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Subject:Re: Towing hitch
From:Kim Brennan
Date:Mon, 17 Jun 2002 18:36:34 -0400

Okay, I've looked in the Archives (hey! I didn't realize the archives
were being updated in real time....way cool)

As far as I can tell (I'm not the original owner on my Syncro), the
hitch I have was original to it. In the process of putting in the Tiico
engine, the shop cut the old subframe/engine carrier/skid frame, and
welded the new subframe to the original.

However, since the new subframe/engine carrier is tubular, whereas the
old was box frame, it doesn't appear to be as sturdy a connection....at
least not for towing.

Now the towing hitch that Bus Depot has, I'm presuming does not actually
connect to the subframe/skid plate. Is that right, Ron? (I'm afraid the
picture on the web site doesn't answer this question.)

On Monday, June 17, 2002, at 06:02 PM, Kim Brennan wrote:

> It's an under bumper hitch that is composed of two portions. A bar
> welded to the tow loops, and a separate portion that was bolted to the
> skid frame that was also welded to the bar and had the tongue to the
> actual ball hitch. The shop knocked off the weld to the bar (just as
> well, since it appears to have been  a bit rusty.
>
> Begin forwarded message:
>
>> From: vgonman@earthlink.net
>>
>> What style hitch did you have? Behind bumper hitch, or under bumper
>> hitch
>> that attaches to tow loops?
>>
>> Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com> wrote on 06/17/2002
>> 02:46:58 PM:
>>
>>> I'm bad and haven't checked the archives...
>>>
>>> I just got my '86 Syncro back after having the Tiico engine dropped
>>> into
>>> it. The shop had to pull my towing hitch off due to the muffler
>>> getting
>>> in the way.
>>>
>>> Anybody else dealt with this? And if so, what solution did you come up
>>> with?
>>