Fitting a Tow Bar - Help Please

[BigSean]

Hi All - I've looked in Wiki, but can't find any instructions on fitting a Swan Neck Tow Bar.... I'm not super mechanical, but figure I could manage this!

Anyone Help??

Many Thanks

Sean

[KINGPRAWN]

The westfalia type has just 3 bolts on each side accessed behind the rear wheels..... They will probably be VERY tight though!!

[ghost123uk]

If the van has never had a tow bar (of that type) on before, will the holes already be there ? (or are they currently there and used for the cross member mounting or similar part ?)

[faggie]

the holes are already there they are being used for the bumper support brackets which you remove completely and replace with the towbar , the hardest part of the job is marking and filling a u shape out of your rear bumper to allow the swan neck to fit correctly

[BigSean]

OK - So Tow Bar on (about an Hour!).... Just got to drill 2 small holes in Bumper to re-fit to Tow Bar brackets... then on to the Electrics (or do I get someone professional to connect thst?? - Umm... 7 Wires?? - I'm only use to 3!)

Thanks for the help... All the bolts came out Ok (Bit of P85 did the trick!)

Sean

[kevtherev]

use your wiring diagram with the tow electrics, marry them with the haynes wiring for your lights.

the colours are in the haynes and all the wires are in the junction box.
take the tow bar colour for your side light (for example) and find the VW side light colour in the junction box... then solder it in

[meggles]

Might be a bit off the mark but weren't there some new regulations regarding towbars and the wiring on new fitments.

Oh, it's always been on hasn't it?

[BigSean]

Anyone else about to fit (or Re-Fit!!) the electrics.... this is really good!

http://www.brick-yard.co.uk/VehicleSpec ... towbar.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Sean

[faggie]

i thought on the swan neck westfalia towbars the electrics are usually fastened to a steel plate welded to towbar so no need for any drilling

[BigSean]

Correct - only drilling on Bumper, not on bodywork. As you can see, two holes and two Dome Top bolts....



Sean

[BigSean]

the hardest part of the job is marking and filling a u shape out of your rear bumper to allow the swan neck to fit correctly

We used a Dremmel.... took about 5 mins and a couple of minor adjustments!

Sean

[ghost123uk]

Ah, big bumpers Sean Easier than original VW steel ones (mind you, do you need to "adjust" standard steel bumpers ?)

btw, looked at your van in the 80-90 "garage" = very nice

[BigSean]

Thanks! I might just add a few more pics!

Sean

[faggie]

is that a reproduction rear bumper as they dont usually have the visual rear bolt atachment

[BigSean]

That was my Adjustment to re-fit the bumber.... the connecting brackets on the Tow Bar were different to the connecting brackets originally on the Van. Pity..but it was that or risk the bumper falling off or becoming loose.

Sean