Suitable Day 2 Tow Car ? ! ?

[Day2_69Z]

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 ?http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-13370-27695-00w0w_2zfcqvnfnml_600x450.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-13370-27696-00f0f_9uhfzxb8jo3_600x450.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-13370-27697-01111_gvfgg9evgb8_600x450.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-13370-27698-01313_4nuig7yqkde_600x450.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-13370-27699-00303_4sj9abqcpwl_600x450.jpg

Thanks, I'm asking for input and experienced opinions

[Postsedan]

Cool new ride <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

Dan

[cook_dw]

Freakin' sweet..

[SS427]

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

[Day2_69Z]

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... <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/hmmm.gif

[SS427]

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.

[Day2_69Z]

<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif


.........
<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/cool.gif

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 ...

[markjohnson]

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

[whitetop]

Tom, what color is the car? looks great.

[Day2_69Z]

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 ..

[Day2_69Z]

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

The '70 SS 454 Auto had a nylon/rayon/polyester bench.....YUCK !http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-13370-27721-img_20150616_100232.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-13370-27722-img_20150616_100014.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-13370-27723-img_20150616_100257.jpg

[cook_dw]

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

[Day2_69Z]

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 http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-13370-27724-img_20150616_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.

[markinnaples]

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

[Day2_69Z]

We should Ask GTO Don..
IDK.

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

[markinnaples]

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

[GTO_DON]

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

[GTO_DON]

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.

[Xplantdad]

congrats on the new ride!

[novadude]

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. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif

[Day2_69Z]

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

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 .... <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif

Tom &amp; Freda

[PxTx]

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/2014/03/26/6-seats-8-mpg-1971-cadillac-sedan-deville/

[Day2_69Z]

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

[PxTx]

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

[PxTx]

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; <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/burnout.gif

[SS427]

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

[markinnaples]

See Tom, I'm not the only one!

Love the rear quarter antenna.

[novadude]

<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. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif

[Day2_69Z]

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

[Day2_69Z]

<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.

[Mk IV Muscle]

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!

[Zman1969]

<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!

[Day2_69Z]

<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..... <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/worship.gif

[Day2_69Z]

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.....http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/07/full-13370-28619-img_20150702_144256.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/07/full-13370-28620-img_20150702_144316.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/07/full-13370-28623-img_20150705_203521.jpg

[novadude]

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. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif

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

[Day2_69Z]

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

[Day2_69Z]

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 http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/08/full-13370-31136-img_20150827_182309.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/08/full-13370-31137-img_20150827_182256.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/08/full-13370-31138-img_20150827_182204.jpg

[454_Malibu]

SWEEEEET!!!!!!

[olredalert]

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

[markinnaples]

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

[novadude]

Great &quot;period&quot; wheel choice. Those wouldn't look good on anything '60s, but they really &quot;work&quot; on that car.

[Day2_69Z]

Oh...I agree
These were first issued in '73...
Big deal back then..
A lot of Conversion Van Co 's used them .....
They were only popular but a few years.

[68ys8030]

I just used a tow VAN. Built a 355 vortec torque motor and it tows great ! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/09/full-205-31582-zeegasstation.jpg

[Keith Seymore]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Day2_69Z</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Ok Ok, I get it..... <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/dunno.gif

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.......

</div></div>

I got so caught up in the fact that this was about a '74 Malibu that I forgot to echo the &quot;mid 70's truck&quot; sentiment -

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b369/hotrod001/towbar.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b369/hotrod001/trailer.jpg

K

[rare4k]

Very nice

[Day2_69Z]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/10/full-13370-33618-img_20151022_135951.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/10/full-13370-33619-img_20151022_140013.jpg

My newest Tow Vehicle.... not quite Day 2, but more reliable, better suited and purpose built with 8 speed Hemi tow package and tow mirrors and electric trailer brake.
Just got back from a 500 mile round trip to central Pa..... breaking her in......
Runs strong at 100 mph through the Allegheny mountains.

[markinnaples]

Nice truck Tom.

[markinnaples]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 68ys8030</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just used a tow VAN. Built a 355 vortec torque motor and it tows great ! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/09/full-205-31582-zeegasstation.jpg
</div></div>

Man, that Camaro just about perfect.

[Mk IV Muscle]

X2! Now the van needs the full Day 2 treatment: Murals, shag carpet, mirrors, wet bar, etc. LOL.

Seriously though, great choice for a tow vehicle.

[Lynn]

That Camaro reminds me of the one John Buttera helped his son build from a wrecked Z.

[Day2_69Z]

Wow Lynn. ...you're showing your age....Lol

I remember that build, in a Mercedes Silver.
&quot;John removed the bumps&quot; from GM design such as filled louvers, cut off &amp; rolled drip rails, flush fit front and rear glass.
Cut , narrowed, pushed in bumpers that Chip Foose currently uses as his trademark.
Lottsa other little tricks....
That car seems to be off the radar for decades.

[Xplantdad]

I think you are talking about this car. I took this pic at the Street Machine Nationals in Pomona in 1981....


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v645/xplantdad/Old%20Scans/tn_SMN821.jpg

[tom406]

I don't think so Bruce. It wasn't a tubbed out Pro Streeter, nor was it an RS. After Chris wrapped his '69 Z/28 around a tree or pole, they rebodied it and transferred all the stuff over to a Coupe and did a bunch of understated mods, including short stack injection on the engine. You can see the front of it on the cover of the Dec '79 Hot Rod-featured inside.

[Xplantdad]

Okay cool...I think I have pics of that car somewhere as well... <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif

[earntaz]

Ralf Grosskreuz -- beer town?

[Lynn]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Day2_69Z</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Wow Lynn. ...you're showing your age....Lol

I remember that build, in a Mercedes Silver.
&quot;John removed the bumps&quot; from GM design such as filled louvers, cut off &amp; rolled drip rails, flush fit front and rear glass.
Cut , narrowed, pushed in bumpers that Chip Foose currently uses as his trademark.
Lottsa other little tricks....
That car seems to be off the radar for decades. </div></div>

Well..... maybe I just buy old magazines and read them. Or... maybe not.

I think Lil John built a couple. I knew Bruce had a connection to one of the cars


But yes, the one I am talking about had parts transferred from his son's wrecked Z. I remember being disturbed, even back then, because they put the Z emblems on it and called it &quot;basically&quot; a Z/28.
NOW I remember. I feel like Yogi Berra: &quot;I can't believe all the memories I forgot.&quot;

And, now I remember seeing the trailered silver multi color car. Didn't the owner also have a Turquoise 57 Nomad?

[PxTx]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/01/full-511-36861-fb_img_1451708511864.jpg

Here'Here's one getting it done in the background.

[markinnaples]

I want all three of those cars in the picture, esp that red 68 on the trailer <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/drool.gif

[Postsedan]

A great tow vehicle <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

Dan

[Glenn70]

Hmmm, If I swapped hoods with a snorkle and put real cragars on the car it would be close...
This car was flat towed by a cadillac back in the day many, many times. Can't see in the shadows but still has the tow tabs.

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd423/Glennls7/20150517_120649.jpg (http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/Glennls7/media/20150517_120649.jpg.html)[/img]

[whitetop]

Wow Glenn talk about a dopleganger..like you said replace the hood and wheels and they would be doubles.

[day2killa]

I know its the wrong year, but still just a great look
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h31/oldprobmx/580334_1160990263918667_837297322308598032_n_zpsau wqdokv.jpg (http://s60.photobucket.com/user/oldprobmx/media/580334_1160990263918667_837297322308598032_n_zpsau wqdokv.jpg.html)

[Kelly_Burns]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Xplantdad</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I think you are talking about this car. I took this pic at the Street Machine Nationals in Pomona in 1981....


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v645/xplantdad/Old%20Scans/tn_SMN821.jpg </div></div>

This is/was John's son's.