CMP solid towbar

[Keith Webb]

Linked to the towing thread Euan has found a CMP towbar, which was used to tow CMPs and other vehicles fitted with "D" towing attachments on the bumper.
It is hinged which allows it to attach to different width mountings.

[Keith Webb]

The bar comes with two inserts which fit snugly into the D on the CMP (which would be on the other end of this pic) so the arrangement is solid and rattle-free.

[Jonnie]

Uh, oh. Now I want one.

Jonathan Lewis

[Philliphastings]

Hi guys,

That A frame drawbar appears to be indentical with the type we were issued with in Australian Army service for use with 'Truck, GS Cargo, Landrover series 3' during the 1970's thru to the 1990's

The pins on the wide end go through fittings attached to the front bumper on the Rover and allowed for virtually no independant movement of the vehicle under tow.

There was a larger version for Unimog and Mack etc.

There was also a larger still, telescopic version used during WW2 which had brackets and chains to attach to the front axle of the vehicle under tow.

I still own one of the latter, and a friend in Adelaide has another.

Cheers

Phill Hastings

[Rolf S. Ask]

chevs don't need them like that Ford.......

Rolf

[Snowtractor]

...most people don't realise that it is a "push" bar. For pushing disabled Chevys and GMCs around by Fords so that the troops don't get too demoralised knowing they are going it to battle in a chev...
Sean

ps for proof, you can't push a rope or chain...hence the bar

[Philliphastings]

Hello again,

in fact the 13 digit NSN (Nato Stock Number) appears to be sprayed on the right leg of the A frame indicating it was a recent (ie last 30 or so years) issued item.

Cheers

Phill Hastings

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Oh Euan (or Keith),

Could you please post that NSN number stencilled on the push bar. I need to get one as I would not want to embarrass all those Chevy owners by having to tow them uphill!

Hanno

[Rolf S. Ask]

everyone noticing how those Ford chaps are all in attack mode..... and from behind......
Just admit it, it is not quantity but quality of cylinders that counts...

Rolf

[Philliphastings]

I have no such conflict or animosity in my collecting tastes,

On my wall I proudly display both a Ford and Chevrolet CMP grille in mint condition with the makers badge proudly affixed thereon.


Of course high above those two I choose to display a mint GMC CCKW 353 grille with makers badge proudly affixed thereon.

No favouritism in my book...

Cheers

Phill Hastings

[Keith Webb]

Originally posted by Philliphastings
Hi guys,

That A frame drawbar appears to be indentical with the type we were issued with in Australian Army service for use with 'Truck, GS Cargo, Landrover series 3' during the 1970's thru to the 1990's

The pins on the wide end go through fittings attached to the front bumper on the Rover and allowed for virtually no independant movement of the vehicle under tow.

There was a larger version for Unimog and Mack etc.

There was also a larger still, telescopic version used during WW2 which had brackets and chains to attach to the front axle of the vehicle under tow.

I still own one of the latter, and a friend in Adelaide has another.

Cheers

Phill Hastings

Hi Phil

I reckon you're correct with the ID there... perhaps it was wishful thinking that it was for a CMP... although they do fit nicely and I'm sure they'll come in handy for the times the Ford is called on to push a Chev.
Incidentally, I have some wartime footage of a Chev Portee on solid tow behind a Ford.

[Richard Farrant]

Originally posted by Keith Webb
Euan has found a CMP towbar, which was used to tow CMPs and other vehicles fitted with "D" towing attachments on the bumper.
It is hinged which allows it to attach to different width mountings.

Keith,
This is what is known as a "Hollebone" drawbar invented in the early war years at the Experimental Recovery Section, Arborfield, Berkshire, principally to enable tracked vehicles to be towed efficiently. Originally there were two versions, for British and US tanks, to fit the different towing shackles. Named after Colonel Hollebone, Commandant of the Recovery and AFV Repair Training Centre.
Having used them for tracked armour they make manouvering a simple operation.
The Aussie version shown appears to be for wheeled vehicles as it is of smaller diameter tubing.

Richard

[Pete Ashby]

Nice bar, really useful piece of kit, the Oxford crew keeping thinking we should make one up but never get round to it.

By the way guys you will note that I have refrained from getting involved with this Ford v Chev debate in this thread but one thought I'd like to share with you, why does a Ford need 8 cylinders to do what a Chev does with 6?

one of life's imponderables I guess

Pete
PS Louis Chevrolet built and drove race cars, Henry made the Model T and tractors strange but true:

[Tony Smith]

Imagine the sweet sound of 24 cylinders straining to get this truck out of the ditch. Just wouldn't be the same with Chev's

[Keith Webb]

Originally posted by Tony Smith
Imagine the sweet sound of 24 cylinders straining to get this truck out of the ditch. Just wouldn't be the same with Chev's

Agreed, Tony although I don't think the last 8 were doing much!

[Philliphastings]

I was tempted to comment that if all three were powered by Chevrolet, then the only sound would be a melodic hum and there would be no straining involved.

But then if I had said that it would have been provocative and controversial. Lucky I held my tongue !

Cheers

Phill Hastings