Can someone post a picture of a early C3 tied down to it's carrier (truck/train)from the factory? My enclosed trailer has four d rings, that I have used in the past to tie the car down to using ratcheting straps. After reading other posts, about the J/T hooks I purchased four. Now, the slots in the rear of the frame are shaped like a skeleton key with the round opening toward the rear of the car. If I tried to tie the car using these slots it seems that the strap would have to be anchored forward so the hook doesn't pop out the hole? The strap or chain is another item I'd like to see. A picture says a thousand words. Thanks Kevin
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Re: C3 Factory Transport Tie Down
Wrong hole. You want the ones on the crossmember by the rear end.
The keyhole is for mounting your sidepipes.
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Re: C3 Factory Transport Tie Down
I use a rubber covered (piece of hose) hook in the triangular shaped hole in the frame just ahead of the rear wheel. Works great. I cross the straps to minimize side ways movement.
On the front I go around the lower balljoint using a short strap with a pad.Comment
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Re: C3 Factory Transport Tie Down
Steve, the holes that Chris showed in his photo is the GM designed tie down location. If you look carefully, and put your pinky in the oblong hole shown, you will see that it is reinforced with a plate, welded inside the crossmember.
The fronts are a similar hole (reinforced) on the inside surface of the frame rail about 6 inches from the front and slightly slanted towards the front.
ArtComment
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Re: C3 Factory Transport Tie Down
That explains it!Thanks ChrisComment
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Re: C3 Factory Transport Tie Down
Thanks for the help. Steve and ArtComment
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Re: C3 Factory Transport Tie Down
Art, The front location you cite (on the inside surface of the frame rail about 6 inches from the front and slightly slanted towards the front) are the C2 front locations. The early C3 location is in the bottom of the front cross member (the one we always dent on improperly jacking the car), just inboard of the lower control arm shaft. At some time later in C3 production, I believe the front tie-down location again slightly changed, but I am not sure exactly when or where to.
The good news is the rear location remained constant for C2 & C3. It is easy to find, even by feel. The edges of the rear slot are rolled down. Chris's picture is worth a lot of words -- thanks Chris.TerryComment
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Re: C3 Factory Transport Tie Down
OK I was able to find the rear with no trouble. The front crossmember has three holes, one larger hole in the center with two smaller circle holes closer to the A arm. The J hook doesn't fit into these holes. Just in front of the A arm on each side of the frame rail, there is a hole, that the hooks will fit into. The frame is reinforced at this hole as well. These are higher up, and may cause the straps to hit the front valance. Criss-crossing them might work, I have to pull the car in the trailer and test.Comment
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Re: C3 Factory Transport Tie Down
Woops your right Terry, I was thinking C2.
Yes, Chris's photo is very good, I only wish it showed the R hook that was designed to fit and lock into that hole.
ArtComment
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Re: C3 Factory Transport Tie Down
Kevin, As Terry said, the C3 front location are different than the C2s......see his post.
The J hook was NOT designed to fit in any of the C2,C3 hold down locations.
The GM designed hook is call an R hook and designed to be inserted, turned 90 degrees and then when tightened........ it will not come out.
ArtComment
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Re: C3 Factory Transport Tie Down
I keep meaning to take a picture with the R-hook when I get my car on a rack. I really can't get that kind of shot when the car is on the ground or on the trailer. There is an old Irish expression about good intentions, but I would be banned if I posted it here.TerryComment
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Re: C3 Factory Transport Tie Down
Here is a photo of the R hook
Dick WhittingtonComment
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Re: C3 Factory Transport Tie Down
Can you tell me where to find the R hooks? It doesn't look like that hook would fit into the hole in the front crossmember hole either? I'm still unsure where to tie the car down in the front. Unless only one point in the center was used to hold down the front? I do like the idea of compressing the springs a little and holding the car by the frame. Thanks again KevinComment
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Re: C3 Factory Transport Tie Down
Kevin, This is where I purchased mine. However, I purchased them as part of the strap system so they were already on the straps. I found them to be very helpful when I called.........so give them a call and explain what you need.
Art
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Re: C3 Factory Transport Tie Down
The picture came out of the Truck and Tow catalog. I have their straps that have the three hooks
Dick WhittingtonComment
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