Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Tow Recommendations
| Tow Recommendations [message #63839] |
Wed, 11 November 2009 11:03  |
Oldngray
Messages: 544
Registered: August 2009
Location: Punta Gorda Florida
Karma: 0
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While Huckleberry is almost ready to go, we have been thinking about what would be the best vehicle to look for as a Toad?
Do not want to buy a "new" vehicle and do not have a budget yet, just looking for ideas on which make/model we should consider.
Richard MacDonald
Punta Gorda, Florida
Sold our TZE April 2015
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| Re: Tow Recommendations [message #63843 is a reply to message #63839] |
Wed, 11 November 2009 11:16  |
Larry
Messages: 2875
Registered: January 2004
Location: Menomonie, WI
Karma: 10
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Richard,
I have two vehicles that I could tow, both 4 down. A 91' Honda Civic...put it in neutral, turn the key to ACC and go. Weighs 2200lbs, and I could drive it across the country if I had to. The other is a 96' Geo Tracker. Put it in 2nd gear, transfer case in Neutral, key on ACC and go. Weighs in at 2400lbs. This thing has a short wheel base and is sprung tight, so while I could drive it across country, I wouldn't want to...but sure is nice to have 4WD to get on the beaches at Padrae Island TX, or 4 wheeling in the back country of western states. I paid $1500 apiece for these cars and they double as our everyday drivers at home. JWID
BTW...also have a Buick Lesabre for long comfortable rides.
Larry 
78 Royale w/500 Caddy
Menomonie, WI.
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| Re: [GMCnet] Tow Recommendations [message #63847 is a reply to message #63843] |
Wed, 11 November 2009 11:38 |
Gary Worobec
Messages: 867
Registered: May 2005
Karma: -1
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I concur. I have a 91 GEO Tracker that I bought from a list member. Great
vehicle, light weight and easy to get parts. Mine is a 4 x 4 and we have
done a lot of off-road miles in it so far. This is the same vehicle as a
Suzuki Sidekick.
Thanks
Gary and Joanne Worobec
1973 GMC Glacier
----- Original Message -----
From: "Larry" <weidnerl@wwt.net>
To: <gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org>
Sent: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 9:16 AM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Tow Recommendations
>
>
> Richard,
> I have two vehicles that I could tow, both 4 down. A 91' Honda
> Civic...put it in neutral, turn the key to ACC and go. Weighs 2200lbs,
> and I could drive it across the country if I had to. The other is a 96'
> Geo Tracker. Put it in 2nd gear, transfer case in Neutral, key on ACC and
> go. Weighs in at 2400lbs. This thing has a short wheel base and is sprung
> tight, so while I could drive it across country, I wouldn't want to...but
> sure is nice to have 4WD to get on the beaches at Padrae Island TX, or 4
> wheeling in the back country of western states. I paid $1500 apiece for
> these cars and they double as our everyday drivers at home. JWID
>
> BTW...also have a Buick Lesabre for long comfortable rides.
> --
> Larry :)
> 78 Royale w/500 Caddy
> Menomonie, WI.
> _______________________________________________
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| Re: Tow Recommendations [message #63863 is a reply to message #63839] |
Wed, 11 November 2009 13:24 |
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mike miller
Messages: 3576
Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
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| Oldngray wrote on Wed, 11 November 2009 09:03 |
While Huckleberry is almost ready to go, we have been thinking about what would be the best vehicle to look for as a Toad? ...
|
I agree on the Sidekick/Trackers.
The "earlier" they are, the lighter they are. Note that while all of the manual trans ones can be flat towed, the 2 wheel drive auto CAN NOT. (That is why my auto is a four wheel drive.) They 2 doors are light but short. If you do not drive it far and do not use the back seat much, it is OK. The 4 door weighs about 200lbs more has more room and is more comfortable for longer drives. The "sports" have a different frame... not as popular for 4 wheeling but OK for our uses. It does need a different base plate.
For other ideas: Almost any small manual transmission car/truck can be flat towed. There are a few FWD automatics that can be also. (Older Honda's, most Saturns and GM cars with the 4 speed autos. (I think the newest 5 speeds are ok also.) Other than that, some type of disconnect is in order... a 4 wheel drive with a MANUAL transfer case will work as well as a few electric ones. I use the transfer case as a disconnect... the 4 wheel drive is a bonus.
Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
(#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
More Sidekicks than GMC's and a late model Malibu called 'Boo'
http://m000035.blogspot.com
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| Re: [GMCnet] Tow Recommendations [message #63879 is a reply to message #63839] |
Wed, 11 November 2009 14:45 |
Steven Ferguson
Messages: 3447
Registered: May 2006
Karma: 0
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Richard,
We tow a 2002 Honda Civic, 5 speed. At 2,300 lbs, it is hard to tell
it is back there sometimes. Very comfortable car for short or long
hops.
On Wed, Nov 11, 2009 at 10:03 AM, Richard MacDonald <rm1936@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
> While Huckleberry is almost ready to go, we have been thinking about what would be the best vehicle to look for as a Toad?
>
> Do not want to buy a "new" vehicle and do not have a budget yet, just looking for ideas on which make/model we should consider.
>
>
> --
> Richard MacDonald
> Punta Gorda, Florida
> 76 Edgemonte
> 94 K2500 6.5 Turbo Diesel Silverado
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
--
Steve Ferguson
'76 EII
Sierra Vista, AZ
Urethane bushing source
www.bdub.net/ferguson/
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| Re: [GMCnet] Tow Recommendations [message #63884 is a reply to message #63879] |
Wed, 11 November 2009 15:02 |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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G'day,
I am a long time VW nut and so bought a 1969 VW Beetle to two behind Double
Trouble in the USA. I was surprised as it was hard to find a decent one at a
reasonable price ($1500). It ain't much to look at and needs work but the
parts are cheap. I got a complete brake system rebuild kit for $150 which
included; master cylinder, four wheel cylinders, four sets of brake shoes,
and four rubber hoses!
When I bought it I towed it from Pasadena, TX to Humble, TX behind John
Sharpe's Chrysler Town & Country and didn't know it was there! It weighs
1764 lbs.
Here in Australia I will tow the 1968 Type 3 VW Squareback I inherited from
my Father which I have restored. It weighs 1940 lbs.
Regards,
Rob Mueller
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion-The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion-Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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| Re: [GMCnet] Tow Recommendations [message #63887 is a reply to message #63884] |
Wed, 11 November 2009 15:07 |
Mr ERFisher
Messages: 7117
Registered: August 2005
Karma: 2
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got a picture ? I need to add you to the gallery
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showgallery.php?cat=4733
and here is some info on VW toads
http://gmcmotorhome.info/toad.html#vw
gene
On Wed, Nov 11, 2009 at 1:02 PM, Rob Mueller <robmueller@iinet.net.au>wrote:
> G'day,
>
> I am a long time VW nut and so bought a 1969 VW Beetle to two behind Double
> Trouble in the USA. I was surprised as it was hard to find a decent one at
> a
> reasonable price ($1500). It ain't much to look at and needs work but the
> parts are cheap. I got a complete brake system rebuild kit for $150 which
> included; master cylinder, four wheel cylinders, four sets of brake shoes,
> and four rubber hoses!
>
> When I bought it I towed it from Pasadena, TX to Humble, TX behind John
> Sharpe's Chrysler Town & Country and didn't know it was there! It weighs
> 1764 lbs.
>
> Here in Australia I will tow the 1968 Type 3 VW Squareback I inherited from
> my Father which I have restored. It weighs 1940 lbs.
>
> Regards,
> Rob Mueller
> Sydney, Australia
> AUS '75 Avion-The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
> USA '75 Avion-Double Trouble TZE365V100426
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
--
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
-------
http://gmcmotorhome.info/
Alternator Protection Cable
http://gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
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| Re: Tow Recommendations [message #63892 is a reply to message #63839] |
Wed, 11 November 2009 15:36 |
Gail Marks Cruiser
Messages: 125
Registered: August 2009
Location: Gold Coast, Australia
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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G'day,
We flat tow a 1978 1.4 liter 5 speed Mazda 323(I think it was called a GLC in the States) behind our 1978 GMC. Mom bought it in 1978 and it has gradualy passed down to me. It weighs 895kgs (1969lbs),good ground clearance, we can get parts just about anywhere, cruises at 110kph (70 mph) and is rear wheel drive (great for pushing out GMC's without limited slip final drive)
Mark Bennett
Gail & Mark's Cruiser
Gold Coast, Australia.
Motorhoming Lifestyle.com
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| Re: [GMCnet] Tow Recommendations [message #63893 is a reply to message #63884] |
Wed, 11 November 2009 15:36 |
Gary Worobec
Messages: 867
Registered: May 2005
Karma: -1
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Senior Member |
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Rob, that would be my second choice, a good VW. I would really like to have
the VW "THING" as a tow vehicle. I think they are pretty cool. I think there
is a GMC owner we saw at the Emerald Desert Rally with a red one. Just a
really nice looking vehicle.
Thanks
Gary and Joanne Worobec
1973 GMC Glacier
----- Original Message -----
From: "Rob Mueller" <robmueller@iinet.net.au>
To: <gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org>
Sent: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 1:02 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Tow Recommendations
> G'day,
>
> I am a long time VW nut and so bought a 1969 VW Beetle to two behind
> Double
> Trouble in the USA. I was surprised as it was hard to find a decent one at
> a
> reasonable price ($1500). It ain't much to look at and needs work but the
> parts are cheap. I got a complete brake system rebuild kit for $150 which
> included; master cylinder, four wheel cylinders, four sets of brake shoes,
> and four rubber hoses!
>
> When I bought it I towed it from Pasadena, TX to Humble, TX behind John
> Sharpe's Chrysler Town & Country and didn't know it was there! It weighs
> 1764 lbs.
>
> Here in Australia I will tow the 1968 Type 3 VW Squareback I inherited
> from
> my Father which I have restored. It weighs 1940 lbs.
>
> Regards,
> Rob Mueller
> Sydney, Australia
> AUS '75 Avion-The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
> USA '75 Avion-Double Trouble TZE365V100426
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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| Re: Tow Recommendations [message #63918 is a reply to message #63904] |
Wed, 11 November 2009 18:03 |
tphipps
Messages: 3005
Registered: August 2004
Location: Spanish Fort, AL
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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Fred V tows a Scion XB, the first generation. He likes it, tows easy, and is actually roomy, enough for four people. Maybe he will pop in and comment. I think it is a good choice, Toyota is everywhere.
Tom Phipps,
no toad
2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552
KA4CSG
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| Re: [GMCnet] Tow Recommendations [message #63924 is a reply to message #63884] |
Wed, 11 November 2009 18:54 |
Steven Ferguson
Messages: 3447
Registered: May 2006
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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No AC in a Vdub. You'd die in that thing in summers in Humble, and AZ.
On Wed, Nov 11, 2009 at 2:02 PM, Rob Mueller <robmueller@iinet.net.au> wrote:
> G'day,
>
> I am a long time VW nut and so bought a 1969 VW Beetle to two behind Double
> Trouble in the USA. I was surprised as it was hard to find a decent one at a
> reasonable price ($1500). It ain't much to look at and needs work but the
> parts are cheap. I got a complete brake system rebuild kit for $150 which
> included; master cylinder, four wheel cylinders, four sets of brake shoes,
> and four rubber hoses!
>
> When I bought it I towed it from Pasadena, TX to Humble, TX behind John
> Sharpe's Chrysler Town & Country and didn't know it was there! It weighs
> 1764 lbs.
>
> Here in Australia I will tow the 1968 Type 3 VW Squareback I inherited from
> my Father which I have restored. It weighs 1940 lbs.
>
> Regards,
> Rob Mueller
> Sydney, Australia
> AUS '75 Avion-The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
> USA '75 Avion-Double Trouble TZE365V100426
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
--
Steve Ferguson
'76 EII
Sierra Vista, AZ
Urethane bushing source
www.bdub.net/ferguson/
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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| Re: [GMCnet] Tow Recommendations [message #63928 is a reply to message #63924] |
Wed, 11 November 2009 19:08 |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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Steve,
You are correct in saying that it would be hot but in the 1970's when I was
working at the Johnson Spacecraft Center we owned a Karman Ghia that wasn't
air conditioned. I found that because the engine was located behind you it
wasn't that bad as long as you were moving and had the windows open. When
you stopped it did get a bit sticky! Plus if it was raining and you had to
close the windows and all you had was the vents it got worse.
At this point in time I think driving a mobile sauna will be good for me!
I'll sweat a few pounds off my fat ass! ;-)
If I can't take it they do make systems for a VW but they really sap the
power!
So the widely held opinion that it really isn't that hot in AZ because it is
dry heat is false! ;-)
Regards,
Rob Mueller
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion-The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion-Double Trouble TZE365V100426
-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Steven Ferguson
Sent: Thursday, 12 November 2009 11:54 AM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Tow Recommendations
No AC in a Vdub. You'd die in that thing in summers in Humble, and AZ.
--
Steve Ferguson
'76 EII
Sierra Vista, AZ
Urethane bushing source
www.bdub.net/ferguson/
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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| Re: [GMCnet] Tow Recommendations [message #63931 is a reply to message #63924] |
Wed, 11 November 2009 19:26 |
Bob de Kruyff
Messages: 4260
Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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""No AC in a Vdub. You'd die in that thing in summers in Humble, and AZ.""
Surprisingly there were a lot of beetles with A/C. I've been looking myself and you do run across them, but it's a marginal system at best--not a pretty picture. Many of the later Mexican grey market beetles have A/C
Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
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| Re: Tow Recommendations [message #63936 is a reply to message #63839] |
Wed, 11 November 2009 20:04 |
Rusty
Messages: 197
Registered: October 2005
Location: Philadelphia Pa
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Ditto on the first generation Trackers. I initially pulled a 92 Corolla automatic. I used a trans pump. It got totaled this past year parked on a side street in south philly. I started looking for a Tracker. I held out for a few months until I found a scuba blue one with a hard top. 95 4x4 auto. Runs like a top with 150k. I love this thing, been driving it as a daily for about a month. And its perfect for towing, small, light, looks good with the new coach paint and I can feel it alot less than pulling the corolla. I was also considering a 66 bug that was in really great shape but three times the cost of the Tracker. I also looked at vintage Minis, which by the way you can get shipped from the UK for under 600 bucks. A righted handed drive vintage Mini would be a cool toad.
Rusty
75 Glenbrook
Philadelphia Pa
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| Re: Tow Recommendations [message #63942 is a reply to message #63839] |
Wed, 11 November 2009 20:41 |
roy1
Messages: 2126
Registered: July 2004
Location: Minden nevada
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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Does anyone have any suggestion for towing a 2004 Rav 4. It is an
automatic so I would think it would need a remco lube pump for the Transmission or??. I take position of it next week from a family member. It only has 30,000 miles on it so I couldn't pass on it.
Roy
Roy Keen
Minden,NV
76 X Glenbrook
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| Re: Tow Recommendations [message #63943 is a reply to message #63839] |
Wed, 11 November 2009 20:47 |
Ernest Dankert
Messages: 133
Registered: May 2007
Location: Ogden, New York
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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We tow a '07 HHR, equipped with a brake buddy and blue ox tow equipment. It is a 5 spd, put it in neutral and pull one fuse. Put isolating diodes in the real tail lights so the bcm is not back fed. Bought the aux equipment used except for the mounting bracket. The front clip came off very easy, and the bracket went in with few problems. Before I tow more I am going to offset the towbar down about 3". One good day to do the mechanical and electrical install, working in the driveway. Doing it again, mebbe 6 hours.
You do know the HHR is there, particularly in the hills. We did unhook for rabbit ear pass, for the last mile, it is a killer going east.
While not in tow, it is my daily driver, 32 mpg commuting, got 35 going out to Idaho to pick up the GMC in 08. Use Amsoil synthetic in the engine.
Did use a Jeep CJ with no aux brakes the year before in Idaho/Yellowstone. Not real desirable, did not get into trouble.
We put about 1400 miles on towing in PA, MD, and Va, got 7 mpg with a heavy foot.
The HHR manual is fun car to drive. It was stripped base model, I installed fog lights, radio controls on the steering wheel and roof rack. One warranty visit, wiper relay was loose.
I don't regret the decision. My son got a HHR 09 this year, rental car/Ebay deal. If you contemplate this route, the rental fleet deletes side air bags and Onstar. Still $9.5K for a 6 mo old car....
1977 Eleganza II
Ogden NY
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| Re: [GMCnet] Tow Recommendations [message #63970 is a reply to message #63928] |
Thu, 12 November 2009 04:19 |
Steven Ferguson
Messages: 3447
Registered: May 2006
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Rob,
It does get hot in AZ. FIRE is a dry heat, and it's hot!
On Wed, Nov 11, 2009 at 6:08 PM, Rob Mueller <robmueller@iinet.net.au> wrote:
> Steve,
>
> You are correct in saying that it would be hot but in the 1970's when I was
> working at the Johnson Spacecraft Center we owned a Karman Ghia that wasn't
> air conditioned. I found that because the engine was located behind you it
> wasn't that bad as long as you were moving and had the windows open. When
> you stopped it did get a bit sticky! Plus if it was raining and you had to
> close the windows and all you had was the vents it got worse.
>
> At this point in time I think driving a mobile sauna will be good for me!
> I'll sweat a few pounds off my fat ass! ;-)
>
> If I can't take it they do make systems for a VW but they really sap the
> power!
>
> So the widely held opinion that it really isn't that hot in AZ because it is
> dry heat is false! ;-)
>
> Regards,
> Rob Mueller
> Sydney, Australia
> AUS '75 Avion-The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
> USA '75 Avion-Double Trouble TZE365V100426
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
> [mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Steven Ferguson
> Sent: Thursday, 12 November 2009 11:54 AM
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Tow Recommendations
>
> No AC in a Vdub. You'd die in that thing in summers in Humble, and AZ.
> --
> Steve Ferguson
> '76 EII
> Sierra Vista, AZ
> Urethane bushing source
> www.bdub.net/ferguson/
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
--
Steve Ferguson
'76 EII
Sierra Vista, AZ
Urethane bushing source
www.bdub.net/ferguson/
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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