7 replies to this topic

[Kaison]

Model: Mini Sprite
Year: 1992
Description of problem (please be as in depth as possible): I've got to move the mini tomorrow using an a frame, but I'm unsure of how to mount it and where to mount it. Can anyone help?

Kai

[ado15]

If I remember correctly, it is illegal to use an A frame except to move a broken down vehicle to a place of safety. Be careful.

[Kaison]

Thank you, I'm aware.
It's stuck by the side of the road after crash damage! thanks!

[ado15]

Thank you, I'm aware.
It's stuck by the side of the road after crash damage! thanks!

Oops!

I'm not sure how A frames attach. Do they need towing eyes? If so, Mini ones replace the bolts through the front subframe (under the bumper).

As an aside, but still related, just found this which might be of interest to some people:
http://www.caratow.com/legal.php

And the National Trailer and Towing Associations take on it.... half way down the page...
http://www.ntta.co.uk/faq/

Edited by ado15, 28 January 2011 - 05:59 PM.

[Kaison]

I have no idea of how it all mounts together.

[Shifty]

If its like any of the ones I've used before, they attach to the lower arms by the ball joints.

There's a "L" shaped piece at the end of arm9(on a swivel), put this next to the ball joint( facing towards the rear of the car) and over the top of the arm, the chain or strap goes under the arm and its ratchet strapped up tightly.

Same both sides.

When you've towed it for about 3 miles stop and re-tighten the straps as they WILL have come loose!!

I used to use these all the time, not the greatest thing in the world but ok if you're careful, watch out for the tail end of the mini snapping out on wet roundabouts!!

Also don't forget to put the keys in the ignition and turn the steering lock off as the front wheels need to turn.

Good luck

[Kaison]

Thanks a lot, that sounds perfect! I'll print it out and let you guys know tomorrow!
It's literally only got to move about 5 mins up the road!

[ibrooks]

As Shifty says - the brackets on the end of the A-frame arms go under the car and then hook over the bottom arm (not the tie bar). The vertical part of the bracket will be hard against the front of the bottom arm and the hooked part at the top should be facing towards the rear of the towed vehicle. The chain or strap should now hang down behind the bottom arm. Reach under the bottom arm and grab the chain/strap and pull it forwards towards the securing mechanism. Tighten up the straps so that the strap pulls the bottom arm forwards to the frame.

Whilst driving take it slow and easy. Make sure that any braking is done in a straight line before you need to turn and like Shifty says stop after a short distance and tighten it all up.

Iain