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O2COOLED Samba Member
Joined: May 22, 2007 Posts: 452 Location: Pac NW
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Posted: Fri Mar 21, 2014 5:07 pm Post subject: Transporting My Ghia |
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I am moving to Bellevue, Washington from the SF Bay Area end of April and am now trying to decide how to transport my '69. Has anyone of our forum friends gone through this process before? I have ruled out using an open multi car carrier for the obvious reasons (although it's the cheapest). I think the best would be a closed carrier dedicated or with just a few cars. I am also considering renting an SUV and trailer and making the drive myself since I understand my Nissan Quest will not be able to handle the load. I did a search in the forum and it's mostly east - west and vice versa with mostly dated inputs. I would appreciate any tips you can give especially from those that have made this trip before. Thanks! _________________ "Sometimes people forget they signed up to a HELP & SHARE Forum not a pissing contest"
"At my age time is too short to respond to people with short minds"
Current: '69 Ghia Coupe
VW History:'63 Bug;'70 Bug;'73 412;'83 Rabbit;'86 Golf;'76 Fat Chick; 67 Ghia Coupe; '70 Bug |
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Mark33563 Samba Member
Joined: November 13, 2005 Posts: 1667 Location: Tampa Bay. FL
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Posted: Fri Mar 21, 2014 6:46 pm Post subject: |
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What makes you think you Quest would not be able to tow the Ghia? |
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O2COOLED Samba Member
Joined: May 22, 2007 Posts: 452 Location: Pac NW
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Posted: Fri Mar 21, 2014 6:58 pm Post subject: |
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Oh I know it can cuz I used to tow my '67 with it, but this time I will have the added weight of a drive on trailer and UHaul won't rent you one unless the pulling vehicle is rated to tow a minimum of 5,000 lbs. The Quest is only officially rated at 3,500. _________________ "Sometimes people forget they signed up to a HELP & SHARE Forum not a pissing contest"
"At my age time is too short to respond to people with short minds"
Current: '69 Ghia Coupe
VW History:'63 Bug;'70 Bug;'73 412;'83 Rabbit;'86 Golf;'76 Fat Chick; 67 Ghia Coupe; '70 Bug |
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iowegian Samba Curmudgeon
Joined: February 16, 2005 Posts: 9829 Location: Somewhere between Dubuque and Keokuk
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Posted: Fri Mar 21, 2014 7:13 pm Post subject: |
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O2COOLED wrote: |
Oh I know it can cuz I used to tow my '67 with it, but this time I will have the added weight of a drive on trailer and UHaul won't rent you one unless the pulling vehicle is rated to tow a minimum of 5,000 lbs. The Quest is only officially rated at 3,500. |
Why not flat-tow the Ghia? |
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kevin3406 Samba Member
Joined: August 02, 2010 Posts: 296 Location: pacolet, s.c.
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Posted: Fri Mar 21, 2014 7:23 pm Post subject: |
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..drive the ghia _________________ [insert various aircooled vehicles here] if the women dont find you handsome, they should at least find you handy.- Red Green |
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lhwood Samba Member
Joined: August 14, 2012 Posts: 70 Location: san diego, ca
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Posted: Fri Mar 21, 2014 7:45 pm Post subject: tow bar |
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I have a quest and I tow my Ghias with a tow bar all the time. I have loaded the Quest with a motor, fully built transaxel and fully built front beam and towed the Ghia with a tow bar here in hilly California.
I bought the tow bar off craigslist for 40 bucks and took it to a guy to fabricate and extension. He cut it, extended and reinforced it no worries. Cost about 100 bucks total.
The coincidental thing is that I tried to rent a tow dolly, as well as a flat trailer from U HAUL and they would not rent to me for the same reason as they told you. Thanks to them I can tow whenever I want and they don't get a dime of my money. Worked out great. |
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iowegian Samba Curmudgeon
Joined: February 16, 2005 Posts: 9829 Location: Somewhere between Dubuque and Keokuk
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Posted: Fri Mar 21, 2014 9:06 pm Post subject: |
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^^ right answer. |
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Brassneck Samba Member
Joined: November 17, 2012 Posts: 420 Location: Seattle
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Posted: Fri Mar 21, 2014 10:57 pm Post subject: |
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I bought my '69 in the bay area...and I drove mine from Oakland to Seattle...awesome road trip and would do it again in a heartbeat....but you must have a reason for wanting to ship...so, is there a particular reason you're against open transport? I know there's always rock chips or weather issues that may be of concern...but is there anything else? I always assume driving it has the same risk, but you don't incur the mileage or wear/tear.
when I was debating the drive or shipping...I had looked into some companies...and found Interbay Transport Logistics. (interbaytransport.com)....they were highly recommended and were the best price I found. As mentioned, I didn't end up using them...but worth checking out. |
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O2COOLED Samba Member
Joined: May 22, 2007 Posts: 452 Location: Pac NW
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Posted: Sat Mar 22, 2014 1:22 am Post subject: |
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Appreciate the responses/suggestions guys!
Would really enjoy to drive it but being a bit "long on the tooth" I'm not as adventurous as when I drove my Bug from SF to Bloomington Indiana in February way back when. (Route 66 was a blast!) Brassneck: "I bought my '69 in the bay area...and I drove mine from Oakland to Seattle...awesome road trip and would do it again in a heartbeat", I've done that route several times on the Quest and can only imagine doing it on the Ghia.
Flat tow was an option since it would take care of both cars, the Quest AND Ghia. I'm used to towing my Bug and '67 KG all over the Peninsula but that's definitely not the same as negotiating the mountain passes of Northern California and Oregon. Also I think I read somewhere in one of the threads that it's not advisable to flat tow for long distances? That's why the trailer option seems like a good alternative.
Open transport or multiple car carrier: True it's cheapest but my hesitation on this is they usually shuffle the cars as needed depending on their pick-up schedule, weight and sequence. I've read horror stories on mysterious mileage on cars transported and damage upon arrival. Although there's always insurance, I just can't be comfortable having them drive a car I've invested 3 years getting it to where it is right now. I'm currently gathering quotes from various carriers who will guarantee single on and off loading. Brassneck, I will add Interbay to this list.
Thanks everyone! The "process" goes on. _________________ "Sometimes people forget they signed up to a HELP & SHARE Forum not a pissing contest"
"At my age time is too short to respond to people with short minds"
Current: '69 Ghia Coupe
VW History:'63 Bug;'70 Bug;'73 412;'83 Rabbit;'86 Golf;'76 Fat Chick; 67 Ghia Coupe; '70 Bug |
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60ragtop Bonneville Belt Bitch
Joined: March 13, 2006 Posts: 7800 Location: Big Wonderful WYO 82401
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Posted: Sat Mar 22, 2014 5:39 am Post subject: |
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O2COOLED wrote: |
Also I think I read somewhere in one of the threads that it's not advisable to flat tow for long distances? That's why the trailer option seems like a good alternative. |
I would quit reading so much, info overload
I have flat towed my VW's to many times to remember on 3000 mile + round trips. I still do it occasionally. And remember back in the day, VW's were the choice vehicle for tagging along _________________ Rick
Certified Mechanic by the State of Michigan in 1977
ASA certified in 1987
Certified Hunter Wheel Alignment Master Technician 1986
tasb wrote: |
I've restored a large number too, but I don't toot my horn quite as loud.
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sb001 wrote: |
maybe he just snapped cause his car sucked |
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O2COOLED Samba Member
Joined: May 22, 2007 Posts: 452 Location: Pac NW
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Posted: Sat Mar 22, 2014 2:12 pm Post subject: |
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60ragtop wrote: |
I would quit reading so much, info overload
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You're right. That pretty much was my mindset when I did the Route 66 trip on a Beetle. Ignorance is bliss?
Will seriously look at flat towing if I can't find a reasonable covered trailer rate.
Thanks _________________ "Sometimes people forget they signed up to a HELP & SHARE Forum not a pissing contest"
"At my age time is too short to respond to people with short minds"
Current: '69 Ghia Coupe
VW History:'63 Bug;'70 Bug;'73 412;'83 Rabbit;'86 Golf;'76 Fat Chick; 67 Ghia Coupe; '70 Bug |
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kiwighia68 Samba Member
Joined: October 20, 2013 Posts: 2874 Location: Auckland, New Zealand
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Posted: Sat Mar 22, 2014 3:48 pm Post subject: |
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I don't understand what you mean by "flat towing". Is that where you lock two arms onto the steering of the front wheels linking the 2 bars in a triangle back to the car's towbar?
I need to pull my chassis around for a few months and perhaps even the car when the body is back on, and I was thinking that the cheap option would be to get a towbar and one of those triangular contraptions that lock on to the tow's steering. (It costs me $180 each time I have my car moved from one place to another, and I've spent $600 plus on that already.)
Having seen the damage to a Volvo truck's gearbox when it was towed without the driveshaft having been removed first, I should think that if you're going to tow the Ghia a long way, it might be best to disengage the drive shafts. (I'm wondering, will the gears in the transmission be turned by the back wheels when you're towing the Ghia? If not, no problem.) _________________ Festina lente - hasten slowly
1968 Ghia named Emiko
Resto completed Dec 2015 |
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O2COOLED Samba Member
Joined: May 22, 2007 Posts: 452 Location: Pac NW
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Posted: Sat Mar 22, 2014 9:55 pm Post subject: |
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That's pretty much it. Towing it with 4 wheels rolling. The dedicated ACVW tool bar connects to the front beam directly with the other end obviously to the pulling vehicle's hitch. Cheapest option really, it's what I've been using pulling my Bug and Ghias around town but not having done it long distance I had the same concern about the possible stress on the drivetrain. I would think that if the tranny is in neutral it should not be a problem. Maybe 60ragtop would be able to shed some light on this? _________________ "Sometimes people forget they signed up to a HELP & SHARE Forum not a pissing contest"
"At my age time is too short to respond to people with short minds"
Current: '69 Ghia Coupe
VW History:'63 Bug;'70 Bug;'73 412;'83 Rabbit;'86 Golf;'76 Fat Chick; 67 Ghia Coupe; '70 Bug |
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60ragtop Bonneville Belt Bitch
Joined: March 13, 2006 Posts: 7800 Location: Big Wonderful WYO 82401
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Posted: Sun Mar 23, 2014 5:34 am Post subject: |
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Been flat towing for them for over 30 years with no problems just putting them in neutral (4 speed). First time back in the late 70's and as recently as 2 years ago to Bonneville. Swing axle and IRS models
Just make sure the steering is unlocked and nothing can bump the shifter.
Every once in a while I've had to bungee cord the steering wheel loosely to keep it from going back & forth. usually after a sharp turn _________________ Rick
Certified Mechanic by the State of Michigan in 1977
ASA certified in 1987
Certified Hunter Wheel Alignment Master Technician 1986
tasb wrote: |
I've restored a large number too, but I don't toot my horn quite as loud.
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sb001 wrote: |
maybe he just snapped cause his car sucked |
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cagey.jg Samba Member
Joined: July 24, 2013 Posts: 93 Location: West Covina and Imperial, CA
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Posted: Sun Mar 23, 2014 7:17 am Post subject: |
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O2COOLED wrote: |
I will have the added weight of a drive on trailer and UHaul won't rent you one unless the pulling vehicle is rated to tow a minimum of 5,000 lbs. The Quest is only officially rated at 3,500. |
I have a Toyota Sienna with the same 3500 lb towing capacity and I've been able to rent a drive-on trailer from UHaul before. _________________ 69 karmann ghia |
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O2COOLED Samba Member
Joined: May 22, 2007 Posts: 452 Location: Pac NW
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Posted: Sun Mar 23, 2014 3:14 pm Post subject: |
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60ragtop wrote: |
Been flat towing for them for over 30 years with no problems just putting them in neutral (4 speed). First time back in the late 70's and as recently as 2 years ago to Bonneville. Swing axle and IRS models
Just make sure the steering is unlocked and nothing can bump the shifter.
Every once in a while I've had to bungee cord the steering wheel loosely to keep it from going back & forth. usually after a sharp turn |
Thanks! Nothing like helpful "been there, done that" info.
cagey.jg:
"I have a Toyota Sienna with the same 3500 lb towing capacity and I've been able to rent a drive-on trailer from UHaul before"
I'll have to try other UHaul outlets then. If I had the option I'd go with using a lightweight drive on trailer. Since I've got some time, I'm also browsing CL ads in case I get lucky. _________________ "Sometimes people forget they signed up to a HELP & SHARE Forum not a pissing contest"
"At my age time is too short to respond to people with short minds"
Current: '69 Ghia Coupe
VW History:'63 Bug;'70 Bug;'73 412;'83 Rabbit;'86 Golf;'76 Fat Chick; 67 Ghia Coupe; '70 Bug |
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O2COOLED Samba Member
Joined: May 22, 2007 Posts: 452 Location: Pac NW
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Posted: Sun Mar 23, 2014 3:14 pm Post subject: |
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60ragtop wrote: |
Been flat towing for them for over 30 years with no problems just putting them in neutral (4 speed). First time back in the late 70's and as recently as 2 years ago to Bonneville. Swing axle and IRS models
Just make sure the steering is unlocked and nothing can bump the shifter.
Every once in a while I've had to bungee cord the steering wheel loosely to keep it from going back & forth. usually after a sharp turn |
Thanks! Nothing like helpful "been there, done that" info.
cagey.jg:
"I have a Toyota Sienna with the same 3500 lb towing capacity and I've been able to rent a drive-on trailer from UHaul before"
I'll have to try other UHaul outlets then. If I had the option I'd go with using a lightweight drive on trailer. Since I've got some time, I'm also browsing CL ads in case I get lucky. _________________ "Sometimes people forget they signed up to a HELP & SHARE Forum not a pissing contest"
"At my age time is too short to respond to people with short minds"
Current: '69 Ghia Coupe
VW History:'63 Bug;'70 Bug;'73 412;'83 Rabbit;'86 Golf;'76 Fat Chick; 67 Ghia Coupe; '70 Bug |
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kman Samba Member
Joined: November 04, 2005 Posts: 739 Location: Michigan
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Posted: Sun Mar 23, 2014 4:42 pm Post subject: |
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I have a tacoma double cab and I have had to be pretty stubborn a couple of times at u-haul until they gave up and rented to me. The real problem is that their trailers are so heavy, which can make the combined weight exceed the towing capacities that they have in the computer. I like the u-haul trailers. They are very stable. |
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CiderGuy Samba Member
Joined: December 23, 2013 Posts: 1351 Location: Bucks County, Pa
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Posted: Sun Mar 23, 2014 4:57 pm Post subject: |
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I spent 2 hours pulling, banging, yanking on bolts to put a trailer hitch on a isuzu trooper, to pick up a u-haul car hauler for this coming weekend. I need to pick up another Ghia I bought. I failed, I even used PB Blaster and a impact wrench. None of the 6 bolts came free. I may need to take it somewhere to be done. Hard to do laying on your back. |
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O2COOLED Samba Member
Joined: May 22, 2007 Posts: 452 Location: Pac NW
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Posted: Sun Mar 23, 2014 7:42 pm Post subject: |
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kman wrote: |
I have a tacoma double cab and I have had to be pretty stubborn a couple of times at u-haul until they gave up and rented to me. The real problem is that their trailers are so heavy, which can make the combined weight exceed the towing capacities that they have in the computer. I like the u-haul trailers. They are very stable. |
Nice to know it can be done. Will stick to it and explore all options. I may be able to rent an SUV at a discount then I won't have to worry about the weight limit. _________________ "Sometimes people forget they signed up to a HELP & SHARE Forum not a pissing contest"
"At my age time is too short to respond to people with short minds"
Current: '69 Ghia Coupe
VW History:'63 Bug;'70 Bug;'73 412;'83 Rabbit;'86 Golf;'76 Fat Chick; 67 Ghia Coupe; '70 Bug |
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