Re: 1963 Towing/Transport for disabled coupe
Terry mentioned the holes in the frame of the car are sometimes used or were actually made to be used to tie the car down. As Terry mentioned, some tow trucks and a few car shippers I have seen actually have a cleet that fits in the holes on the frame of the cars. They look similar to two pieces of round stock welded together. They are welded in a "X" shape. You put the first part in and twist it so the first one is now twisted the opposite direction as the slot.
These cleets have a hoop or a strap attached to them. The only problem I have seen with these is if excess pressure has been put on them, they actually bend the lower part of the oval hole down. they function great. I do not use them due to the potential damage to a restored frame, but if I was trailering a driver, I would use them for sure.
Bottom line is strapping a car with the frame is actually the best way to do it. Cross strapping is even better. We are strapping the car in case of an accident or trailer loss. In which case you want the car to stay on the trailer.
A lot of people use tire straps. In the case of an accident these straps quite often fail. The suspension starts bouncing, which causes extra momentum and quite often ends in a bad situation or failure of the straps all together.
If nothing happens, the cars brakes and a few minor straps will keep the car on the trailer.
Most trailer guides will tell you to strap to the frame as Terry suggested. Cross strapping is by far the safest and strongest way to go. Just my opinion.
Congrats on getting the car out.
Terry mentioned the holes in the frame of the car are sometimes used or were actually made to be used to tie the car down. As Terry mentioned, some tow trucks and a few car shippers I have seen actually have a cleet that fits in the holes on the frame of the cars. They look similar to two pieces of round stock welded together. They are welded in a "X" shape. You put the first part in and twist it so the first one is now twisted the opposite direction as the slot.
These cleets have a hoop or a strap attached to them. The only problem I have seen with these is if excess pressure has been put on them, they actually bend the lower part of the oval hole down. they function great. I do not use them due to the potential damage to a restored frame, but if I was trailering a driver, I would use them for sure.
Bottom line is strapping a car with the frame is actually the best way to do it. Cross strapping is even better. We are strapping the car in case of an accident or trailer loss. In which case you want the car to stay on the trailer.
A lot of people use tire straps. In the case of an accident these straps quite often fail. The suspension starts bouncing, which causes extra momentum and quite often ends in a bad situation or failure of the straps all together.
If nothing happens, the cars brakes and a few minor straps will keep the car on the trailer.
Most trailer guides will tell you to strap to the frame as Terry suggested. Cross strapping is by far the safest and strongest way to go. Just my opinion.
Congrats on getting the car out.
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