Being prepared for AAA

[Phil D.]

Last spring I had a fuel pump go out and had to be towed. Called AAA and waited till a rookie wrecker driver showed up. He said that when it was known that it was an old Corvette, the more experienced drivers didn't want to mess with it and it fell to him as the lowest seniority. Figuring the situation was just as dangerous to call and tell AAA to send somebody else while I waited on the side of the road, I watched in agony as the rookie tried to figure out where to hook to. I've trailered a Corvette before and know how I tied it down but the wrecker didn't have the same sort of straps, just cables and chains. Got it home with no damage luckily, but I've seen for instance where those hooks the wrecker drivers use will pull through the slots in the frame and other wrecker damage.

Do y'all carry a set of tie-down straps with you in case the wrecker isn't properly equipped? Do you know what to tell the tow truck guy about how to tie down your Corvette in case he doesn't know? What about those trucks that lift by the front wheels? Can those be used safely if you're not going far (c3 in my case)? I'd like to be better prepared in case there is a next time. Advice?

[Terry M.]

Re: Being prepared for AAA

What about those trucks that lift by the front wheels? Can those be used safely if you're not going far (c3 in my case)? I'd like to be better prepared in case there is a next time. Advice?

I recall a photo in a 1967 issue of Chevrolet Service News showing how to tow the then-new C3s. The wide straps they show (and the use of what looks like a 2 x 6) are not used on modern tow equipment, but who knows what you will encounter as you travel the USA in your Chevrolet.

You think you have potential issues with a C3? Think about the road clearance in a C6 -- the other forum is full of horror stories about the C6s -- even from Chevrolet dealers. Knowledge is a good thing in this regard, but getting an automotive "professional" to listen to you is a whole other challenge.

[Tom L.]

Re: Being prepared for AAA

I know how you feel, I broke down in my '72, called AAA and when I told the service what kind of car it was they wouldn't even send a truck. Since then I found someone local that can handle the job just in case. Sure hope I don't have to use them though!!

[Duke W.]

Re: Being prepared for AAA

The guy must have had a tow truck as old as your Corvette. The days of hooking to the frame are long gone. Look at any late model car and figure out how you are going to tow it.

I think most common tow trucks in the last 30 years are called "cradle ******ers" that pick the car up by the tires. With no low hanging front valance, it should be easier to pick up a vintage Corvette than most modern cars.

Duke

P. S. The Board doesn't like that word again - cradle s-n-a-t-c-h-e-r-s

[Joe L.]

Re: Being prepared for AAA

The guy must have had a tow truck as old as your Corvette. The days of hooking to the frame are long gone. Look at any late model car and figure out how you are going to tow it.

I think most common tow trucks in the last 30 years are called "cradle ******ers" that pick the car up by the tires. With no low hanging front valance, it should be easier to pick up a vintage Corvette than most modern cars.

Duke

P. S. The Board doesn't like that word again - cradle s-n-a-t-c-h-e-r-s

Duke------


No, even those are not very good for a Corvette. For a Corvette, you always ask the tow company to send a flat bed-type truck. These are the most common nowadays, anyway. With this type of truck, the entire bed tilts up and the car is winched onto the bed. Ramp extenders may be necessary for low-to-the-ground cars like Corvettes. However, my 1992 was towed back in very early 1992 (when the Opti-Spark failed at 3,000 miles) and a flat bed truck was used. No extenders were necessary and the car pulled right up on the tilted bed with no damage or problems, at all. It came off the same way. Perfect.

[Jean C.]

Re: Being prepared for AAA

When you phone AAA or a wrecker service, tell them you need a haul for a collector car and that you require a "flat bed" or "roll back" to transport it. No way that it goes "on the hook."
Cheers,

[Valeria H.]

Re: Being prepared for AAA

Yup, That's what I do. In the last 3 years my car has been flatbedded all around the Charlotte area and surrounding counties so much that the last driver suggested I purchase a separate membership for my husband so that I could increase my tows per year to double the amount.
I just call AAA and request a flatbed for my old Corvette. The only response I've received from them is that they will send the flatbed but if the driver deems it unnecessary then I would be liable for the extra charge. So far I have had no problems. Hopefully there isn't anyone ignorant enough to deny a 60 vette a flatbed for it's tow. All though you never know.
The drivers have taken good care of my car and have mentioned that they have noted the anxiety that comes all over me when they approach the car.
Valeria