Shipping from LA to Atlanta - - - CHEAP!

Guys,

I am the current brunt of many jokes these days because I pick up my car this Thursday at Vintage and plan to drive it to Atlanta. Yes, I am proud to say it has every option and Kirk laughs at me and asks if I want hot water in my tub because it's the only option I didn't jump. 150+ hp motor by Roland (vs main mechanic will build you a ground pounder if you want it - on his own time), big tranny upgrades, "C2" or Super-flare car, big stereo, blah, blah, blah.

I am somewhat UN-proud that I didn't build it because I typically build my toys - but I can turn a wrench (although just getting back into Type 1's after a 30 year hiatus). Many have said, "dude, yer nuts.." for wanting to drive it from LA to Atlanta....but I've done plenty of 500+ mile days on my choppers (no windshield..ever!) and figure this thing is a dream compared to that for sure. If it breaks....I get dirty and/or catch a flight home and have it hauled from where it took at *$*%( I suppose.

Anyway, just for grins I went to www.excite.com and searched 'vehicle transport' and got a service that has multiple carriers. Over TEN came back within 4 hours. I punched in '69 VW Bug and came back with some VERY LOW pricing compared to what I thought I'd see. One was $680 from door-to-door. I thought it had to be a mistake, but then the others all started coming in around $800 to $900.

What has been your experience with this type of open car hauler?

Jim, that is fairly normal. Thats why everyone thinks your crazy for driving it that far.

Keep in mind while a typical motorcycle engine is aircooled, it is also better made then the average VW mill, and has lots of air flow at highway speeds to keep it cool and is usually 50% less hp then your trying to get out of that VW.

I'm torn.......really want some time behind the wheel.....adventures.......and a stuffed armadillo.....but may opt out now that I know it's that cheap.

Have you guys had experience with one of those car haulers and ground clearance or are they equipped for it?

Jim,
You have a hand built car. Chances are, you will have some mechanical problem in the first 1000 miles while everything is being sorted out. Even new production car dealers have you bring the car in after 500 for an inspection. I personally wouldn't do that drive with a new speedster.

As for transport. That 800-1000 sounds about right. Call Vintage and ask who they have used. Kirk sends cars weekly to the east coast.

-=theron

Beware! There is a difference in cost to ship a speedster vs. a bug! Some carriers will only ship them enclosed and on the top rack of the truck, both of which are extra charges. The reason is the convertable. None of them will pay you if your top is damaged by oil dropping on it from the car abouve. There is also a cost difference to replace/repair a speedster, which figures into thier cost.

If you tell them its a bug they may refuse to load it when they pick it up.


Been there, done that.

It cost me $1150 to ship one from West Palm Beach FL to Springfield MO after the top load and enclosed charges. It would have been $900 for an open carrier for a bug.

Ben

But the extra 250 was worth it for those items?

Let me share a story
An independent ( broker contract) trucker shows up here at my home some time ago ( unannounced that he was coming when he did) to pick up a speedster I had sold . On the top was an old Mercedes Benz that was loosing rear oil like no tomorrow right below that car , a 2004 convertible 'vette .
I asked what's up with that mess? He says' not my concern .....
I refused to allow the speedster onto that *$%^&* carrier and sent him on his way.

It was worth it. My car didn't have a top or tonneu when it was shipped. I got it clean. It did make it take longer to get here though as the shipper only had a couple of enclosed trucks.

i was contemplating the drive from cali to boston, mostly because the shipper d*cked me around for SIX weeks on the pickup. in the end, i wish i had driven it. after it was picked up, i got a call telling me that they put it on an open truck ( i had paid for closed), and there was nothing i could do about it. not only that, but they loosened the top tensioner, took one of the windows out, and put one in backwards. lucky for me, there was no rain during the trip. if i had ever found the person responsible for that cluster-f*ck, i would probably have knocked him/ her out, but seeing as it was a broker going through a broker, going through a broker, there was nobody willing to claim responsibility.

just my twenty dollars worth...

Jim, There are some really good transport companies out there and then there are the ones that will tell you everything you want to here and get your half payment up front .....then they'll get it to you WHEN they want....anyway they want and you'll be lucky to get your car in 3 or 4 weeks.....and your stuck!......Just do your home work...ask lots of questions, such as garanteed to be picked up by....and garanteed to be delivered no later than...and also..do yourself a favor...Ship that High Dollar Speedster in an inclosed trailer....You'll be so happy you did!! Michael

I agree with Michael's advice. Use our search function and you will find that this subject is a regular discussion item. In the search you will find the name of several transport companies that members have used.

If you want to drive it home I would build in an extra three or four days to break it in. Try to put 250-300 miles on it a day and then have Kirk fix any glitches you may notice. If you do the local break-in of 800-1000 miles, I wouldn't hesitate driving it home.

JG

When you've put in hard earned money for your car, best not be surprised!

You don't want to end up killing the "messenger", in this case the driver that couldn't give a rats behind what he/she's delivering!

I had an excellent experience with Passport Transport - Now
passport.fedex.com/ arrived days in advance in an enclosed transport.

If your still contemplating the long drive, look up one of Gordon's old posting for "Spare Parts List", and also checkout this recent posting for http://www.roadhaus.com/shops.html.

You might want to plan some scheduled stops along the way. Best get that AAA membership renewed if you haven't already!

Best of luck - Mel

The roadhaus.com link is availabe in the knowledge section under VW shops by state.

I like Jim's idea the most. It gives you some time around the shop and you can get things tweeked out before you take off. This means less hassles for you later??? It really is the best solution for someone who wants to drive a car like this home.

If you are going to ship it, do your homework. That cannot be stressed enough. Just look at some of the horror stories in the previous posts. Why would you not do your homework? Ask Kirk for his recommendation. He'll probably say VIP shipping. Listen to him. They shipped my car & were fantastic as well as the best price I have found. Don't go with some shady fly by night company. And don't tell them it's a 60's whatever volkswagen. They will be misinformed & will probably not ship it or jack the price way up.

You are shipping a specialty car, you want the delivery company to treat it as such. Pay the requisite amount to ship the car with qualified staff and you will not be disappointed. If you were shipping a 10 year old everyday car, then you may want to skimp on the delivery details. I've shipped a show car on Reliable Auto Carriers and was pleased with the results. I have heard of similar results with Passport Transport. After you have invested so much in the car, why cut costs on the transportation?

Stay tuned.........I'll decide on whether to ship or drive when I see the car on Thursday.

update guys...(in case anyone really cares),

Thursday......car not done.....could not leave LA to Atlanta. I worked in the Vintage Speedster shop for the last 3 days trying to help wrap up the loose ends on my car (as in turning a lot of wrenches on my own car). Part of the reason that its not done is that the motor was not done....but also because there were issues with the car that were completed - and should have been!!

Yesterday about noon I realized that the body-work that has to be done will take more time than I had to sit and wait for the car (and miss more work) so I cashed in some miles and flew home today (Sunday) and plan to go back Friday to drive it home.

The car mechanically is very solid. I drove it almost 300 miles on two big check-drives and it was flawless - primarilly due to the good work done by Roland at Vintage. He builds most of the motors - and build my hot 2275. It's very quick, pulls smooth, shifts perfectly, and runs very cool with big sump and external thermostatically activated coolers.

Body is solid, but body panel fishishes are not good fits and they are going to be doing a lot of glass and paint work to button it up tight.

I'll update with some pics later...

JG Yes we care keep it coming. jkl

JG, I'm being sincere so please don't take this wrong, but how do you know what the temperatures are running?

My experience with Vintage oil temperature sendors doesn't give me any faith at all in the accuracy of that gauge. You need to stick a high temperature thermometer in the oil after a 20 minute drive on the highway, and next time take a laser pointer temp device to check the exhaust manifold temperatures at each cylinder. This will tell you the real story behind what the engine is doing.

jg,

give us more input on the engine. how hot is the build? how reasonable was roland's pricing? is it a t-1 or t-4?

george

Roland is about the only guy I would go to. I went to other well-known shops too as they are freinds of Rolands and we went there to show them the finished (okay ... almost finished) car and I think Roland has actually shown them a few tips in the past.

I have a 2275 with a stock welded re-ground crank, H-beam eagle rods, Street Eliminator heads (42 / 37.5 ) with double springs, 48 Webbers (one of the last sets of new ones I was told), match ported intakes, Forged pistons (9:1), 09 dist with points (going to electonic today in the shop for ease of use), 1 1/2" custom headers that use 1 1/2" inside the heater boxes too (need heat in the winter), and a custom one-off collector with a SS Magnaflow 2 1/2" inlet/outlet muffler.

I spent about $1800 with VS upgrading the IRS tranny too. All the slick stuff and if you want the name of the outfit I'll ask Roland again but he said it would handle approximately 300HP no problem. 2000lb clutch (upgraded because he said the motor would spin a smaller one). 3:88, welded 3rd and 4th, billet side cover, etc, etc, etc..

The motor has been flawless so far. I ran it from VS up to Ventura with no issues (other than a blown fuse and having to wrap that in foil to get my headlights back) - but the car ran VERY strong. I know it's running cool - not because of the zhitty gauge (as noted) but because there is an external thermostatically controlled 2 quart fan with a 180 thermostat. I never saw the gauge run further than about center after we hooked up the cooler - and before the cooler it got up to about 3/4 on the gauge in 90 degree heat/traffic. All told I think it's holding 6 quarts with the coolers, lines, and external filter.

I have body issues that Kirk is trying to work out as we speak, but I guess the long of the short of it is that if you want a really good car from anyone - you have to be there to inspect it and relay your expectations. I have no doubt that the issues can be worked out - and that this will be a really well-fit car, but the trip in to relay those expectations will be the difference between a good car and a great one.

Check ride successful, body issues being taken care of, blemishes repaired - so the next trip this Friday should be one where I don't have to spend a lot of time there - or get my hands dirty.

Roland can be reached at 562-472-3838. As mentioned, he is the guy who takes the stock 1600 engines VS buys and makes them into 1914's - but I can tell you that the total engine upgrade was only $2,350 (VS credited me $2k for no motor - so a total of $4,350 including custom headers, the engine install, break in, and powder-coated tins). He is the best guy to talk to also because he builds more speedster motors than ANYONE. He's a fairly laid back dude and hangs out with some serious HP heads that build type I's. He even took the time Saturday afternoon to go on an 80 mile run with me to check the car on the road, called me Sunday to ask if everything was cool Saturday night, etc, etc, etc.

I kept asking about break-in and he said, "90% of it is done when it comes off the engine stand....". He runs the engine on a stand to break in the cams, rings, etc. As we were driving I noticed the motor finding its groove as the rings seated and the motor loosened up a bit. He said after the valves are adjusted (after a couple of hundred miles) that the car is best broken in on the highway - which is why I took it to Ventura up PCH and the 101 Saturday night. By Sunday morning, when I dropped the car off on my way to the airport, it felt like it was dialed in dead-on. Idle was smooth, throttle was crisp, power was smooth all the way to 5,000 - etc, etc, etc....

PS - The tape is areas that I want repaired or tightened up before I take delivery......

jg,

thanks for the details. the car looks great!! keep us all posted.

george

Good luck with the car, and the drive through the desert on the way back.

I drove 730 each way to Carlisle in my IM, and that is probably as far as I want to go in the Speedster, on an interstate anyways. Hoss - with the SAW did the L.A. trip from Knoxville, but he has roll up windows.

Contact me when you get back. We can meet up at a local weekend car / coffee place. Check out the new ride.

It is always good to see another Speedster added in the Atlanta Metro area.

JG (Jim) Congratulations on your purchase. You must be pumped, and I don't blame you. The break-in of your engine, and the lash adjustment/oil chg. before you leave sounds about right.

I've driven the I-40 OKC-LA-OKC route to Knotts in my Vintage and had a blast. I also made my way home that way this year after Knotts and Vancouver. If you have time, the AZ loop of old Route 66 is fun and a blast into the past. If not, stop at Winslow, AZ for a pic of your car (Eagles, Take It Easy, Standin On A Corner In Winslow...) on the corner with Glenn Frey's statue as a back drop.

I live in OKC if you are coming that way. Let me know. I will give you a Cell# and also some local VW/Porsche guys/shops to put into your trip saftey net. We are in Houston temp. but I will try to make a point of being in OKC if you pass through. Anyway, let us know your route. It's good to have a few VW guys along the way.

Congratulations... have fun! On my Speedster road trips I usually designate some check in points with a few members for safety's sake. I also ask my wife or a friend to do weather channel checks so that I can gauge the speed to try and get around fronts, etc. An extra phone or a spare cell battery (charged) is also a good thing to carry. Get some cheap towels to blot water and check the oil, clean the windshield, etc. Pick up some cheap buffalo tools (metric open/box screw drivers) for the trip home... and a fan belt (points if you use them), fix-a-flat, etc. There is a Wal-Mart or two on your route out. Get into the desert early, by noon you'll be into the high desert around Flagstaff and it will be cooler. As Hoss will testify... watch the crosswinds as soon as you start climbing out of Kingman, all the way to Flagstaff, and again around the AZ/NM border. They can be wicked.

Have Fun. You are living the dream. PS, I like your exhaust tip.

Jim & George,

Thanks for the encouragement. As I told my wife when I went out last week to pick up the car, I'll make the decision when I drive it and see if I feel comfortable and the drive-train seems reliable. So far, crossing fingers and knocking on wood, it does.

My plan is the southern route, down to San Diego via Interstate 5 fo the 8 West, out to the 10 into West Texas where I plan to pick up 20 all the way to downtown Atlanta. Man, I hear you about the $100 in metric tools, towels, belts, flashlights and fuses. I'm going to try to do this in 3 days but it may stretch out depending on luck, weather, and fun along the way.

I spoke to Kirk today and he seems to be wrapping up the issues I had, but it's a no-go on the rear sway bar with the A/C. No room for it out back - but I am hoping he can still get the front in by the time I get there Friday.

In general I am nervous about making the trip, but I passed the first test (electrical failure) in Topanga Canyon on Saturday night (wrap your blown fuse in a burrito wrapper and your headlights start working again...LOL). Brought me right back to the old days as I had my back on the floorboard and my feet in the air! Also, because I spent considerable time helping with the top-end build on the motor, install, break in, tuning, and put some miles under it I hope that gives me an edge if I need it. If it all goes to shit, there's always American Express - it will solve just about anything.

Funny story, I buddy told me that if I get stranded he'll land his plane on the interstate and pick me up - and we'll make a call in the air to have somebody pick it up and drag it to ATL or LA to get fixed depending on the locale. Gotta love your friends.....

Yes, I agree with Jim, having some help along the way, does not hurt. I am outside of Houston, so if you need help, I am willing to help you. If you want my cell and home phone I will email it to you.

Michael

jim,

back in january of 1996 my brother was on a business trip in albequerque. he called me on a wednesday afternoon to tell me he just picked up a cherry '73 914. i was on a plane that night. he and i left thursday morning (after i called in sick to work), hit a blizzard in texas that followed us all the way to virginia, and still made it back to boston by sunday night. i'd say your cards are far better stacked than ours were...good luck, you should have a blast!!

george

Jim, We are all excited for you!!!...Your going to have one really nice ride...I would love to see more pictures ......Show us more pictures!!!! Good luck....Michael

Talked to Kirk today. He's trying to button up the car and would not sign off on Friday morning as a completion.

I know full well that custom cars "take time" but last Friday when Kirk was heading out for a weekend with family he said he wanted to "settle up" because his part of the car was "finished". Now, a week later he's not making any promises. He's a nice enough guy, but extra trips, more time away, and changing flights is expensive and frustrating.

In a month none of this will matter....I know.

Jim, your simply stating a fact. You know it, and Kirk knows it, but what can you do but sit back and relax and hope they get things done as quickly as possible. And I think it will still matter after you get the car, but maybe not as much......hang in there.

It'll be done tomorrow....I fly out in the morning and may leave Friday or Saturday. My dad is flying out (I think) for the boat races at Marine Stadium in Long Beach.

My dad raced for years and this is going to be a huge APBA race (American Power Boat Racing Association). If he flies out I'll leave Saturday afternoon I think. If he doesn't make it out I'll probably point it east and get on the road tomorrow.

I'll have my computer with me so I'll check in the board and let you know how far I make it.....

2371 miles from VS to my house in ATL.

62 hours.

ZERO Problems...........

If anyone wants the longer version I'll write it down tonight with a beer in hand. I also have a few pics.

One thing......ROLAND, if you are reading this. Buddy, you build GREAT MOTORS!!!! This 2275 just kept asking for more at every mile! I had a really fun drag race in West Texas that lasted for 125 miles. The other guy had a lot more horesepower on his side but let me stay in the game. Who was the other guy? It was God, with Mother Nature as Co-Pilot. He was driving a big black thunderstorm that was leaning on my drivers door - sounded like he was moving furniture from North to South across I-10. Eventually I lost the race and got drenched but man what a fun time with the sky all dark and the heavy air in the 48 Webbers!!!!!!!!!

Was to go JG! Congrats on making it home. Be sure to post some more detailed pics when you get a chance.

Since you are in Atlanta you need to drive that baby up my way soon for a run over "Blood mountain"...

Wow, a land speed record from LA to ATL. Congrats on the new ride and the trip. Hats off to you, you chewed up the Interstates. Post more pictures.

post more pictures, tell more stories.