Wanted a T3 towbar

1
In April I am heading off to Melbourne and on the return journey to Perth I plan to tow a trailer for my son who is being relocated. A towbar installation is needed and if one is available for purchase in either Perth or Melbourne I could come directly for pickup.
Thanks in anticipation.
Yurik
2
Yurik,
 
The only one I have seen for the T3 was made by Hayman Reese and would severely embarrass Heath Robinson.  Needing to tow a boat, I made my own.  It attaches to the chassis rails using the same mounting points as the stock bumper.  It is the direct opposite of the HR device.  Mine has four parts and will tow a D9.  Theirs has a thousand parts and frightens me to look at it. 
 
See attached pics.
 
Les
 
 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Saturday, March 14, 2009 4:34 PM
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Wanted a T3 towbar

In April I am heading off to Melbourne and on the return journey to Perth I plan to tow a trailer for my son who is being relocated. A towbar installation is needed and if one is available for purchase in either Perth or Melbourne I could come directly for pickup.
Thanks in anticipation.
Yurik

3
Dear Yurik,
I have a 2nd hand Hayman Reece one which I originally intended fitting but can't work out how to do it without removing the exhaust system.Les is basically right there are better designs. I paid $100 for it and have cleaned it up and repainted it but would be negotiable either on price or alternatively any information on whether it is indeed possible to fit without disturbing my exhaust system. I did of course remove the rear bumper before attempting the installation. I can send photos of the tow bar if you are interested.
Cheers
Roger
Melbourne.

--- On Sat, 14/3/09, Yurik Orlowsky <yuriko@iinet.net.au> wrote:

From: Yurik Orlowsky <yuriko@iinet.net.au>
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Wanted a T3 towbar
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Received: Saturday, 14 March, 2009, 1:34 PM

In April I am heading off to Melbourne and on the return journey to Perth I plan to tow a trailer for my son who is being relocated. A towbar installation is needed and if one is available for purchase in either Perth or Melbourne I could come directly for pickup.
Thanks in anticipation.
Yurik


Stay connected to the people that matter most with a smarter inbox. Take a look.
4

Hi Les,

 

Thanks for the photos of your designed towbar. I like its simplicity and the way it incorporates mounting holes for the Trakka Al bumper. The underslung cross bar and tongue lowers the tow ball which would be an advantage for a syncro particularly for my higher 16” syncro. If time permits, I would like to make one to your design – trust you will release copyrights on this.

Regards.

 

Yurik  

 

From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Les Harris
Sent: Saturday, 14 March 2009 2:59 PM
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Wanted a T3 towbar

 

Yurik,

 

The only one I have seen for the T3 was made by Hayman Reese and would severely embarrass Heath Robinson.  Needing to tow a boat, I made my own.  It attaches to the chassis rails using the same mounting points as the stock bumper.  It is the direct opposite of the HR device.  Mine has four parts and will tow a D9.  Theirs has a thousand parts and frightens me to look at it. 

 

See attached pics.

 

Les

 

 

----- Original Message -----

Sent: Saturday, March 14, 2009 4:34 PM

Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Wanted a T3 towbar

 

In April I am heading off to Melbourne and on the return journey to Perth I plan to tow a trailer for my son who is being relocated. A towbar installation is needed and if one is available for purchase in either Perth or Melbourne I could come directly for pickup.
Thanks in anticipation.
Yurik

5
Hi Roger, hope you are well.

Through this list I found a 2wd Caravelle for a friend of mine which he is very happy with. I'm pretty sure it has a Hayman Reece towbar fitted to it as i remember thinking it would be a handy thing to have. I'm sure he wouldn't mind you having a careful look at it. Might be a big help.

He only lives down the road from you. Let me know and i'll check it is a HR.

Gary

[2 0 / 2 1 Design]
28 Gwynne St
Richmond
Vic 3121
gary@twentytwentyone.net
www.twentytwentyone.net
Tel 3 9429 1868
Fax 3 9421 1110
Mob 0417 352782

On 16/03/2009, at 2:30 AM, Roger Bell wrote:


Dear Yurik,
I have a 2nd hand Hayman Reece one which I originally intended fitting but can't work out how to do it without removing the exhaust system.Les is basically right there are better designs. I paid $100 for it and have cleaned it up and repainted it but would be negotiable either on price or alternatively any information on whether it is indeed possible to fit without disturbing my exhaust system. I did of course remove the rear bumper before attempting the installation. I can send photos of the tow bar if you are interested.
Cheers
Roger
Melbourne.

--- On Sat, 14/3/09, Yurik Orlowsky <yuriko@iinet. net.au> wrote:

From: Yurik Orlowsky <yuriko@iinet. net.au>
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australi a] Wanted a T3 towbar
To: Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com
Received: Saturday, 14 March, 2009, 1:34 PM

In April I am heading off to Melbourne and on the return journey to Perth I plan to tow a trailer for my son who is being relocated. A towbar installation is needed and if one is available for purchase in either Perth or Melbourne I could come directly for pickup.
Thanks in anticipation.
Yurik 


Stay connected to the people that matter most with a smarter inbox. Take a look.


6

Hi Roger,

Thanks for your response. I am particularly interested in the towbar Les designed but may be pressed for time to manufacture it. If the Hayman Reece one was a simple bolt on type I would be interested in it even though its design may be questionable. I would appreciate you sending some photos.

Regards

Yurik

 

From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Roger Bell
Sent: Monday, 16 March 2009 12:30 AM
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Wanted a T3 towbar

 

Dear Yurik,

I have a 2nd hand Hayman Reece one which I originally intended fitting but can't work out how to do it without removing the exhaust system.Les is basically right there are better designs. I paid $100 for it and have cleaned it up and repainted it but would be negotiable either on price or alternatively any information on whether it is indeed possible to fit without disturbing my exhaust system. I did of course remove the rear bumper before attempting the installation. I can send photos of the tow bar if you are interested.

Cheers

Roger

Melbourne.

--- On Sat, 14/3/09, Yurik Orlowsky <yuriko@iinet.net.au> wrote:


From: Yurik Orlowsky <yuriko@iinet.net.au>
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Wanted a T3 towbar
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Received: Saturday, 14 March, 2009, 1:34 PM

In April I am heading off to Melbourne and on the return journey to Perth I plan to tow a trailer for my son who is being relocated. A towbar installation is needed and if one is available for purchase in either Perth or Melbourne I could come directly for pickup.
Thanks in anticipation.
Yurik

 

Stay connected to the people that matter most with a smarter inbox. Take a look.

7
Yurik,
 
I have drawings for it and it is simple but very strong.  I will did them out and see what form I can use to send the to you.  I had mine gal dipped for durability.  Since it was a vertical immersion dip, I provided holes so that the cross tube is fully coated on the inside.
 
Les
 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, March 16, 2009 11:48 AM
Subject: RE: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Wanted a T3 towbar

Hi Les,

Thanks for the photos of your designed towbar. I like its simplicity and the way it incorporates mounting holes for the Trakka Al bumper. The underslung cross bar and tongue lowers the tow ball which would be an advantage for a syncro particularly for my higher 16” syncro. If time permits, I would like to make one to your design – trust you will release copyrights on this.

Regards.

Yurik  

.

8
PS:
The Trakka rear bumper has the same mounting holes to the brackets as the original Syncro rear bumper.  I just replicated them.
 
----- Original Message -----
From: Les Harris
Sent: Monday, March 16, 2009 12:17 PM
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Wanted a T3 towbar

Yurik,
 
I have drawings for it and it is simple but very strong.  I will did them out and see what form I can use to send the to you.  I had mine gal dipped for durability.  Since it was a vertical immersion dip, I provided holes so that the cross tube is fully coated on the inside.
 
Les
 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, March 16, 2009 11:48 AM
Subject: RE: [Syncro_T3_Australi a] Wanted a T3 towbar

Hi Les,

Thanks for the photos of your designed towbar. I like its simplicity and the way it incorporates mounting holes for the Trakka Al bumper. The underslung cross bar and tongue lowers the tow ball which would be an advantage for a syncro particularly for my higher 16” syncro. If time permits, I would like to make one to your design – trust you will release copyrights on this.

Regards.

Yurik  

.

9
Gday Yurik,

I have the Hayman Reece on my Takka van also, obviously with the
original 14" wheels, the ball height isn't too bad. With 15-16" wheels,
starts to be problematic. These days, my tow bar acts as a "zero space
guide" when reverse parking .... haha

I"ve had a close look at the methodology of design of the HR and always
come away shaking my head in utter confusion .... how did they do that
and why?

I have a looseness in the passenger side connection of the HR to the
subframe beam it fastens to, the only way to fix it (maybe) is to
dissasssemble everything that is inter-related (spare wheel and twin
gerry can holder racks) on the back of my van to get at the culprit
problem and even then I'm not confident I'll be able to fix it anyway
with the passage of time and the way bolts freeze up, innaccesible
threads don't work etc. etc. Basically given up on the idea, which is a
bit of a shame.

I'd be going with something like what Les has designed if I was you,
perhaps with the variation of ascertaining the strength of the
"swan-neck" that holds the toe ball, dependant upon the weight of the
trailer and load you have in mind, as opposed to a light boat Les uses
his for. I reckon fitting the HR for the first time could prove quite
"interesting". .................. help!!

Cheers.

Ken




--- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, "Yurik Orlowsky"
<yuriko@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Roger,
>
> Thanks for your response. I am particularly interested in the towbar
Les
> designed but may be pressed for time to manufacture it. If the Hayman
Reece
> one was a simple bolt on type I would be interested in it even though
its
> design may be questionable. I would appreciate you sending some
photos.
>
> Regards
>
> Yurik
>
>
>
> From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
> [mailto:Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Roger Bell
> Sent: Monday, 16 March 2009 12:30 AM
> To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Wanted a T3 towbar
>
>
>
>
> Dear Yurik,
>
> I have a 2nd hand Hayman Reece one which I originally intended fitting
but
> can't work out how to do it without removing the exhaust system.Les is
> basically right there are better designs. I paid $100 for it and have
> cleaned it up and repainted it but would be negotiable either on price
or
> alternatively any information on whether it is indeed possible to fit
> without disturbing my exhaust system. I did of course remove the rear
bumper
> before attempting the installation. I can send photos of the tow bar
if you
> are interested.
>
> Cheers
>
> Roger
>
> Melbourne.
>
> --- On Sat, 14/3/09, Yurik Orlowsky yuriko@... wrote:
>
>
> From: Yurik Orlowsky yuriko@...
> Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Wanted a T3 towbar
> To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
> Received: Saturday, 14 March, 2009, 1:34 PM
>
> In April I am heading off to Melbourne and on the return journey to
Perth I
> plan to tow a trailer for my son who is being relocated. A towbar
> installation is needed and if one is available for purchase in either
Perth
> or Melbourne I could come directly for pickup.
> Thanks in anticipation.
> Yurik
>
>
>
> _____
>
> Stay connected to the people that matter most with a smarter inbox.
Take a
> look
>
<http://au.rd.yahoo.com/galaxy/mail/tagline2/*http:/au.docs.yahoo.com/ma\
il/s
> marterinbox> .
>
10
Ken,
 
Tain't exactly light - it's a 15" Haines Hunter half cab with 70 HP Merc and a lot of on-board equipment.  It's a heavy hull but very seaworthy.  It punches its way through some steep swells with ease and stability.  Haven't weighed it.
 
If my memory is still working, the point of minimum strength was well over 5 tonnes, not as excessive as it might appear given that shock loads have to be taken into account, but it has a very comfortable safety margin to a towing mass that equals the Syncro mass.  The ball would probably shear at less than that.
 
Les
 
----- Original Message -----
From: Ken
Sent: Monday, March 16, 2009 5:27 PM
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Re: Wanted a T3 towbar


Gday Yurik,


I'd be going with something like what Les has designed if I was you,
perhaps with the variation of ascertaining the strength of the
"swan-neck" that holds the toe ball, dependant upon the weight of the
trailer and load you have in mind, as opposed to a light boat Les uses
his for. I reckon fitting the HR for the first time could prove quite
"interesting" . ............ ...... help!!

Cheers.

Ken

--- In Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com, "Yurik Orlowsky"
<yuriko@...> wrote:
>

.

11
> I have the Hayman Reece on my Takka van also, obviously with the
> original 14" wheels, the ball height isn't too bad. With 15-16" wheels,
> starts to be problematic.

The problem is that the HR was never designed for a syncro.

The genuine towbars are a different height for 2wd and syncro.
12
> Les Harris <leslieharris@optushome.com.au> wrote:
>
> Ken,
>
> Tain't exactly light - it's a 15" Haines Hunter half cab with 70 HP Merc
> and a lot of on-board equipment. It's a heavy hull but very seaworthy.
> It punches its way through some steep swells with ease and stability.
> Haven't weighed it.
>
> If my memory is still working, the point of minimum strength was well
> over 5 tonnes, not as excessive as it might appear given that shock
> loads have to be taken into account, but it has a very comfortable
> safety margin to a towing mass that equals the Syncro mass. The ball
> would probably shear at less than that.
>
> Les
>

The HR is rated at 1000kg.
13
mmmm ..... interesting.

so if the genuine syncro towbar is lower, would that bar reduce the exit
clearance underneath, compared with my HR?


--- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, plander@... wrote:
>
>
> > I have the Hayman Reece on my Takka van also, obviously with the
> > original 14" wheels, the ball height isn't too bad. With 15-16"
wheels,
> > starts to be problematic.
>
> The problem is that the HR was never designed for a syncro.
>
> The genuine towbars are a different height for 2wd and syncro.
>
14
The actual bar is behind the bumper.



> Ken <unclekenz@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>
> mmmm ..... interesting.
>
> so if the genuine syncro towbar is lower, would that bar reduce the exit
> clearance underneath, compared with my HR?
>
>
> --- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, plander@... wrote:
> >
> >
> > > I have the Hayman Reece on my Takka van also, obviously with the
> > > original 14" wheels, the ball height isn't too bad. With 15-16"
> wheels,
> > > starts to be problematic.
> >
> > The problem is that the HR was never designed for a syncro.
> >
> > The genuine towbars are a different height for 2wd and syncro.
> >
15
On Mon, Mar 16, 2009 at 1:22 AM, Ken <unclekenz@yahoo.com> wrote:

mmmm ..... interesting.

so if the genuine syncro towbar is lower, would that bar reduce the exit
clearance underneath, compared with my HR?

Ken,
See attached pics of Syncro tow hook. As you can see (or not) the bar is completely concealed behind the bumper. However, the tow hook is what might present a clearance concern. The hook is attached with 4 bolts which does not appear to be designed for easy temporary removal.
I have a US made receiver hitch which mimics the construction of the hitch above but it has a 2" receiver instead of the hook. It still extends slightly below the bumper line but the tow ball assembly can be slid out by removing a large pin when not in use.
Cheers,
BenT
16
Dear Yurik,
Have got round to taking some photos which are attached. Its picked up a bit of rust since I painted it supposedly with rust resistant paint. I looked closely at the Hayman Reece plate on it and it says "suit VW Kombi 1982" "Hayman Reece model 757" It certainly came from a T3 but from memory was probably a 1.9l  2wd van. I thought I had foolishly thought that a T3 towbar was a T3 towbar but I looked on their current site www.haymanreece.com.au  and under products for VW they list "1982-9/1992 Kombi Transporter 2WD 4WD " 2 models(neither 757) with respective RRP of $411 and $514 both with the same 1000/80 kg rating/ball weight. In their mind 1 size seems to fit all T3's which is what I assumed.
 I would prefer to have a tow bar on my vehicle but perhaps its absence is why its still on the original clutch at nearly 200,000K. I won't do anything more about again trying to fit it to mine until after you come over and won't be fussed whether or not you choose to take it; can get Les's option fabricated; get a more suitable offer; choose to get a new Hayman Reece one fitted from the WA agent before you go or import a European style hook from Europe or BenT Syncro USA.
 I live about 3kms from the Melbourne CBD and would do my best to help you fit it if you ended up wanting mine.
Gary -if you are reading this do you mean the blue roundheadlight 1.9l?  Caravelle in Fenwick St? I did have a hard look at this on the street but still have the problem that with the bumper off mine and the towbar pushed up towards where it should be, it is still blocked from getting "home" by the exhaust. I see Hayman Reece have one of their agents in Sydney Rd perhaps I will ask them or the VW wrecker I bought it from if they will fit it if Yurik doesn't want it.
Cheers
Roger
--- On Mon, 16/3/09, Yurik Orlowsky <yuriko@iinet.net.au> wrote:

From: Yurik Orlowsky <yuriko@iinet.net.au>
Subject: RE: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Wanted a T3 towbar
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Received: Monday, 16 March, 2009, 9:03 AM

Hi Roger,

Thanks for your response. I am particularly interested in the towbar Les designed but may be pressed for time to manufacture it. If the Hayman Reece one was a simple bolt on type I would be interested in it even though its design may be questionable. I would appreciate you sending some photos.

Regards

Yurik

 

From: Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com [mailto:Syncro_ T3_Australia@ yahoogroups. com] On Behalf Of Roger Bell
Sent: Monday, 16 March 2009 12:30 AM
To: Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australi a] Wanted a T3 towbar

 

Dear Yurik,

I have a 2nd hand Hayman Reece one which I originally intended fitting but can't work out how to do it without removing the exhaust system.Les is basically right there are better designs. I paid $100 for it and have cleaned it up and repainted it but would be negotiable either on price or alternatively any information on whether it is indeed possible to fit without disturbing my exhaust system. I did of course remove the rear bumper before attempting the installation. I can send photos of the tow bar if you are interested.

Cheers

Roger

Melbourne.

--- On Sat, 14/3/09, Yurik Orlowsky <yuriko@iinet. net.au> wrote:


From: Yurik Orlowsky <yuriko@iinet. net.au>
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australi a] Wanted a T3 towbar
To: Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com
Received: Saturday, 14 March, 2009, 1:34 PM

In April I am heading off to Melbourne and on the return journey to Perth I plan to tow a trailer for my son who is being relocated. A towbar installation is needed and if one is available for purchase in either Perth or Melbourne I could come directly for pickup.
Thanks in anticipation.
Yurik

 

Stay connected to the people that matter most with a smarter inbox. Take a look.


Stay connected to the people that matter most with a smarter inbox. Take a look.
17
Hi Roger

I don't think this is my friends van as his has square headlights and he is a bit closer to Edinburgh Gardens but if it has a HR towbar i'm sure it is much the same anyway.

I think the engine in a syncro T3 is a bit higher than a 2wd so maybe this is the problem with your exhaust but i'm not sure about that first statement.

Cheers
Gary

[2 0 / 2 1 Design]
28 Gwynne St
Richmond
Vic 3121
gary@twentytwentyone.net
www.twentytwentyone.net
Tel 3 9429 1868
Fax 3 9421 1110
Mob 0417 352782

On 18/03/2009, at 9:16 PM, bellrmit@yahoo.com.au wrote:


Dear Yurik,
Have got round to taking some photos which are attached. Its picked up a bit of rust since I painted it supposedly with rust resistant paint. I looked closely at the Hayman Reece plate on it and it says "suit VW Kombi 1982" "Hayman Reece model 757" It certainly came from a T3 but from memory was probably a 1.9l  2wd van. I thought I had foolishly thought that a T3 towbar was a T3 towbar but I looked on their current site www.haymanreece. com.au  and under products for VW they list "1982-9/1992 Kombi Transporter 2WD 4WD " 2 models(neither 757) with respective RRP of $411 and $514 both with the same 1000/80 kg rating/ball weight. In their mind 1 size seems to fit all T3's which is what I assumed.
 I would prefer to have a tow bar on my vehicle but perhaps its absence is why its still on the original clutch at nearly 200,000K. I won't do anything more about again trying to fit it to mine until after you come over and won't be fussed whether or not you choose to take it; can get Les's option fabricated; get a more suitable offer; choose to get a new Hayman Reece one fitted from the WA agent before you go or import a European style hook from Europe or BenT Syncro USA.
 I live about 3kms from the Melbourne CBD and would do my best to help you fit it if you ended up wanting mine.
Gary -if you are reading this do you mean the blue roundheadlight 1.9l?  Caravelle in Fenwick St? I did have a hard look at this on the street but still have the problem that with the bumper off mine and the towbar pushed up towards where it should be, it is still blocked from getting "home" by the exhaust. I see Hayman Reece have one of their agents in Sydney Rd perhaps I will ask them or the VW wrecker I bought it from if they will fit it if Yurik doesn't want it.
Cheers
Roger
--- On Mon, 16/3/09, Yurik Orlowsky <yuriko@iinet. net.au> wrote:

From: Yurik Orlowsky <yuriko@iinet. net.au>
Subject: RE: [Syncro_T3_Australi a] Wanted a T3 towbar
To: Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com
Received: Monday, 16 March, 2009, 9:03 AM

Hi Roger,

Thanks for your response. I am particularly interested in the towbar Les designed but may be pressed for time to manufacture it. If the Hayman Reece one was a simple bolt on type I would be interested in it even though its design may be questionable. I would appreciate you sending some photos.

Regards

Yurik

 

From: Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com [mailto:Syncro_T3_Australia@ yahoogroups. com] On Behalf Of Roger Bell
Sent: Monday, 16 March 2009 12:30 AM
To: Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australi a] Wanted a T3 towbar

 

Dear Yurik,

I have a 2nd hand Hayman Reece one which I originally intended fitting but can't work out how to do it without removing the exhaust system.Les is basically right there are better designs. I paid $100 for it and have cleaned it up and repainted it but would be negotiable either on price or alternatively any information on whether it is indeed possible to fit without disturbing my exhaust system. I did of course remove the rear bumper before attempting the installation. I can send photos of the tow bar if you are interested.

Cheers

Roger

Melbourne.

--- On Sat, 14/3/09, Yurik Orlowsky <yuriko@iinet. net.au> wrote:


From: Yurik Orlowsky <yuriko@iinet. net.au>
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australi a] Wanted a T3 towbar
To: Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com
Received: Saturday, 14 March, 2009, 1:34 PM

In April I am heading off to Melbourne and on the return journey to Perth I plan to tow a trailer for my son who is being relocated. A towbar installation is needed and if one is available for purchase in either Perth or Melbourne I could come directly for pickup.
Thanks in anticipation.
Yurik

 

Stay connected to the people that matter most with a smarter inbox. Take a look.



Stay connected to the people that matter most with a smarter inbox. Take a look.