable Day 2 Tow Car ? ! ?
 

[img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif[/img]


.........
[img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/cool.gif[/img]

My '75 &amp; '77 Monte Carlos had them. !

The '70 SS 454 was a bench seat.
The '78 TA 400 4 speed WS 6 Golden Anniversary .T Top A/C Car had. 2 tone Leather Conventional Buckets. .
This era buckets are comfortable but not as Comfortable as those SWIVELS ...

Re: Suitable Day 2 Tow Car ? ! ?
 

Nice car. As soon as I saw it, I wondered if it had the famous swivel buckets!

Re: Suitable Day 2 Tow Car ? ! ?
 

Tom, what color is the car? looks great.

Re: Suitable Day 2 Tow Car ? ! ?
 

A guy from Houston called, let me know he has clean White ones available...... from Texas ? ! .
OMG....the Shipping ! ?

Its a light Metallic Blueish Teal.
I'll look up the code color and post it..
The white vinyl roof is original and X- Tra Nice

Drives Nice, Smooth and effortless ....68 mile trip home in an on and off again torrential downpour..... with original Power Beam head lights. Lol.
Crystal clear windshield, new blades and rain X or Polish on All the Glass made it better ..

Re: Suitable Day 2 Tow Car ? ! ?
 

My '75 &amp; '77 Monte Carlos
Had Swivels and console floor shifts.

The '70 SS 454 Auto had a nylon/rayon/polyester bench.....YUCK !https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...616_100232.jpg
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...616_100014.jpg
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...616_100257.jpg

Re: Suitable Day 2 Tow Car ? ! ?
 

Didnt the 442's of the same years have the swivels also?

Re: Suitable Day 2 Tow Car ? ! ?
 

Yeah Cutlass &amp; 442 .
I don't think Buick had any and Pontiac had no room I think because of the roofline,floor pan a https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...616_100311.jpg
nd console size....I could be wrong
We had alot of SJ's &amp; LJ's. .

My '77 Anniversary T/A had 2 tone gold /buff sculptured buckets. A Special Order /GM Show car from Bowser Pontiac. 400 4 speed,WS 6 , T Tops &amp; A/C + every other option ....&amp; 4 wheel Disc Brakes
Never knew they had 4wd. Car went to some squirrel in W Va. Some rich guys jerk off kid.

Re: Suitable Day 2 Tow Car ? ! ?
 

Didn't every 2nd gen WS-6 have 4 wheel disk brakes?

Re: Suitable Day 2 Tow Car ? ! ?
 

We should Ask GTO Don..
IDK.

The 3rd gen Formulas and TA's did...I had some of those too....

Re: Suitable Day 2 Tow Car ? ! ?
 

Definitely 3rd Gen WS-6's had them as well.

Re: Suitable Day 2 Tow Car ? ! ?
 

No not all WS6 cars had 4 wheel disc brakes. 79 and up do.

Re: Suitable Day 2 Tow Car ? ! ?
 

Do not use that car for a tow car. It's too nice and will make a lousy tow car anyway. There's not enough power.

Re: Suitable Day 2 Tow Car ? ! ?
 

congrats on the new ride!

Re: Suitable Day 2 Tow Car ? ! ?
 

I am going to get kicked-out of the forum for this, but I think it would be a great tow vehicle with a Modern 6.0 LQ4 or other variation of an &quot;LS&quot; engine.

Keep the outside and interior 100% &quot;day 2&quot; with Rallys (or Aluminum Slots, Cragars, etc), but give it a well-engineered, more efficient engine with the power to tow. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif[/img]

Re: Suitable Day 2 Tow Car ? ! ?
 

Ok Ok, I get it..... [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/dunno.gif[/img]

My original intended use was as a Period correct Day 2 tow vehicle in front of the Orange Z....
That was second choice behind a mid 70's Chevy C10 2wd Truck in a Short bed, 454, 400 turbo,12 bolt posi Silverado.....in Black (original paint) &amp; Red Custom cloth interior with tilt, Air and Cruise. Had Original C10 Rally wheels and RWL radials.
Va. Truck that was in central Ohio.....

Getting the truck would have entailed another project as it needed a Complete Repaint and all that goes with new medium priced paint....seals, trim, chrome, etc etc....
I chose the Malibu, a pretty, turn key fairly original low mileage car needing only minor TLC.......

All your input, opinions &amp; insight has me leaving the Malibu alone , driving it lightly with the wife in the cat bird seat (she's a real car guys trooper). Doing the TLC and finding a new Home for her....the car that is !
And.......finding a similar truck as I mentioned earlier. It doesn't need to be a BB...but has to be a stout 350 at least.......

I have time on my side but if the right one comes about I can handle it.

Thanks guys....
I'll see some of you in Carlisle the end of the month...
Yes Don ! You as well .... [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif[/img]

Tom &amp; Freda

Re: Suitable Day 2 Tow Car ? ! ?
 

I think your choice is right. The Malibu is a nice car with plenty of strengths- though towing isn't one of them.

The C10 is the obvious choice. I would also keep an eye out for an old Deville. Often you can find old Cadillacs which are well kept for reasonable dollars. They'll have a 472 or 500ci engine, big brakes, a/c and power everything. You ca but a bolt on class 3 hitch too. Drop top or not, you can't go wrong.




http://bringatrailer.com/2014/03/26/...sedan-deville/

Re: Suitable Day 2 Tow Car ? ! ?
 

[img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/crazy.gif[/img]
But are Kaditilacks cool enough ?

Re: Suitable Day 2 Tow Car ? ! ?
 

Lace the roof and put the top down. Add some period wheel and all is good in my book. Air ride if you must.

http://www.frugalworld.com/wp-content/uploads/tilly.jpg

Re: Suitable Day 2 Tow Car ? ! ?
 

Meant to say lace the roof OR put the top down- depending on what you buy. Yes, they are way cool in my mind but not everyone digs my &quot;coolness&quot; [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/burnout.gif[/img]

Re: Suitable Day 2 Tow Car ? ! ?
 

If you sell that car I want a shot at it! Love it!

Re: Suitable Day 2 Tow Car ? ! ?
 

See Tom, I'm not the only one!

Love the rear quarter antenna.

Re: Suitable Day 2 Tow Car ? ! ?
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Day2_69Z</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I'll see some of you in Carlisle the end of the month...
</div></div>

I may take the '65 Nova up there. The car is semi-apart right now, so it will depend on how far I get this weekend. If you see a white '65 Nova 4-spd w/ red interior and chrome OE-style steel wheels, stop by and say hello. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif[/img]

Re: Suitable Day 2 Tow Car ? ! ?
 

Update;
I have access to a 1966 427 L88 from the estate of &quot;Smokey&quot; Yunick. It's fresh and has a lot of History with the &quot;Best Damn Garage in Town&quot; .Documented of course and his exclusive signature all over it.
Maybe I should upgrade to an L88 and Smoke the Car I wanted to tow ?
Naw....I'll be posting the L88 on here For Sale in the classified section.
I don't have a Corvette or a Car worthy of this rare Back door concept 427 nor a Garage Mahal to display it in. (Nor Can I afford to) Maybe someone here does and has either a car or display area to &quot;Museum this piece&quot;
.. Yes, I'm serious, it's a real '66 427 L88 back doored to Smokey back before the '67 Cars became available..

More to come......I was asked to help place it in a New Home.
Tom

Re: Suitable Day 2 Tow Car ? ! ?
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: whitetop</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Tom, what color is the car? looks great.
</div></div>


Color is GM 36 A Aqua Blue Poly
With white vinyl top
727 Interior.. Deluxe White Vinyl.

Re: Suitable Day 2 Tow Car ? ! ?
 

My vote for a tow vehicle would be a 67-72 c60 ramp truck! Maybe a little &quot;High Roller&quot; for a Day 2 theme, but would look super-cool!

Re: Suitable Day 2 Tow Car ? ! ?
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Day2_69Z</div><div class="ubbcode-body">A guy from Houston called, let me know he has clean White ones available...... from Texas ? ! .
OMG....the Shipping ! ?

Its a light Metallic Blueish Teal.
I'll look up the code color and post it..
The white vinyl roof is original and X- Tra Nice

Drives Nice, Smooth and effortless ....68 mile trip home in an on and off again torrential downpour..... with original Power Beam head lights. Lol.
Crystal clear windshield, new blades and rain X or Polish on All the Glass made it better .. </div></div>
Texas is another state not another country!!
sweet looking ride!

Re: Suitable Day 2 Tow Car ? ! ?
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mk IV Muscle</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My vote for a tow vehicle would be a 67-72 c60 ramp truck! Maybe a little &quot;High Roller&quot; for a Day 2 theme, but would look super-cool!</div></div> n

C60 Ramp is an awesome choice with updates.
Only if I had a Pro Stock 69 instead of a Day 2 Camaro . ....

Thanks..... [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/worship.gif[/img]

Re: Suitable Day 2 Tow Car ? ! ?
 

Day 2 Tow Car needs a tow of its own.....

There's also another thread about;
Is stance important ?

I took the Rally wheels off to freshen up the original faded, spotty paint , these were the only tires and wheels I had handy that fit.

I drove to 2 different cruises with them and it was like driving on smaller radials. .. . Not too bad.
Except the car is at least 10 years newer than the period tires....

Has that 'Old '62-'64 Chevy Bel-Air/Impala' tail dragging look.....https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...702_144256.jpg
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...702_144316.jpg
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...705_203521.jpg

Re: Suitable Day 2 Tow Car ? ! ?
 

Are those tires the Hurst recaps? They'd be perfect on the back of my Ermine white Chevy II, especially since I have chrome reverse style wheels up front with thin-stripe whitewalls. Mid-60s Super Stock look. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif[/img]

Actually, I have wheel vintiques wheels with the right offset painted white with M&amp;H racemaster DOT tires. Stay tuned... [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/wink.gif[/img]

Re: Suitable Day 2 Tow Car ? ! ?
 

Yep,

HURST SLICKS..
Recaps on 14&quot; deep dish station wagon wheels

These may be on their way soon to Va.for the
One of One '67 Motion Chevelle.

Yeah, they'd be perfect for the Nova

Re: Suitable Day 2 Tow Car ? ! ?
 

Day 2 Treasure found on eBay.....
NOS ET. LACE MAGS.....
MNFCT. DATE of 1973......Boxes stamped 1974..
ET 15 x 8 1/2 reversed with 3 1/4 inch Back Space.....

All 5 came in sealed cartons with NOS CAPS.
NO LUGS....

1974 Chevelle Malibu. On 235 70 x 15 https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...827_182309.jpg
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...827_182256.jpg
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...827_182204.jpg

Re: Suitable Day 2 Tow Car ? ! ?
 

SWEEEEET!!!!!!

Re: Suitable Day 2 Tow Car ? ! ?
 

----Talk about a sleeper!!!......Bill S

Re: Suitable Day 2 Tow Car ? ! ?
 

Those are period perfect, [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]