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Model specific boards => Golf mk2 => Topic started by: Dougie_91 8v GTi on 14 May 2007, 19:16

Title: It has a tow bar! ????
Post by: Dougie_91 8v GTi on 14 May 2007, 19:16
My GTi came with one of 'those' extras, a tow bar!  Albeit it a 'genuine' VW tagged type tow bar, it is nethertheless UNWANTED. I am however a bit perplexed as to how to remove it, & as parking in North London can be tight occasionally confused as to whether or not to keep it.

There was a small area of the base of the centre of the bumper removed for the fitting, but I am sure this would not be too noticeable once removed.  So how the hell do I get rid of it?

The picture is of her as she was sold to me, she now has smoked lights (originals), and the missing hub cap replaced, and no longer looks red/pink following a whole weekend of t-cutting and back to blacking.


(http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb196/duggywuggy/de7c_12.jpg)
Title: Re: It has a tow bar! ????
Post by: ...joe on 14 May 2007, 23:45
don't know for sure but get under the car and it should be obvious what to do, but like you say the gap will still be in the bumper and it will be noticable, best keep your eyes peeled for a second hand one!
Title: Re: It has a tow bar! ????
Post by: dabill on 14 May 2007, 23:47
rent a stihl saw and chop it off... quick fix hahaha...no, but really dont do this!

doesnt it just un-bolt... presuming u've had a good look around the underneath of your car?
Title: Re: It has a tow bar! ????
Post by: Mr Blue on 14 May 2007, 23:54
Ive been looking for a tow bar to use in the winter :wink:

Your better off replacing whe whole bumper as it leaves a gap as Joe said
Title: Re: It has a tow bar! ????
Post by: paultownsend on 15 May 2007, 00:25
my car looks exactly like yours! im afraid, as was mine, its a bugger.genuine tow bars are a nightmare to remove as they are part of the bumper iron.and try find a tornado red bumper for under £100 in good condition!

so, undo the 3 screws holding the bumper skin.undo the 4 17ml bolts under the car holding the iron.
i got a cheap (£15) angle grinder and chopped it off.

its the only way im afraid!
Title: Re: It has a tow bar! ????
Post by: Dougie_91 8v GTi on 15 May 2007, 22:28
When I did have a quick look and feel underneath the car, the bar felt connected as far as I could reach either side of the tow bar. This confirms what Paul says, and also means a b***er of a job removing it. 

As there is nothing in 'the' Haynes manual regarding tow bars, and I have no owners manuals, I am guessing that the big bumpers come with some kind of more solid bumper iron behind them for protection/defense, and that this in VW tow bar form is identical but with the ball/hook as an integral part of it.  If it wasn't raining so much and so hard I'd probably go outside and have a proper look, but it is, so I won't.

I guess that it is there to stay until a cheap replacement bumper and iron come up for sale. (there is one on ebay now, now but I don't have the time or spare cash.)
Title: Re: It has a tow bar! ????
Post by: T_J_G on 15 May 2007, 23:24
ask Haribo off this forum hgow he did it!
Title: Re: It has a tow bar! ????
Post by: layzphil on 16 May 2007, 09:41
I would leave it on mate, how often do you look at the back of your car? Certainly not when you're driving it  :evil:

Plus I had a guy drive into me when the traffic was nose to tail on the M6 when I had a towbar on my old mk2. Made a mess of his Renault Safrane, not a mark on my Golf thanks to the towbar.