New owner needs advice

[underwatercolours]

I just bought my Dad's '63 Vette and need to have it transported from Wisconsin to California. I've talked to a couple of transport companies and got a lot of different prices and opinions. Are there any issues with transporting it in winter? Someone told me I could have a problem with small stress cracks in the fiberglass (he never drove it in the winter). Open or enclosed transport...does it really make that much difference? Anything or anyone I should avoid? The car is all original and is in great shape, but is not perfect. I'd appreciate any feedback anyone can give me.

Thanks in advance
Bonnie

 

[JohnZ]

I'd ship it enclosed, especially in the winter. I've used Reliable, Intercity, and Horseless Carriage at various times, and all gave expert, professional service with zero problems.

 

[Ken]

Maybe more C2 owners will see it here and have some helpful tips. General Tech doesn't always attract the type of people who are able to answer as well as an owner of that particular generation.

Where in SoCal are you located? I know of several people in the South Bay that might be able to help you.

 

[Ol Blue]

Bonnie

I don't believe that Corvettes crack in the winter. I drove my 63 everyday, in snow rain and when living in Chicago, in 20 below zero weather.

I agree that the companies that John mentioned are reliable and careful. Transport in non-inclosed invites problems in the form of pilfering or vandalism.

I talked to a transport broker when I was trying to arrange transportation of my racecar to the Monterey Historics. He advised me to go with a professional organization instead of one of the haulers he would broker to.

He said that they may have to unload and load a car a few times as they pick up and deliver as they go across the country, and that the ones that John mentioned are very professional.

You can get a quote from their websites. I think it will probably be around $1,500 to $2,000 though. If you go through a broker, it can be much cheaper, but I feel more risky. A broker will ask you what you are willing to pay, what your time-line is, and of course the locations, then they put it out on their list to see who will do it for that, or what their bid is. I believe one estimate was $800, but the broker told me that he doubted they could meet my tight timeline. The broker gets a cut, maybe $100, but probably differs between brokers.

Hope this helps, good luck.
Ol Blue
http://www.knology.net/~corvettes/63vett.jpg

 

[IH2LOSE]

I'd ship it enclosed, especially in the winter. I've used Reliable, Intercity, and Horseless Carriage at various times, and all gave expert, professional service with zero problems.

I secound horseless.Definatley enclosed.they inspect the car when they pick it up and when they drop it off.They are plenty of companies out there who work CHEAP but I highley recomend a horseless It a pleasure to pay the higher rate for top notch service.

last year we were at the atlantic city auction and a freind aquired 3 more cars then he planned for.So we made a deal with a hauler on the spot .the cars thet went with horseless were perfect as exspected-the other hauler was not so perfect between the 3 cars we shipped thru them over 5800.00 worth of damage.And we had problems getting them to make an insurance claim.

PS get a certificate of insurance with you as a certificate holder for there liability insurance.(a copy of the policy means nothing because it may not be in effect)

Good Luck and enjoy your car

 

[bobmanx]

I can tell you that when my, non-running at that time, 67 Corvette Convertible was transported from Tucson Az. to Orange Co. SoCal. I asked the same question here on this same board. The answer was a resounding "INTERCITY".

I checked several others and the price was higher, time was longer and they wanted to tell me what and where, there was discussions of loading and off loading and swapping of trailers, ETC. Not a straight thru, but a jaunt here and there till it made it to SoCal.

I again contacted Bob at Intercity, and it was all handled ASAP, no problems, straight thru same truck/trailer and drivers. I would recommend them to anyone that needs a car transported to another area. Look at the Intercity Website, read the info there and ask some questions of all the transport companies, then decide which company you want to trust your Corvette to and go from there. I'll bet you go with Intercity.

Good luck and let all of us here at CAC know who and how it went, good or bad.

Bob

 

[underwatercolours]

Great info!

Thanks everyone for all the info. On your recommendations I have spoken to all of these mentioned and will definitely go enclosed with one of them. Ken, I'm in Irvine, and would love any additional advice I might get. My whole life I've been begging my Dad to let me drive this car. Now that it's mine, so I'm glad he never did. When I get it here, hopefully by March, I'll need to have some work done on it, so no doubt I'll be back for more advice. My dad was a mechanic so I understand the lingo, but being able to tap into all this first hand experience really helps.

Thanks again!

Bonnie

 

[Tom Bryant]

Welcome

Hi Bonnie,

Welcome to the CAC. I too am guilty of using a Corvette as a daily driver. Rain, snow or shine when I lived in NE Indiana. My '67 big block coupe actually did ok in the snow. It just got a lot of baths. Don't worry about the fiberglass cracking due to cold weather. It won't happen. Just remember that nearly every semi you see traveling down the highway has a complete fiberglass front hood and fender assembly. Lightweight, durable and able to take abuse in extreme conditions.

Tom

 

[vettefinderjim]

Welcome Bonnie.........you are in the right place!!

Reliable call Al at 800-528-1811
Intercity call Bob Sellers at 800-221-3936x103

Both companies are pro and give great service. Lately, Reliable has had better prices and quicker service.....but that is all subject to change

I used Herb at 559-269-4814 from Wisconsin to Los Angelos for a 66 El Camino last March. He did an excellent job and for less money than the big pro companies. It was an open large three car trailer and the car was on top and got dirty. But after a good bath alll was well. His service was very personel and only 3 days in transit.

Whoever you pick, tell them Jim sent you.......maybe they will give you 'my deal'