Car Transportation suggestions Wanted

[Michael H.]

I'm looking for suggestions and sources to transport my 63 from northwest Illinois to the Tampa FL area. Enclosed truck or trailer prefered. I know there are several outfits that do this but I'd like to get a little feedback on this. Thanks,

Michael

[Mike Cobine]

Re: Car Transportation suggestions Wanted

When? I might be going that way next spring to bring one down. If you have a lead on where I could borrow a two-car trailer, we might be in luck. My 8 mpg doesn't change much if it is empty, one car, or two.

[Chas Kingston]

Re: Car Transportation suggestions Wanted

When I sold my '70 LT-1, the buyer used reliable to ship from Wheaton, Illinois to Naples, Florida --$900. I understand all Vipers are shipped from the plant on Reliable, also.

Ol' Geezer

[Michael H.]

Re: Car Transportation suggestions Wanted

Thanks Mike, I appreciate the offer but I was really thinking about getting it down here within the next few weeks. If for some reason that plan falls apart, I'll give ya a call.

Michael

[Michael H.]

Re: Car Transportation suggestions Wanted

Thanks Geezer. That gives me some idea of what the cost is. Someone here in the Tampa area offered to do it for $400 on an open trailer but that's a little scary for me. I'd rather pay the money and get the enclosed truck or trailer.

I originally considered driving the car down but it still has it's original 40 year old radiator and the engine hasn't run for about five years so I have no idea what the FI unit is like inside. Wouldn't want to have problems somewhere along the way.

Michael

[Marc Wilborn]

Re: Car Transportation suggestions Wanted

Hello

I have Reliable three times in the last two years and they have been very good. No problems with damage and they appear to actually care.

Marc

[Dick W.]

Re: Car Transportation suggestions Wanted

I think that you will find Reliable, Passport, or Horseless Carriage all reliable and competent. The trick is finding the one that can/will do it when you want it done

[Donald W.]

Re: Car Transportation suggestions Wanted

Michael,

This last July, i trailered my 67 BB from Florida to Ohio on an open trailer and had no problem's, even the weather was excellent the entire way. I made 1-motel stop, and there i installed the car cover on it so it was not overly obvious what was underneath. Also the manager at the motel, let me park in the front where he could have a view of the car.(talking to people sometimes can provide good results). The trip itself was great with all the other motorist's giving a wave and thumb's up. Fuel cost was only $175.00.

[Richard T.]

Re: Car Transportation suggestions Wanted

I used Horseless Carriage in 1997 to transport my newly purchased 1962 from New York to Seattle. While it was not cheap, they did a good job of protecting the car while it was in transit.

[Mike Cobine]

Re: Car Transportation suggestions Wanted

The open trailer is fine as long as you take a few precautions.

1. If hardtop equipped, be sure the hardtop is clamped down tight and the nuts are on the long bolts in the rear. I've heard of a few losing hardtops, although rare. Never heard of a convertible top problem.

2. No matter how tempting to protect from rocks, sun, and lookers, never trailer with a cover on.

3. Spend the night in reputable areas. However, if the guy is gutsy enough, I did park a Corvette on an open trailer in a hotel underground parking garage once. Backed it against a concrete pillar and chained the trailer to the pillar to ensure no one removing it.

4. Be sure the windows are rolled up. The doors are locked.

5. The tow vehicle isn't puking oil or tranny fluid out like a new well.

6. The trailer has fenders.

The open trailer has some advantages over the enclosed.

It is easier to keep an eye on the car and the tie downs. One loose in an enclosed will do a lot of damage before the driver notices.

Everyone notices it, and will often be a bit more courteous in driving around you.

You can get into places easier and into some you can't with an enclosed. That often lets you park during meals where you can see it.

As to deciding, as much hinges on how you feel about the guy hauling with the open trailer as much as anything. When I sold the race car, it was hauled away on an open three car trailer for hauling conversion vans. The other car on it was a new Corvette convertible picked up in Miami and headed to Indiana also.

[Brian M.]

Re: Car Transportation suggestions Wanted

Drive it.

[Brian M.]

Re: Car Transportation suggestions Wanted

Sorry I spoke nefore I read. You won't be disapointed with Reliable. Sounds like a nice car. Good Luck.

[Dave B.]

Re: Car Transportation suggestions Wanted

Mike,
I have used Ray Janz out of Kansas City[913-706-6998] twice(WVA to OK and OK to AZ) and have been very satisfied. Enclosed trailer and fine care with the vehicles inside. Prepare to pay at least $1.00 per mile with the increased fuel costs.
Good luck...Dave

[Steve Westphal]

Re: Car Transportation suggestions Wanted

Intercity Lines!!! Great company.

[Chris L.]

Re: Car Transportation suggestions Wanted

Michael
All of the companies listed in the responses are good carriers. I have used most of them from time to time. One important thing to consider this time of year is the "snowbirds". Most of the trucking companies(carriers) are backlogged with cars to transport to "sunny" Florida. Last one I tried to transport from Fla to Maryland took 4 weeks to pick up. So plan accordingly. Good luck.