Hubbard service crane.

[redbeard]

I have a Hubbard service crane on my tt truck. It's been kinda hard to find anything out on it.
Also does anyone have pictures of a period correct towbar for a vintage tow truck.
Here is the link to my tow truck in action. Search model t tow truck in action if you don't trust links.

https://youtu.be/tkn9Hmv5bZU?si=3xg-_ggp31V6jyMC

[Farmlandfire]

Boy oh boy where to start. First of I own the building where that wrecker bed was made and have several hundred pictures available. They were made in Farmland Indiana and the fella I got everything from was a grandson to the original builder's. They made wrecker trucks up into the 80s. I will see if I can add some pictures that I have of some of the restored or as built trucks

[redbeard]

Thanks didn't think I'd get this information lucky. Hubbard is brand name I've heard before, but there isn't much out there.
To start mine is a model 5 service crane, number 227

[Scott C.]

I see 2 issues with that set up. #1 is that you have it mounted too far to the rear. It should be mounted further forward. That would put the weight in front of the rear axle and change the fulcrum point and force the suspension to compress instead of raising the front end off the ground so easy. Look at the pictures of the other wrecker and you will see how much further forward it is mounted. #2 is that your tow bar is way too long, allowing it act as a leverage bar thus multiplying issue #1. It should only be about as long as where your lifting point is, typically about 3' - 4' max long.

[redbeard]

That truck is nowhere near finished.
The plan is to add tool boxes in front of the crane for ballast we had the crane in a couple locations before settling on where it its. It works well for cars, but it's a little light on the front for other TTs.
Also the plan is to make the tow bar adjustable. That was just thrown together out of what we had on hand. We picked that as the longest length to tow a model t pickup backwards.
I would like to see how they built the axle bar and pivot. If you have any pictures. So far I don't think I've seen an original one.

[Scott C.]

I don't think they had the tow bar in that era. All the ones that I have seen only used chains with or without J hooks to the axle and the towed car swayed around. There was usually someone in it to control the brakes. The early cross or spreader bars just used chains also. The tow bar style did not come out until I think sometime in the 30's and it was basically the bottom half of the towbar and sling that came out in the 40's. They still used chains with J hooks. The under-lift, or wheel lift style that yours copies did not come around until probably the late 70's.

Have you checked out the tow truck museum in Chattanooga?

[redbeard]

I have checked it out online, I may go to Florida fly wheelers. And maybe check it out in person