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        General >> Problems >> Tow Bar Query
        
(Message started by: Spannerdemon on Mar 23^rd, 2006, 10:58am)

Title: Tow Bar Query
Post by Spannerdemon on Mar 23^rd, 2006, 10:58am

I wonder can somebody point me in the right direction regarding fitting a Towbar to my 1996 Scorpio 2.9 12V.

According to the info on the site the Witter part number is F56. However, when I go to the Witter site, I find the number listed as F59.

No problem there, but I don't particularly want to pay over £100.00 for a towbar!

If, as is suggested, I can get away with fitting one from a Granada, then I intend to salvage one from our local breakers............But will it fit??

Another question is this. Is it necessary to cut into the bumper. I REALLY don't want to do this. Some towbar suppliers say Yes, and others say No. Very confusing.

Any help welcome.

Title: Re: Tow Bar Query
Post by Simmo on Mar 23^rd, 2006, 11:12am

Look at this http://www.fordscorpio.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?board=admin4;action=display;num=1138809377;start=3#3 and see if it helps. Or, go to 'search' at the top of this page, put in Towbar,and select a time ie;28 days,365 days and you'll find a number of posts which may save you a load of grief.

Title: Re: Tow Bar Query
Post by Spannerdemon on Mar 23^rd, 2006, 3:13pm

Not too worried about drilling out hoiles etc, but need to know if the Granada one will fit, as there are several at the breakers here with towbars.

Thanks.

Title: Re: Tow Bar Query
Post by 12reps on Mar 24^th, 2006, 1:53pm

Hi there, I was going to fit a tow bar from a scrapper about 8 months ago. In the end I decided to get a witter tow professionally fitted, as I didn't have the time to chew on. Just checked receit and it is an F59. Allan

Title: Re: Tow Bar Query
Post by Spannerdemon on Mar 24^th, 2006, 8:36pm

Thanks 12reps, but I still want to know about this, especially if it's necessary to cut into the bumper, which I want to avoid at all cost.

I am also seeing if I can source a Towbar from an existing Scorpio which is being broken, so if anyone knows of one, I'd be grateful.

Thanks :)

Title: Re: Tow Bar Query
Post by cossie_al on Mar 24^th, 2006, 9:50pm

I have a 1995 24v cossie with a tow bar and the butcher who fitted it cut the bumper.
Done before I got the car and it was done by utow in tyne and wear the invoice ose not specify the manafcture.

Title: Re: Tow Bar Query
Post by Spannerdemon on Mar 25^th, 2006, 7:51pm

Yes, that is exactly the situation that I DON'T want to get into.

Some members presumably have towbars on their cars and will have the info I need. I really need to sort this out without letting some cowboy tow-bar fitter loose on my car.

Ideas needed guys!! I'm confused! ??? ??? ???

Title: Re: Tow Bar Query
Post by fordcos on Mar 27^th, 2006, 8:41am

hi just had one fitted to my cossie it was the correct one for the ultima and the bumper did not have to be cut. if you fit a granadfa one im told you have to cut the bumper.. cost me 149 fitted

Title: Re: Tow Bar Query
Post by Jim on Mar 27^th, 2006, 2:41pm

See item on towing started by Jeff. If the estate bar is shorter may explain why some bumpers have to be cut.

Title: Re: Tow Bar Query
Post by Jim on Mar 27^th, 2006, 2:44pm

quote author=- Mike - link=board=Problems;num=1143212888;start=0#8 date=03/25/06 at 11:32:47]Don't know about the estate but the Granada saloon towbar should fit the Scorpio saloon. The hatch is a different length it's shorter. [/quote]

Title: Re: Tow Bar Query
Post by TaperOne on Mar 27^th, 2006, 3:41pm

If its any interest, I have a brand new unfitted genuine Ford towbar for a scorpio estate. I can take any measurements that anyone requires, if it helps.

Cheers

Pete H

Title: Re: Tow Bar Query
Post by Spannerdemon on Mar 27^th, 2006, 5:19pm

Thanks for these replies. I am going to try and source a Scorp Bar from one being broken.
This car ain't getting chopped bumper surgery!!

Thanks guys :)

Title: Re: Tow Bar Query
Post by sector-9 on Mar 27^th, 2006, 10:27pm

It's usually possible to fit a bar without cutting the bumper - only those which are quite low such as the Rover 2xx coupe need it.

Having said that, it depends on the fitter and the instructions. Usually the instructions will say to remove the bumper in order to fit the bar, but if they can get away without doing that they will - even if it means cutting it a little...

Darren

Title: Re: Tow Bar Query
Post by Spannerdemon on Apr 6^th, 2006, 4:44pm

Follow up:

Have now completed the fitting of my towbar. managed to get a Towsure Bar at reasonable cost. Fitting took about 3 hours, and DID NOT involve removal of the bumper. I entirely agree with other comments on this site about the Torx bolts that Ford used to secure the rear bumper. Absolutely stupid, as once they have seen several years weather and general corrosion, they are impossible to remove.
I will be making that a job for the future, but I certainly won't be replacing them with Torx bolts again.

The bar clears the bottom of the bumper by a good 1.25" and so no bumper cutting was necessary.
Nice neat job, and ready to fit the electrics to it tomorrow.

Thanks for all the ideas. They were all useful. ;D