angelo7 Posted August 18, 2014 Share Posted August 18, 2014 I've been trying to figure out how this type of tow truck can hook up another truck behind. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Petetrucker07 Posted August 18, 2014 Share Posted August 18, 2014 I think it would hook on to the frame to tow the truck backwards. I may be wrong. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
randx0 Posted August 18, 2014 Share Posted August 18, 2014 That was my first truck model I received as a Christmas gift ,it never occurred to me to question how it would work . I was just happy to have a kit that was worth three times a car kit at the time which made it a big deal to me. Funny how a random picture can bring back memories . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mackinac359 Posted August 18, 2014 Share Posted August 18, 2014 Not sure if this is clear enough to help (found on the web). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Superpeterbilt Posted August 18, 2014 Share Posted August 18, 2014 Heres a link with a bunch of pics of this type of wrecker. http://tow411.yuku.com/topic/58740/Big-Stick-Wreckers?=1 Me personally, have never liked the funky towbar from the kit. I usually convert it to this style Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mackvision Posted August 18, 2014 Share Posted August 18, 2014 This particular type of wrecker was commonly known as a Hines "Big Stick" or a Bakersfield Boom,the plate at the end of the winch cable is used to tow a truck backwards,but can be detached and re-rigged with a standard tow bar/angle iron for forward towing,which often requires dropping the towed trucks' driveshaft and often pulling the axles that come in contact with the road. Hope this is of some help.............................Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tooltas Posted August 18, 2014 Share Posted August 18, 2014 I too got that kit for chirstmas gift and that kit was and still up there with some of amt's great truck of all time Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angelo7 Posted August 19, 2014 Author Share Posted August 19, 2014 (edited) Thank you guys. The kit does not show the chains so with these pictures it gives me a better idea of how it works now. Thanks for the link and photos Terry and the picture Tim. This kit brings me memories too. That's why I bought it. My best friend from when we were teenagers had it while I had a Mack Cruiseliner. We would work on these kits together. Hey Todd, why don't you post some photos of your trucks? Edited August 19, 2014 by angelo7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Posted August 20, 2014 Share Posted August 20, 2014 The cable lifts up on the lower tow plate and pivot bar, chains would be hooked to the frame or axle of the truck to be towed and then attached to the tow plate. When the cable pulled up on the two plate, it would pull up on the chains, lifting the truck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angelo7 Posted August 20, 2014 Author Share Posted August 20, 2014 So the chains will rub against the towed truck bumper, but not the lifting cable, right? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Posted August 21, 2014 Share Posted August 21, 2014 So the chains will rub against the towed truck bumper, but not the lifting cable, right? That is correct. Usually there are two rubber straps that protect the vehicle but I'm sure with a semi truck, there is too much weight involved. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Superpeterbilt Posted August 21, 2014 Share Posted August 21, 2014 The chains dont really rub against the bumper, the truck is chained against the towbar or in the case of the kit, its is chained against the big flat plate. The rubber slings on a medium/light duty wrecker is a different set up. Most wreckers use the under-reach method now. On the older style, the truck is chained to the towbar and the cables lift the towbar and the truck. The towbar holds the truck rigid and stops it from slamming into the back of the wrecker. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angelo7 Posted August 21, 2014 Author Share Posted August 21, 2014 Got it. Thanks. Then there is something wrong in this wrecker. Can you see what it is? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Superpeterbilt Posted August 21, 2014 Share Posted August 21, 2014 A bunch of stuff, what specifically? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GLMFAA1 Posted August 22, 2014 Share Posted August 22, 2014 What Don is a volunteer fire fighter with his red gumballs? greg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angelo7 Posted August 22, 2014 Author Share Posted August 22, 2014 Aren't the four hooks on the plate facing the wrong direction? In my first photo the hooks are facing the opposite direction. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Superpeterbilt Posted August 22, 2014 Share Posted August 22, 2014 Oh, I didnt notice that. They should be facing up as in the 2nd photo. The first photo you posted is wrong. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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