I'm Buying ALL THE JUNK! Home Made Tow Truck Is A Game Changer. Feeding My Automotive Addiction

Sling towing! Cars where sling towed for years before all the plastic bumpers were used. Luckily for me, I don't own 1 car with ANY plastic bits. Chain and a big rubber sling will tow all my junk with ease.
I started off with an old Holmes 440/220 wrecker unit. A little cutting, grinding and welding where needed to retrofit this vintage wrecker into a modern truck. After all the modifications where done we tested the unit out by hauling my 1957 Chevy 2 door post.
The vintage wrecker worked perfectly and towed like a dream. get out there and build yourself a WRECKER!
Want a sweet new shirt?
dd-speed-shop.creator-spring....
Send us your Junk:
DD Speed Shop
Po box 42041
1881 Portage ave
Ferry Road RPO
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R3J 3X7
Send me an email with some suggestions or ideas
[e-mail]

[@kimberlywilliams9757]

I come from a family of Wrecker Service owners and I'm telling you, nothing is more convenient than having your own tow truck and roll back! When you're in the "car business" it's a must have. Having your own tire machine is also a must have. Makes life a million times easier. 😁

[@JohnnyAFG81]

You are so right, my buddy had a used car lot for a while. His uncle towed cars, his dad was a mechanic and he could sell dust to a Nevadan. A tire machine, even an old one saved him alot of money

[@kimberlywilliams9757]

@@JohnnyAFG81 absolutely!

[@SweatyFatGuy]

I have car trailers with low decks, easy to push cars on them. I want a two car hauler, but haven't built it yet with the '52 GMC COE I have. Currently I have a manual tire changer, been looking for a used machine for a while now. Learn to rebuild transmissions in addition to having means to haul cars and change tires, and the only thing you need to pay someone else to do is machine work and alignments. To do those require over $50k in equipment.

[@genekostron7998]

Just got done freshening up my old tow truck with a big block, can't wait to take her on some adventures ! Old school 4 life!

[@dennisbrown2571]

No, everybody does not need a tow truck. Everybody needs to know a buddy, who has a tow truck! :)

[@468bbccapri]

A little info. The j hooks should be hooked under the rear not over. You'll get tired of replacing mashed steel brake lines on cars if you always hook over the top. Don't push the sling so far under the car, ideally you want the hooks on the sling just forward of the bumper under the car so when the car's hanging they don't contact the bumper, you also don't want the chain from the tow hook tight when the car is lifted the sling should be holding the car not the chains tight chains bend bumper brackets. the safety chain from the boom to the sling is a good idea, cables do break. Good luck with your wrecker.

[@systeminoperative8790]

Depending on how often this thing gets used making it removable in about 15 mins would be handy thing to own. great build you must be a proud father.

[@GeorgesMiniatureCars]

I agree, everyone needs a wrecker! I have plenty of small scale cars and many wreckers to go with 'em. LOL!! Cool build, great to see it in action!!!👊😁👍👍✌🇨🇦

[@johnnersinger9771]

I've got a Holmes 220.had it for 25 years and love it

[@dondavis2546]

This brings back old memories

[@unclelarryboy1608]

I used to drive a tow truck back in the day. It was extremely handy to have around.

[@terryeustice5399]

Thanks for the demonstration of your tow truck!

[@fixit4182]

Scores!!!!! Nice Dan and Dani

[@Comm0ut]

Spend some time on tow forums learning useful tricks. If you don't have a set of chains with J-hooks I promise you want them. As for springs the classic tow mod is getting some tall U-bolts from a 4x4 store then harvesting both spring packs from the heavy duty truck of your choice in salvage (not pickup trucks, real trucks) . Cut those bolt and use whatever leaves look right to you as overloads then bolt them to your stock leaves. I use anti-seize on the spring bolts. To separate leaf packs cut the stock pins then replace them with quality socket head cap screws and metal lock nuts, using the round bolt head as your new spring pad centering pin. Next you'll need overload stops. If you have overload stops its easy to cut short sections of heavy wall box tubing then weld it to the stops so it just touched your new "custom" overloads. If not go cut some rivets and harvest stops off a heavy truck, but make sure the result touches your new overloads with no weight on the boom. The result does not sag much at all under load because the overloads engage immediately. You'll figure it out as you go because it's obvious with parts in your hand and except for new U-bolts costs next to nothing. That's the way insert wrecker booms and full wrecker boom conversions like my Holmes 440 have been done for many decades. Next useful mod is dual rear wheels (those sidewalls make quite the anti-sway difference!) and maybe a mechanical wheel lift but if ya go that far best to use the truck you have then build another project since it's cheap when you wrench.

[@CountryBoyGasGarage]

I Totally Dig It! 🔥🤘

[@ethancollins9345]

Most important thing is that the main structure is bolted through the bed through the frame to the frame

[@trentdawg2832]

Your a gifted man Mr.Dan……..hope you bring home a winner!!! Or 2 or 4 or 10

[@punkinsgarageandpaint8299]

Thats the HAPPY HOOKER TOWING SERVICE

[@josephevans7981]

DD's speed shop is official now all you need to do is put DD's speed shop going up the arm of the boom and you'll be straight. I think it's awesome man.

[@Sludge73]

Someone probably Said it already. Black rubber bungee strap. Wrap around steering wheel. Wheel not locked, strapped pulled taught n shut in the driver's door. Wheels return to where you set the front tires because locked wheel doesn't always translate to dragging straight n trailing behind you proper. Cool build. Thanks for sharing.

[@charleslinville7555]

Great Job Dan!

[@zrxdoug]

Two things.. 1. No need to narf up your bumper with the chains. The rubber sling is supposed to carry the car, chains from the base of the sling to the top are just there in case the sling should fail..so it's alright to leave a little slack so they don't butch up your sheet metal. 2. ABSOLUTELY take the load off your winch cable when towing. Drop the sling and let it dangle from the chain rather than the cable. Your winch will thank you. It's there to lift, not to be abused by every pothole and speed bump you hit in your travels. Other than that, looks solid! Maybe think about remounting the A frame to your trailer hitch cross bar so you can shorten it up a tad and run a bit less angle..but your truck seems to like it fine for this load at least. That may change if you move something hefty. All in all, good junk...nice work as usual. 🤘

[@francisrizzo1529]

I always wondered how those strap tow truck could tow a car without losing the load going down the road, thanks for the detailed demo with the axle chains, it finally all makes sense... And yes, every car guy wishes they had one of these!

[@daviddb1972]

Fantastic alternative to a trailer! Love the idea and the execution.

[@northvegassailrabbit3642]

Nice addition to the rolling stock.

[@kevinl.2291]

Sweet, worked out really good Dan. Going to come in handy with all your projects. ✌️😎👍

[@Mr.Z1776]

When sling towing, raising the boom up will transfer the load forward on the tow truck, just in case you have a heavy vehicle and truck is squatting.

[@ericnelson6982]

Everything looked good, one thing I do different is, Not back that far under the vehicle. Most of the time I put the base of the sling right under the bumper. I was really impressed when you wrapped the chain around itself. That is the way I was taught. I had a boss tell me I was wasting time wrapping them around. I still did it the correct way. I towed with a 440 and a 880, The 880 has twin booms and twin winches. They worked great at pulling vehicles out of ditches. You could run both lines out and connect to both sides or even the front and the rear of the vehicle and just work them back and forth. I made some really mean wheel chocks, I used extra heavy duty expanded metal and angle iron. the bit right into the asphalt and didn't budge.

[@morgansword]

You hooked everything underneath the car including the wrapping that chain around like you did before getting to the last hook on the swing frame absolutely correct Dan. Many of my drivers never would do it until they lost a rig and besides being embarrassing, they had to fork the money for the damages as I paid as long as done right and no more. You will learn eventually how to when hooking that chain on the first hook to put the chain on the inside so you don't have to thread it later like you did. I have owned so many tow rigs that I have lost count of them. I had even the heavy haul rigs with a rotor on the boom assembly so you could lift and then turn the load in the air from the side of the road like over (brain fart, posts and railing).. guardrail!!!! and then set it on the right side so it could be hauled. So basically you grab the chain in your hand, pull on the part going to the J hook and then set it on that low hook.... the chain going to the top hook is in front of the finger grab.... ok... wrap around hand with the end going up is on the front instead of towards the thumb on your hand.... damn its hard without a picture, the other hand will hold that frame work of the strap assembly. I am dying here trying to explain what should be simple for me

[@dontinsley1451]

Dan I'm retired from law enforcement back when I started in 1987 most cars had steel bumpers now cars had plastic bumbers most wreckers comp done away with sling stripes because sling straps damage plastic numbers here in the states

[@kimberlywilliams9757]

@@dontinsley1451 maybe he can add the wheel lift to it.

[@patrickancona1193]

@@dontinsley1451 I highly doubt he’s hooking anything made after 79, your 100% but it don’t matter if it don’t matter, I miss points & carburetors, life was so easy back then

[@johnpassmore8176]

That is gonna do you justice for sure. Many uses. Great job. Overkill is a good thing on that.

[@lesterreed9948]

Nice job Dan.

[@the.unhappy.mechanic]

Dan, I used to be an automobile repossessor, on the repo trucks with inbed booms, we remove the factory limit straps, and attach bungee cords from the lower a frame to the tailgate so the tail gate will close when the boom is up. And when the boom is down so is the tailgate. But you have to lose the bumper or French it in like a roll pan. Ofcorse a square hitch receiver would work as a bumper aswell. Just thought I'd share the info. We used to call them hide a booms. And you could hide them under a canvas tannue cover. And on the expensive ones the cover would move out of the way when the boom was ingauged., looks good though. You would have to pull out the latches on the tailgate though.

[@staceyrenner5418]

I know absolutely diddly squat about tow trucks or how they're built so it looks damn good to me. Hell of a job man!

[@alvaradotowing23]

Man that’s a well built truck. My only advice, you really don’t have to go that deep with the sling, what can happen in a panic stop the vehicle can ride up on the sling and drop a J hook. I know not likely but it is possible. And once you install that plow, you’ll definitely feel a little more stable on the steering. Great Job Great video 👍🏼

[@2ezeddie]

Nice work as usual Dan. Take an old tow driver's advice. It's more of a pain but use your J Hooks over the rear, not from under. A hard stop will make the towed vehicle ride up the sling. Your chains go slack just enough for the J Hooks to drop. Sane for Lower Control Arms up front. If the Hook is pointed down, ya can't loose your cool. Keep up the good content.

[@clasicradiolover]

I'm not a tow truck driver, but I was thinking that the hooks should be as you said

[@mikeslatz1351]

What about crushing brake lines?

[@max1custom]

@@mikeslatz1351 I have had to replace 2 rear brake lines from 2 separate damage incidents from exactly that. This is from a modern deck truck using j hooks to pull it onto the deck. 1968 AMC Javelin. In the same city where this video was made.

[@timorzel3871]

Reminds me of my days using a 5 ton Dodge wrecker at the dealership I used to work at a long time ago.

[@WillyG3234]

As somebody who used to make chain for a living, id say you're fine

[@pb5778]

Thanks for sharing

[@randywineinger779]

Very nice set up Dan. Look on line for wireless signal lights, they are awesome. I built a ramp truck with an old car trailer and a dually, best thing ever. Now I can move my old junk as well. Just one thing careful on lettering, here a lettered vehicle must have commercial plates and commercial insurance. I just lettered "Private.. Not For Hire" to get around that.

[@432b86ed]

Is that rule applicable to USA? California? Probably is, and I should already know this, but I don't know where to begin to look it up.

[@615theBuzzard]

It turned out MINT! 👌👌

[@jamesdonley3353]

Good job it does what it supposed to do 😊

[@falstar2020]

Dan the Repo Man!

[@brianhaw9398]

That's funny,last video so many people were telling you it wouldn't work . Good work Dan. And good video Danielle.

[@stanleyfanning5316]

Turned out awesome. You could use a trailer ball on your A frame to make it go both ways.

[@stevenmaresca9637]

Brings me back with the old 65 ford we had. Stopped using it when a few Taurus' bumbers cracked. Oups! Lol

[@dennissimmons5310]

That thing is bad ass. Great job

[@NathansMoparGarage]

It looks good. I wanted one a while ago until I found out the insurance on a tow truck was crazy. My agent told me I'd be better off with a tow dolly or trailer.

[@jimmartin2248]

Very smart young man keep it up

[@frankfurther3828]

I hope your folks are feeling better, sir

[@shoominati23]

That's it! Buy up all the project cars so nobody else can experience them!

[@roundsm18]

I ran a Holmes 850 for my first wrecker. Holmes was my favorite, after that I did start to like the Jerr-Dan. Id still happily leave the new one and run a mechanical.

[@redwinstead7873]

Dan I wish I had that back in the day

[@trentdawg2832]

The tow pig sounds nice 👍

[@kenmatthews6476]

Nicely done.

[@clasicradiolover]

I remember the sling type tow truck back in the 80s and before. Then it seemed like over night they changed to these that lift at the tires. I guess it was because so many vehicles went to front wheel drive.

[@jdw6769]

You the man Double DD....

[@robertbarkey3194]

I use an old fan belt n loop to steering wheel n shut door on it so front doesn't steer ok , quick n easy

[@MRobichaud99]

Looks like a professional lob to me Dan.

[@enforcer5053]

great job! now its flat bed time!

[@dondavis2546]

I used to drive wrecker for years And homemade jobs

[@michaelanderson3771]

Wireless aux lights a must with magnetic base plates

[@study650]

That's pretty awesome.

[@Leo-vf3py]

Great shows keep up the good work

[@bigdon2241]

nice build DD towing service

[@franklindner8259]

Glad u over build.better to be safe than sorry.

[@shanedingz]

I honestly had no idea how those old school rubber flap things worked to tow a car. Now I know. Thanks for sharing

[@Tim-57]

Hey Guys Well done Dan

[@markszczepaniak5888]

Your Golden now, great idea and now you can make a few extra bucks bringing everybody else's junk to the wreckers if you choose , bet it pays for it self.

[@jimmydalegausejr9876]

Excellent! Love it!🔥

[@MarkHuisman6]

Sweet I need to do this! Very nice job

[@mikegarcia9419]

Fantastic job - finish up the lighting for safety - towing is a very dangerous job.

[@thehoule70]

You da man Dan awesome build I use to drive tow truck for a pick n pull called Adams pick your parts back in the day was fun I enjoyed it for a couple of years

[@Brianshrader6357]

Another project we'll done.Awsome I hope you had time to enjoy your Thanksgiving .

[@phrontendclassics1977]

Still love your stuff

[@armondoborjas4362]

So Dan ur going to need ur own bigger storage yard. Now theres no excuse for passing up good deals👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻😎

[@townbeach3603]

The repo Dan!!

[@bobs152]

What a great idea, another success...

[@timerickson7056]

Now I saw something made me think of dd speed shop. I saw a black and white tri 5 Chevy stretch limo.

[@johnnyellard752]

nice job! will be as handy as a shirt pocket!!!

[@davesayers5809]

J-Hooks from the bottom Dan so you don't crush the steel brake lines!! Outstanding AF Tow Truck Brother and just a good chain box mint!!

[@josemoure520]

Good job my friend.

[@Mr.Z1776]

Brings back memories of when I drove tow trucks in my 20's, we had an old 72 C30 with a Holmes 440 for moving wrecks.

[@mikereid6580]

"Everybody needs a tow truck." Love it!

[@DennisMurphey]

I like you saved that state truck and gave it new purpose. The whole thing looks nice and works. More lights for sure. Great video you guys are super. Thanks for sharing.

[@phrontendclassics1977]

No problem

[@feelingold2995]

Looks great.. Just need some work lights back there for when the sun sets..

[@martinmclain9861]

Hey Dan, I'm sure you've been told but to make sure I'm going to tell you. Your bottom hooks should face away from the direction it's pulled. It looks like they are pulling from the side. That's what bends hooks. Yes you should let the tension off of your wench onto your safety chain then bump it to snug it up. Always use a spring loaded safety hook. As for your boom safety hook eyes, (DANGER) they look casted. That's a no no.. they will snap from the shock should your boom cables give way. You should use a piece of 1/2" strap with a hardened bolt. Just trying to keep you safe buddy.

[@sneakysgarage2412]

You need to put short chains on top of sling, fold up the sling and chains on lower hooks to pull sling in more, I’m sure you seen other wreckers like that

[@tonedeafcreations3626]

Used to run M543 turbo 6 and M816 Cummins 5ton's in the army We had nothing but a tow bar and a sling for the hook hooked to 2 shackles at the front,We would bounce with half our weight on the back towing back to base with the boom all the way in,Your rig didn't even bounce,I think you got a nice rig there.

[@jameshendricks1542]

Put some AIR-LIFT BAGS and coil springs over the axle to keep it from sagging if you're towing something really heavy.

[@erniestoolinhandgaragegara5]

Very cool! I want one.

[@pugliesesspeedshop]

Not even surprised that it works perfectly... Solid job Dan!!

[@robertgembala8532]

Great job

[@scottrussell4488]

Looks good, great job!

[@jalopyhotrod6394]

I’ve g out a 64 Holmes 440 on a 81 ford is a very handy tool

[@beachidiot]

Really cool Dan.

[@markhavard5301]

Never mind Fixed it while I wuz typing lol! Good job buddy!

[@DJRYSSPECT86]

I usually put the J hooks underneath the axle not over top but that’s OK that’ll work to

[@robertbarkey3194]

Dan I was doing the same thing paying my neighbor to haul cars for me n than one day I bought my own Tow Truck n I saved so much money n it paid for it self in 2 months

[@johnweaver8470]

Awesome 👍

[@kevingathercole5161]

Not sure about our Northern neighbor but in the lower 48 you need to get a DOT number or make sure you label the door :Not for Hire" which means it's for personal use not for an income or it could cause you problems.

[@donaldk.macbaird5248]

Sweet Set up Brother.

[@DieselDoggy429]

Nice wrecker, I got an 1986 IH truck with similar model Holmes

[@steeleman1520]

Cool setup. Looks good enjoy your content.