Moving a Model T

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Model T Ford Forum: Forum 2013: Moving a Model T
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Randy Glowacki on Monday, March 04, 2013 - 04:52 pm:

I am looking to have a 1927 Roadster moved from North Ridgeville OH 44039 to Parsippany, NJ 07054 at any time


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Steve Jelf, Parkerfield KS on Monday, March 04, 2013 - 05:01 pm:

If you have a vehicle that will pull a trailer, you can go to Ohio and rent a U-Haul and bring it home yourself. Even going there and renting a vehicle to do the job might cost less than hiring it done.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Peter Claverie on Monday, March 04, 2013 - 06:17 pm:

Steve is probably right. The professional movers have to add all kinds of liability insurance, commercial road fees, etc.

While moving a T on an open trailer as in Steve's photo is OK, if the car is in a condition that it might be damaged by the wind and bumps, you might consider an enclosed trailer or truck. No U-haul trailer is big enough, but they have some trucks that are just fine for the use.

BEWARE: U-Haul will not allow you to haul an auto in one of their trucks! Their reasoning is that this is the way folks steal cars, and they don't want to be implicated. So, don't let on!!

What I did, is assure myself that a particular model of U-Haul truck would fit the car. Then I pre-ordered one of that model in the town where I was picking up the car. I even called the manager of the agency where I would pick it up, and explained that some "furniture" I was moving was oversize, and no other model would hold it without being too small or much bigger than I needed and therefore more expensive to rent and to drive.

Throughout, I told U-Haul I was closing out my grandmother's estate, and moving some furniture and belongings.

When I arrived at the departure town, I picked up the truck, then drove to the local equivalent of Lowe's and bought some 2x6's, some 2x4's, and some nails. I had brought tools, but could have bought a hammer and a saw for a few more bucks.

I went to the pickup place, and constructed two ramps, with 2x6's at the bottom and 2x4's on each side.

Luckily the car ran and I expected to load it under its own power. It was snowing heavily, and the ramps got slippery, so I couldn't. I called a local wrecker service, and asked for a flat-bed hauler. Then I let them winch the T backwards onto the flat bed, back it up to the U-haul, and rolled the T into the U-haul.

As you know, the front wheels are the forward-most part of a T. I ran it forward until they were slam against the front wall of the truck, then used the ramp lumber to make some chocks to hold it forward. I made them by turning the ramps upside-down, and cutting them to the proper length so they fit snugly between the rear wheels and the door when I closed it. Actually this took less than one ramp, and I then turned the other one right-side-up and nailed it across them to hold them in place.

When I got home,I went to the local feed store and asked them if I could use their loading dock (which was ground level at one end) to unload. they were hesitant, until I opened the truck and showed them the T, whereupon they couldn't wait to see it come out of the truck!

While the weather was a factor in my trip, otherwise it went smoothly and cost less than a third of what I had been told by professional vehicle movers.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jim Hycner on Monday, March 04, 2013 - 07:47 pm:


This is how I got mine home. Over 850 miles with no problem. the original top was perfect and did not want to see it rip off at 80MPH+ on the interstate. The road trip is one of the best parts of the hobby at times. Spending time with a friend and away from work.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Roar Sand on Monday, March 04, 2013 - 08:02 pm:

"80MPH+" on ST (Special Trailer) tires that are only rated for 65 MPH? Doesn't sound like a good idea to me! Just sayin'.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jim Hycner on Monday, March 04, 2013 - 09:24 pm:

HAHA 80MPH, do it all the time with my Shelby on it as well.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Wayne Sheldon, Grass Valley, CA on Monday, March 04, 2013 - 10:09 pm:

80mph is safer with the Shelby due to lower center of gravity and lower wind profile. For the same reason, tourings and runabouts are safer on trailers than sedans (from a trailer standpoint), especially if the tops are put down. Tops and windshields on runabouts and tourings are at greater risk at higher speeds than the fixed top or windows of a solid sedan.
All risks are relative.
People should learn how to use a trailer. Especially proper loading and speeds. Trailering should be understood, not feared.
Drive carefully, and enjoy, W2


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Steve Jelf, Parkerfield KS on Monday, March 04, 2013 - 10:25 pm:

It's heebie-jeebie time when I think of driving 80 mph with my rig pictured above. That would change mpg to gpm. It's gas hog enough even with my personal 55 mph speed limit.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mattthew G California on Tuesday, March 05, 2013 - 03:37 am:

Peter,
I have though of doing what you stated with a Uhaul. Good to hear how you did it. I have found that behind many of stores loading docs that would work. One is a half mile from me:-) I was thinking if I needed to I could do it on off hours when no one was looking;)


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jim on Tuesday, March 05, 2013 - 06:28 am:

I am on the road every day .... :-)


Here is an original 1923 Center Door I dropped off at the MTFCA Museum in December


1923 Original Center Door




Jim


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jim on Tuesday, March 05, 2013 - 06:32 am:

Here is a 1909 Model T Roadster I dropped off last year in Indiana ... :-)






Jim


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By mike taylor on Tuesday, March 05, 2013 - 06:37 am:

one of my favorite pictures is my t following me home. and the one with the last owner!home bound


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jim on Tuesday, March 05, 2013 - 06:40 am:

I tow at 55 m.p.h

Most states require ST tires on trailers.

ST tires are rated at 65 m.p.h. maximum for a reason, at higher speeds the tire breaks down
from the inside out, excessive speed is one of
the leading contributors to premature trailer
tire failure ....

Towing at slower speeds usually leaves you alone
in traffic, it also gives you more reaction time
in the event of an accident ....

Hauling any vehicle in a rental truck is NOT
a good idea, the rental company insurance
will NOT cover loss or damage to EITHER their
truck - your vehicle - or any other damage
caused while operating the truck ..

Neither will your insurance ...

Rental trucks have no tiedowns suitable for
keeping a vehicle secured while in transit.

If you are going to rent a trailer,
you are pretty much limited to an open trailer ...



Jim


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By John Aldrich Orting Wa on Tuesday, March 05, 2013 - 08:56 am:

I see towing with cars pointed forward and some pointed aft on open trailers.

Which is best and why?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Robert Green on Tuesday, March 05, 2013 - 10:03 am:

This is how I got mine home. Over 3.5 hours with no problem. Just had to stop a good bet people wanting to take a look....Great story behind this car!!!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Bill Severn - SE Texas on Tuesday, March 05, 2013 - 10:26 am:

Robert,

How about telling the story!!!

Bill


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Gary Schreiber- Aiken, SC on Tuesday, March 05, 2013 - 10:38 am:

This is how we got our 1st one home. 12 hours from Oldsmar Florida to Aiken, SC. Top was taught so didn't lower it but didn't exceed 50 either. U-Haul wouldn't let me rent a car trailer for a T, so I told them it was for a 28 A. 22 roadster pickup came from Indianna to Aiken the same way.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Wayne Murray - Anacortes, WA on Tuesday, March 05, 2013 - 11:11 am:

Like Steve, the last time I trailered the T, I put it on in reverse. I found it a little more difficult to get on the trailer by myself because of blind spots in the Coupe. Towing this way kept bugs off the windshield and radiator and put them on the rear window and spare where I could not see them while driving the T later. Hehehe... There are advantages and disadvantages for towing in either direction. It really comes down to personal preferences. Once I towed a '26 Rdstr P/up from home to Calgary for a Nat Tour mounted forward on the trailer with the top up and side curtains on. The top was over 30 years old and the main seam going front to back let go on the drivers side requiring side of the road top removal to minimize the damage.

Cheers- W

TT


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Robert Green on Tuesday, March 05, 2013 - 11:45 am:

Ok Mr Bill i can do that!!! My Father was born in September.1929 he bought the car when was 13 years old from a man he worked for in the afternoons after school and weekends picking cotton. He saved up $50 and bought the car from the old cotton farmer. When he turned 18 years old he joined the Navy. And stored the car in a barn at his sister house in Rome Georgia. After getting out of the Navy he married and i guess forgot about the car. It seat in this barn for 65 plus years! The type work he did we moved around a lot State to State. But as far back as i can remember we would spend every thanksgiving in Rome at his sisters house. The first thing he would do is get the suitcases out of the car hug and kiss everyone. Then me and him would run to the parts store and buy a quart of oil. He would take the spark plugs out and pour that quart of oil into all four cylinders. Have me grad the hand crank and turn it over a number of times. Then he would put the spark plugs back in and he would always tell me Boy one day we are going to get this old car up and running and go for a spin. It never happen! He passed so now the car was handed down to me. So i went to get it's here at my house now and i am dying to get it up and running!!!! That's the story behind this old car. Regards, Robert


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Nathan Bright on Tuesday, March 05, 2013 - 11:51 am:

just fly to NJ and drive it back!! im sure you could get help along the way if you needed it! :-)


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Bob McDonald-Federal Way, Wa. on Tuesday, March 05, 2013 - 11:54 am:

How about this way, not cheap but going 4000 miles ( Alaska to Colorado) was the only way in 1982.(plenty of head room)

Bob


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Larry Benton, Sherrills Ford, NC on Tuesday, March 05, 2013 - 12:11 pm:

Any comments on the best way to tie it down on the trailer, enclosed or open?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Peter Claverie on Tuesday, March 05, 2013 - 12:45 pm:

As you can see in several of the pictures on this thread, the most common method is to run straps from the front axle to the front of the trailer, and from the rear axle to the rear of the trailer. In my opinion, this is hazardous!

The problem is this: The front axle of a T is held pretty well in an up-and-down axis, and a side-to-side axis, by the springs. But front-to-back, it's held by the wishbone. The wishbone has a ball on the end, that fits into a socket on the bottom of the engine pan. The straps are busily trying to pull the ball out of the socket, and the tighter the straps, the more likely it is to pop out. Depending on the condition of both the ball and the socket (usually unknown if you're bringing home a new purchase), and also depending on stresses induced on the trip (panic stops, big bumps, etc.) the ball can come out of the socket. This will result in a wishbone waving around and possibly doing some real damage, and the car no longer being tightly held in place. In an extreme case, the car might actually jump around enough to fall between the cracks, so to speak.

I did considerable looking around about this, when designing the hold-downs for my car. What I came up with, is essentially the same thing U-Haul came up with for their open car haulers.

My idea is that you essentially tie down the four wheels, and let the body shimmy and shake on its springs -- just like it does when you're driving it!

Unless you're hauling a pile of junk parts loosely strung together to look like a vehicle, I believe this is the best way to tie down a Model T in or on a truck or trailer.

Don't forget, by the way, that there are loose parts that need to be secured. Hood, floor mats and floorboards, seat cushions, rag tops, all need to be removed and carried in the tow vehicle, or secured so wind can't get into or under them.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jeff V on Tuesday, March 05, 2013 - 03:14 pm:

A money saving tip, by the way, is to rent the trailer/truck in the same place as you drop it off, even though that means driving out with an empty trailer. Drop off charges can end up being huge for leaving a Uhaul in a different city than you rented it from. Know this can save hundreds of dollars.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Steve Jelf, Parkerfield KS on Tuesday, March 05, 2013 - 04:25 pm:

If you're fastening down the wheels as Peter suggests, don't depend on the U-Haul straps to do it.




Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By George Clipner-Los Angeles on Tuesday, March 05, 2013 - 05:50 pm:

This is how I moved my T last summer. Had some furniture also. Steve has a wicked sense of humor. Caught me brushing my teeth early AM before we went to breakfast.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Richard A Eddinger on Tuesday, March 05, 2013 - 08:52 pm:

New member: I am moving a 27 T roadster about 500 miles should I do it with the top up or down? Should I put a car cover over it? Any help greatly appreciated. Speed around 60.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Steve Jelf, Parkerfield KS on Tuesday, March 05, 2013 - 09:24 pm:

Top down. Loose parts inside. Check weather forecasts and move in good weather.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tim Williams on Wednesday, March 06, 2013 - 07:19 am:

I like U-haul trailers they tow nicely, but hate dealing with the people, I got the same thing like Gary did when i said i wanted to put a T on it. So I also told them it was for a Model A.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Steve Jelf, Parkerfield KS on Wednesday, March 06, 2013 - 09:40 am:

They don't know the difference anyway.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Robert Poane on Wednesday, March 06, 2013 - 10:01 am:

1914 Model T on U-haul. My neighborhood HOA does not allow trailers in the property.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Erich Bruckner, Vancouver, WA on Sunday, June 02, 2013 - 06:46 pm:

My local u-haul has 1926 model T Ford in their computer and had no problem renting it to me. Rental price was $54.00 per day, but, since I wanted it for over two weeks, they made me a deal just under $400.00


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Charles Linsenbarth on Sunday, June 02, 2013 - 07:34 pm:

Interesting topic, I learned a few things.
Charley


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Hal Schedler, Sacramento on Sunday, June 02, 2013 - 08:04 pm:

I have over 20,000 miles hauling my Fordor like this. Remember to load any trailer with AT LEAST 10% of the weight forward. My opinion is that since the T is designed to face the wind, loading it backward is weird. The wind deflector on the hood is well padded and not used with my best hood. I made the bra out of a good grade naugahyde and it's waterproof. I made a bra for my Runabout too and I trail it with the top up. Insert a heavy strip of foam between the top bow and the top so if there is any fluttering it won't beat up your top. I tow at around 65 MPH. (+ or -)


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Erich Bruckner, Vancouver, WA on Sunday, June 02, 2013 - 08:50 pm:

I love the saran wrap idea. Keeps stuff from flying out and discourages thieves.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Bill Severn - SE Texas on Monday, June 03, 2013 - 05:17 pm:

OK Robert Green, tell me the rest of the story: is it running???

Bill


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Philip Berg on Monday, June 03, 2013 - 06:42 pm:

Hauling my coupelet back from Iowa to California was pretty easy for me. Only downside is I had to haul the trailer back from California to Denver to give it back to my mother. She agreed to drive from Council Bluffs to Denver to meet me.

Enclosed is the best option if possible.

Rest stop - Western Utah


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dan B on Monday, June 03, 2013 - 09:17 pm:

Ditto on the U-Haul car trailer.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By David Dewey, N. California on Tuesday, June 04, 2013 - 01:41 am:

Well, since I think the statue of Limitations has run out, I think I can tell the story of moving a 1942 Packard Darrin inside a U-Haul truck (not my idea, my boss'). Of course, he did not mention what use the truck was going to have. I used 2x6s two as long as the inside of the truck, and four as long as the width. Screwed the boards together locking the wheels in place. We then closed the door AND locked it--if we were stopped we were claim we did not have the key--it was at the destination (anyone thinking mafia type "goods delivery"?).
It was a 3 hour trip on Bay Area freeways, and the most difficult part was finding a loading dock to unload the car!
I was MUCH younger then!
T'
David D.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dave Wells on Tuesday, June 04, 2013 - 12:44 pm:

Are trailer brakes required while doing this? My truck has provisions for a brake controller but, I have to purchase the controller separately. I don't want to buy or install one unless absolutely necessary. Thanks


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