How to pull a T onto a tow truck

[Eric Sole]

I have read that if the Model T is pulled by its front axle, the wishbone ball socket can be pulled from the crankcase.

Those of you who have had your T pulled up onto a flatbed tow truck, where was the winch line attached to the car?

[RajoRacer]

If I have to resort to a winch, I grab both sides of the perches at the spring or better yet, grab each frame corner on the early cars with no radiator valance.

[Eric Sole]

Hopefully won't need the winch, but it's good to know what works for the Model T. We'll know in a few hours
Thanks Steve.

[Humblej]

Dont know about a tow truck flat bed, but when I winch a T onto a trailer I hitch up the winch cable directly to the center of the front axle.

If the ball cap is properly tightened with the springs loaded to about 1/4" - 3/8" remaining uncompressed it will not pull out of the socket.

[mtntee20]

I use a short (2 - 3 foot) nylon choker around the front cross-member and front spring, right next to the starting crank. I pull 2700 lbs of loaded TT right up on the trailer with NO PROBLEM.

[Oldav8tor]

For the last six years I have loaded my Touring in a enclosed trailer with a winch attached to the right front axle as far outboard as possible. I believe pulling from the center risks bending the axle. So far, my wishbone ball remains fully ensconced in it's socket.

When I secure the T in a trailer I attach at four points - the outboard ends of the front and rear axle. I also chock the front right wheel front and back.

I'm sure others will disagree with me for various reasons but all I can say is that it has worked for me without any issues.

[speedytinc]

First choice - Hook to the frame on either side of the front motor mount.(pre diaper '24)
Second choice - Hook to BOTH sides of the front axle @ the spring perches with a tow strap or cable. pull @ the center.
Third choice - Hook to the axle on ONE side @ the perch.

[frontyboy]

Owning a flat bed tow truck I have found that the best and least damaging way is to use my hook bridle and wrap the real axle tubes with canvas fire hose and slowly pull the car up the ramp. If the rear wheels are seized I use boxed slide plates. Jack the car up and slide the boxed plates under the rear tires. Then slowly pull the car up the ramp, problem solved. I've seen my competitors pull A's and T's with a hook on the front axle and bend the axle outwards at the center. You would be surprised how easy a model t axle will bend
Just sayin'
frontyboy

[John.Zibell]

Dont know about a tow truck flat bed, but when I winch a T onto a trailer I hitch up the winch cable directly to the center of the front axle.

If the ball cap is properly tightened with the springs loaded to about 1/4" - 3/8" remaining uncompressed it will not pull out of the socket.

The problem with that is you can bend the front axle. Better to pull from the perches.

[TXGOAT2]

There is no good reason to pull on the center of the front axle, and a lot of good reasons not to. There are several good reasons why the axle is designed the way it is. Don't defeat the good design by applying force to the axle that it is not designed to resist.

[Eric Sole]

For the record, everything worked beautifully, and there was no need for a winch. The piston rings have finally seated, and the car now has good power. I just needed a 100 mile ride to get to a wedding. The Model T made quite a scene as the groom with his bride trundled into the wedding reception venue. It also made one of the most popular photo-calls I've ever seen.

I appreciate your input. This is the sort of information we need to have fresh in our heads in case we have an unfortunate moment requiring a tow.

[Shrshot]

Awesome picture! That's one you won't soon forget.

[Allan]

DO NOT PULL ON THE CENTRE OF THE AXLE! One participant on our recent national rally used the winch cable around the centre of the axle as the only tie down in his enclosed trailer. Then drove the 700km trip to the venue. The result was a car so squirrely to drive that his guest driver would not use it after fighting with it on the first day.

I have a custom made length of seatbelt webbing with eyes at each end. It goes around the two perches and is linked to the winch cable with a D shackle, pulling in the middle, but anchored to the perches.

Allan from down under.