Hello Firebird Friends,
It has been a very long time (several years) since I was active on this board. I apologize for the absence. At one time, I was quite active here when in the midst of restoration & resto-MOD of my '79 T/A. In the years since my last activity I have gone off the deep end into my motorcycling hobby acquiring and restoring Vintage Yamaha Motorcycles.
Recently, I was planning to attend the Annual Vintage Yamaha Rally in Stecoah, North Carolina. Typically, over the last several years, I've rented a large cargo van to carry my bikes to the rally. Unfortunately, the cost of the rental has gotten out-of-hand. Last year's expense for one week was well in excess of $1000!
I decided something different was required.Although I own multiple vehicles, I own no trucks and only small sedans incapable of towing multiple motorcycles. HOWEVER, the 455 equipped T/A has more than enough POWER to drag a trailer with a couple bikes!
Having found absolutely NOTHING ANYWHERE to point me toward a towing package for this ole' girl.
I MADE MY OWN!![](https://i.postimg.cc/x1mWT0zz/VYR-2023-Immortal-Photo.jpg)
![](https://i.postimg.cc/KYyC1dPs/VYR-2023-Trans-Am-Iron-Horse.jpg)
![](https://i.postimg.cc/cC4SrVSN/RIMG2705.jpg)
In addition to dragging the bikes to the rally, I had the opportunity to run "The Dragon" Rt 129 in North Carolina/Tennessee with the Ole' Girl! What a heck of a lot of fun it was to drive this ole' machine through those twisties! ABSOLUTELY EVERYWHERE I stopped with this machine I received significant looks, thumbs-ups, comments, and even folks taking photos of the machine. People with significantly better quality (and higher value) machines were snubbed in favor of the Ole' T/A. These machines sure do hold a place of love in the hearts of everyone. Although several inquired, this T/A will NEVER be sold only transferred to children or grandchildren when I'm eventually too old to drive or maintain it.
![](https://i.postimg.cc/J011jsjv/4192201.jpg)
The only PROBLEM I experienced during towing of the trailer was the quality of the OEM rear brakes. My fronts have been upgraded to slightly better than stock with SS lines, drilled/slot rotors, new calipers, and higher quality pads. However, the rear
drums were not really up to the task of draggin' a trailer through the up/down mountains and twisites of the North Carolina mountains. I'm looking to upgrade the rear to a higher quality disc set-up ASAP. I'll be looking for some advice as I have multiple questions and concerns about some of the aftermarket offerings.
If anyone is truly interested in the hitch set-up I fabricated I'll post the photos and details. However, I'd rather not waste the time if no one else is interested.
I'll be asking for some advice on those rear brakes.
I'm hopeful you'll be willing to provide some guidance?Sincerely,
Kurt
![](https://i.postimg.cc/fTqw0Tyq/4191611.jpg)