Flat towing 65 Barracuda

I have some experience. I towed my 69 Dart w/ a 1982 Aries once w/ no problem, but not ideal since the Dart was slightly heavier. I changed to a U-Haul tow dolly in AZ since the price dropped 1/2 from CA rentals and reversed the cars. To re-install the drive-shaft, I ran one side of the Dart up on a curb, giving room to climb under. On a 65, easier to leave the drive-shaft bolted to the tranny and chain the other end to the exhaust, as mentioned. Same U-joint at the rear as my 69.

I tried towing my 65 Dart to the DMV for inspection soon after getting it. In a test around the neighborhood, it wouldn't follow on turns. The wheels would **** far right or left and stay there, dragging on the street. Same thing when I tried to tow my 64 Valiant home after buying it. In both, the bushings were worn and clunky. I now have offset upper bushings in both to give more caster, which should help the front wheels follow. Haven't tried towing since. I didn't try a bungee cord to help return the steering to center. Seems it would help.

Re attaching the tow bar, in the Dart I used the factory brackets (Valley Ind.), bolting them under the bumper on the radiator support. The brackets disappeared when the car was stolen. I found that trailer spring shackles fit my tow bar perfectly (Harbor Freight or Northern). I have two on my 65 Newport all the time. Also on the radiator support, beside the strut rod attachments. You can barely see them under the bumper. Once the car failed on the way to work (freeze plug came out), so I called my wife to come w/ the tow bar, hooked up in 5 min and towed it home fine w/ our (lighter) 96 Voyager. Don't attach the tow brackets to the bumper brackets without the bumper. I tried that on the 64 Valiant and when the wheels cocked, the bumper bracket broke off (looks almost like cast iron). On cars that have a trailer light connector (flat 4-pin), I just jumper both car's connectors together to get lights on the towed vehicle, otherwise I use trunk-mount temp lights.

I had a rodder friend who was always hauling cars around with a tow bar, say 30's Fords w/ no engine. No issues and he once drove to work that way since he didn't care to unhook the towed car. Just tow smart and don't hit the brakes in the middle of turn, especially w/ sand on the road. Also, don't try backing up. The towed vehicles wheels follow only when going forward - caster, just like a shopping cart's wheels. You can back up very slowly if another person gets in the towed car and handles the steering wheel, and they are smart enough to follow instructions.

Timely question since I must soon get my 84 M-B from my son in San Diego and swap him the 85. The front wheels became toed-out and I don't know what failed in the steering/suspension. If I can fix it so the wheels are straight, I will tow-bar it back (V-6 minivan w/ factory tow package). If not, I will rent/buy a tow dolly. I found one no longer requires a license on a tow dolly in CA, both cars just need license tags (or perhaps a recent bill of sale).