Reply With QuoteFlat towing so you'll still have to change tires at events??
Steering Wheel Lock Defeat?
Is there a way to permanently defeat the steering wheel lock feature? I'm looking at flat towing the car to and from local AX events and want to make sure the steering is always free to turn.
What's left of a '96 Miata with stock clutch.
My car exceeds my driving ability. That's the only possible explanation.
Flat towing so you'll still have to change tires at events??
True, but no insurance or annual inspection.Originally Posted by POS Racing
What's left of a '96 Miata with stock clutch.
My car exceeds my driving ability. That's the only possible explanation.
More Better -
And AC!
BTW, Miatamoto and I are considering flat towing my car to Nationals this year behind his X3, so keep us in the loop if you come across any tricks.
I think channelmaniac posted a "how to" a few months ago
involves a drill at the right spot on the column
I believe it is required for Spec Miata
2009 MX-5 STR and track toy
2003 Z06 -- Not a Miata, but 3200# and 400 RWHP is fun
OTM -- 2012 Sierra, 2016 Impala (Appliances)
Neal is right - search Specmiata.com and you should be able to find a how-to on there somewhere.
Iain
"We don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw
What about this setup Mark52 then you would only need to change 2 tires.
BTW. Stolz flat tows his Miata all over the country behind his RV, I'd bet he has some tips and tricks!
Last edited by nealb; 04-12-2009 at 08:51 AM. Reason: added pix
2009 MX-5 STR and track toy
2003 Z06 -- Not a Miata, but 3200# and 400 RWHP is fun
OTM -- 2012 Sierra, 2016 Impala (Appliances)
...and the engine!What about this setup Mark52 then you would only need to change 2 tires.
an easier way that would not be as cheap, would cost $15 to $20, is to do what I did on my almost Spec car, the ex-Robert Jones red car
I got a big battery cut off switch from OReilly or similar for about $12
one with the big removable red lever
then got a 6" negative battery cable for $3-4
put the switch in the trunk near the battery ground location, and hooked the new ground cable to the factory location on one end and to one side of the switch on the other end of the cable
took the original negative battery cable and hooked it to the other side of the new switch
turn off the switch, and no juice anywhere
can leave the key in the ignition and leave it turned to the "on" position and won't hurt a thing
2009 MX-5 STR and track toy
2003 Z06 -- Not a Miata, but 3200# and 400 RWHP is fun
OTM -- 2012 Sierra, 2016 Impala (Appliances)
Check with the RV guys or Trailer World.
They can tell you how to rig just about anything to flat tow.
My dad has a Tracker and Jeep Safari he flat tows (a lot), and has lights and a brake set up for it too.
I believe he leaves the key in acc and in neutral. (Jeep's a slushie too)
Its the same thing you would do on a towdolly, but no dents on the doors.
Just turn the key to the first off position and leave it in the switch.
That's obviously the easiest solution, but just one "senior moment" forgetting to do so would end up very unsightly. That's why I'll defeat the lock and not have to worry about it.
What's left of a '96 Miata with stock clutch.
My car exceeds my driving ability. That's the only possible explanation.
I think it still locks in Off
'99 Brilliant Black MX-5
Tien S-Techs, Torsen, Mazdaspeed Short Throw Shifter, Deleted cat, 01 exhaust manifold (cat delete), custom short ram, JR Plug Wires, Autopower Rollbar, 01+ bumper and smoked headlights with 6000K HID, tinted tails and corners, Enkei RSF-2 16x7 for daily and stock 14" for the track.
Get a red tag to hang on the steering wheel to remind you of the key, tranny, and park brake. My Dad used to flat tow his VW. He forgot the brake and cooked it in just a few miles. His 'buddy' was following him and finally called on the CB to say the bug was smokin
Another trick is to tie a flag on the steering wheel at 12 o'clock to make sure the steering wheel hasn't managed to spin to full left or right lock. If it is visible through the mirrors on the tow vehicle, then all is well...maybe.
Drill the column in the right place and install the sheet metal screw and you'll disable it. Piece o'cake to do. I did it on my Spec project car.
DO NOT tow a Miata by a 2 wheel dolly unless you disconnect the driveshaft! You won't hurt the engine but you will toast the transmission. Something about the way the oil is flung about inside it and one or more bearings won't be getting oil. I forget the details.
When I towed my Spec project car home, I pulled the driveshaft out of the back of the transmission and left a nice trail of oil down the road until it all leaked out. OOPS.
Daily Driver: 2013 Club edition in Pearl White Mica
Lightness? What's that? I drive a PRHT!
After 5000 miles of flat towing in the off position, I think it does not lock in the off position
Actually it is hard not to notice the lock. On the first turn the tires will squeal loud enough to get your attention.
Posting Permissions
