[V8] NAC: Auto transporters?

[Jeremy Ward]

I graduated in '92, however the first date I ever went on (double date
actually) was to see Pretty Woman in 1990.  Remember what Richard Gere was
driving in that movie? :-)

I picked up my other 3 friends in my '85 4Runner - www.MyV8Q.com/pics/85.jpg

I only went on 1 date with that girl (INXS was playing in the tape player),
who turned out to be more of a friend than a girlfriend.  A few years later
she bought herself an '87 4Runner, same color as mine.  I guess my car had a
bigger impact on her than I did!  ;-)

Congrats on the cool Lotus Karl, and thanks for the trip down memory lane.

- Jeremy (who sold the pristine and reliable '85 4Runner to buy the V8Q...)

P.S. Don't forget Kevin's excellent write up:
----------------------------------------------
Speaking from 14 years experience towing and transporting cars, here is
possibly a few helpful hints.  Most larger transport companies are going to
use a ratchet/chain assembly to tie cars down with.  These Audis have a spot
in the frame for a "T" hook tiedown, it may be covered up with mud, grime,
and undercoating, but it is there.  And, there may also be a black plug
covering the hole.  I have towed, and shipped several Audis, and it can be
done without damaging the cars.  You do have to be careful, but it can be
done.  The other method involves wheel straps tiedowns, but, most larger
transport trucks do not have an option for these.  The best location on the
trailer to avoid damage is in the lower front belly of the trailer.  In this
location it will probably get very dirty,and may have oil from the top car
drip on it but, it will avoid all the low hanging branches, trees, bridges,
rock chips, and whatever else is flying through the air at 60 mph.  DO NOT
put a car cover on the car for the transport, the flapping of the cover (no
matter how well it is secured) will abolutely destroy the paint.  Any
respectable company will do a before and after vehicle inspection report,
this will list all existing damage, mileage, equipment, etc., if they don't
do it, do it yourself, and get the driver to sign off on it.  This is a good
way to protect yourself if the unit arrives with damages, you now have some
proof of the condition of the car prior to shipping.  Also something to keep
in mind, most of these guys are paid a flat rate to the driver, and, it
often is not very much, so they may not have a burning desire to keep as
close an eye on your car as you want, tipping them prior to shipping to keep
an extra vigilant eye on it might work, or, if possible, find an
"owner/operator" driver, these guys own the truck and trailer, and it
directly affects them if there is damages, they might be a little more
careful.
Kind of a long note, but, some things to keep in mind.
Kevin

kevin kyzar
readytow at earthlink.net
EarthLink Revolves Around You.

-----Original Message-----
From: v8-bounces at audifans.com [mailto:v8-bounces at audifans.com] On Behalf Of
Karl D. Middlebrooks
Sent: Wednesday, August 16, 2006 10:11 PM
To: V8 Owners list
Subject: [V8] NAC: Auto transporters?

Even though I'm afraid my beloved V8's will be jealous, I couldn't 
resist the lure of an old Lotus Esprit Turbo SE (1990, so it at least 
graduated at the same time as two of the V8's), in Jacksonville, FL. The 
thing is, I'm in Oregon, and while I love roadtrips, the maintenance 
intervals on the Lotus are short enough that I don't wanna put 5k miles 
on it just to get it home, nor do I want it to experience some serious 
problem while I'm driving through  southern Utah.

Anyone here have a recommendation on an auto transporter to use (or 
particular ones to avoid)? I'd certainly appreciate any input, though I 
might be branded a traitor for buying British this time :)

For those interested in what kind of trouble I've gotten myself into: 
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1,1&item=2200153
13383&ih=012&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWN%3AIT

Karl
'90 V8Q x2
'93 V8Q
'02 A6QA 3.0 (the girlfriend's ride)