My pilot was my neighbor. The request to 'tow' the coupe
received a positive reply, 'Sure'. His skills were equal to mine.
If a grade was given in Towing 101...My pilot would receive
a 'D'....and following the curve....As co-pilot in Tow, I also
would receive the same grade. I had little control over the events
that would take place that day. After all, I was in Tow with rear
brakes only....mechanical cable brakes...'May-Pop' tires...under
a considable amount of pressure. Not one of my better days.
The tow chain did a great job. The tower & towee lacked skills .
Our first meeting of minds was the discussion on where was the
best place to hook the chain. The bumpers ? Bumper to axle?
The rear bumper on the '46 was the choice. The axle on the '37
was the best location. The radius rod would add stability to the
axel hook up. Many of the roads in south west Arkansas ran
lateral to blacktop highways. These laterals were gravel roads.
We agreed on a top speed of 30 MPH on the five miles of
gravel , 40 when we reach blacktop. We would never reach
those speeds. The gravel would keep the front end from shimmeying.
There was a speed, that when reached, the front end would shake.
We used hand/arm signals...35 MPH....it took for ever to get the
Coupe home. I had some Big plans for Henry's Coupe...The '46
would provide the engine...'48 Mercury flat head. to be continued
~ Link at top of page : '37 Ford ~
