Shipping a Speedster? Strapping one down to a car hauler?

Can anyone recommend a vehicle shipping company?

If I decide to go get it myself, how hard is it to strap a Speedster down? I have plenty of tie down locations on my car hauler, I've just never looked underneath one to see if there are any suitable places to hook tie downs.

Thanks for any help!
--Mark

where u at? you could be in BFE for all we know.

Alan Merklin might know somebody in your area.

More than likely the one I am going to purchase is in Greenville, SC and would need to come to Fort Worth, Tx.

Best way is to use the tire strap. It's like a loop that goes over the tire and then the loose end secures to the transport vehicle. I've also got a set of ties where you remove one wheel fastener, thread the tie on, and then use the loop on the end of the tie to fasten the strap.

The tire strap is better. Whatever you do, try to tie it down so that the wheels are secured and the suspension can travel. Less damaging and the tie-downs don't loosen up on every bump.

angela

Mark-I've looped the tire straps through the openings in the wheel at each corner. Got standard tie-downs (ratchet-type), had loops sewn on the ends, threaded the strap through the wheel and then through the strap-loop. Used scrap pieces of leather placed between the strap and the wheel to minimize chaffing of the strap. Easy and secure.

Angels - I know exactly what you're talking about. I forgot about those!

Jim - Looks simple and effective. I actually have a set of straps I could have modified like that!

Thanks guys/gals!

I've seen the wheel net systems and think they're pretty good, although I don't have a set.

I've got maybe 18,000 trailered miles all over the East coast with my speedster on an open deck, tandem wheeled trailer. I use standard (ratchet strap) tie-downs with 3/8" dowell end hooks. They're very rugged. I also have four "loop straps", i.e., a 3' strap with metal loops on each end. I thread a loop strap up over the lower torsion bar tube on the front between the shock tower and the bumper mounts, then cross them and, using the ratchet straps, anchor each side to the opposite side trailer deck anchor.

On the rear, I thread the loop straps over the transmission horns just forward of the lower transmission (rear) mounts, do not cross them (if you cross them they may interfere with your deep engine sump) and then attach the ratchet straps and anchor each side to that side's trailer deck anchors.

Ratchet everything down reasonably tight (but not too tight) and you're done. Many, many miles with this setup, all the way past 85mph, sustained, with no problems and at least a few panic stops in there, too. I have electric trailer brakes on all four trailer wheels and Manage them with a takonsha controller. Very nice setup.

Gn

Lasso straps are what I use commercially...they wrap horizontally around the tire just above center then pass the strap through the end steel loop centered on the wheel and straight down to a ratchet.

See photo with correct lasso strap placement.

I also haul speedsters often on my single car trailer. I secure the front straps over the lower axle bean tube then "X" them ( L to R and R to L ) anchor points on the trailer.
On the rear, I hook the lower shock housing and again "X" the straps to the trailer anchor points ..by X'ing the straps, you get zero movement....if you are buying the speedster I think you are, you'll be pleased with the car! ~Alan

Sheesh ! the car's just SE of Sans Souci ( No worries, Mon ). Anyone considered checking the oil, filling the tank up and heading SW for a nice road trip ? It's only two days of REAL BORING HARDSHIP. Ooooh.
You guys make it sound like punishment. Sheesh, again. :-)

I used "VLS LLC/The Car Carriers" last September (2010) and was VERY pleased. I shipped a Speedster from Washington DC to SW Florida. I am including an excerpt from a 2010 letter I wrote discussing the same situation you are now in: "They were mentioned by Bob Garrett on 9/2 in an 8/8 thread on Transport Companies on the SOC Forum. You made input to that thread. Garrett was very high on his experience with the company. I contacted McNutt ($2350 enclosed, $731 open), Intercity Lines ($1260 enclosed), Horseless Carriage Carriers ($1350 enclosed), and VLS ($550 enclosed). I spoke with VLS Monday and got the $550 quote and called them back today and spoke with someone else who said that had I called him today for a quote he would have said $750, but that he would honor the original quote.".

As I mentioned, I had great luck with these people, and if what I experienced is typical of their service, then they would have my highest recommendation.

I just Goggled VLS and I could not actually find a web site for them, but I did find lots of very negative posts about them. Of course, nobody posts when they are happy, but just be careful.
http://www.transportreviews.com/company/vls-llc.asp

John encapsulated my experience perfectly. On the other end of the transport was Sludge Beaucage, he shipped it, I received it and I think his experience on his end of the deal was good as well.

Good people, good service, prompt and thorough.

Bob

Thanks for all the replies!

After wrangling with a couple of shipping companies dealing with wildly varying schedules and prices I just decided to do it myself. A couple of quiet days on the road actually seem weirdly appealing. Headed out this afternoon.

Alan - Thank you for all the information on the new car!

Jim - Great looking Featherlite. Have a friend that hauls an award winning '69 Camaro around on the 18' version of yours. He usually gets more compliments on the trailer than he does the car!

One last question, haul it with the top up and the windows in, right???

--Mark

Depends on the weather :~) Have a safe & enjoyable trip...~Alan

I had some bad luck with a car shipping company about 15 years ago. I had bought a used Cadillac for my Dad and shipped it to NH, found the carrier in Hemmings. I paid half up front, but about six weeks later, I got another call from a different carrier who had my car in NYC and refused to deliver it unless I had the full amount (not giving me credit for the half I already paid) in cash before he would take it off the trailer. So I sent my Dad the cash, it wasn't worth the hassle. My advice, find someone who has a lot of possitive feedback.

Since I am in the transport business I'm glad to run a check on a potential carrier for anyone.