Fox T-Bird/Cougar Forums

General => Lounge => Topic started by: fordguy545 on October 17, 2008, 08:12:37 PM

Title: trailering Turbocoupe ???'s
Post by: fordguy545 on October 17, 2008, 08:12:37 PM
I have trailered my car before, but the last time I did, I ended up having a strap break from rubbing on the gas tank filler bracket/support.  How are you guys tying your cars down on your trailers, and this is an urgent request, because I need to get something made tomorrow:punchballs:
Title: trailering Turbocoupe ???'s
Post by: 1WLD BRD on October 17, 2008, 08:27:36 PM
here is how my Cougar is strapped down right now...
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb170/1WLDBRD/DSC05609.jpg)
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb170/1WLDBRD/DSC05608.jpg)
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb170/1WLDBRD/DSC05606.jpg)
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb170/1WLDBRD/DSC05605.jpg)

Hope that helps you.....
Title: trailering Turbocoupe ???'s
Post by: thundr306 on October 17, 2008, 08:28:00 PM
In the rear you should be around the axle(nearest the pumpkin that you can) and straps crossed.
Title: trailering Turbocoupe ???'s
Post by: thundr306 on October 17, 2008, 08:29:10 PM
In the rear you should be around the axle(as close to the pumpkin that you can) and straps crossed.
Title: trailering Turbocoupe ???'s
Post by: fordguy545 on October 17, 2008, 08:43:28 PM
I just wasnt sure about going around the rear axle with the brake lines and abs wiring going through there right up near the top of the axle. 
1wld brd- our straps will not fit in those holes, dont know why, but I think dad mustve ordered heavier duty straps than those or something because I have tried to get it tied down there.  I may make something tomorrow to go in there, but just trying to find ideas
Title: trailering Turbocoupe ???'s
Post by: 1WLD BRD on October 17, 2008, 08:57:28 PM
yeah you have to be careful going around the axle tubes as it is really easy to break a brake line off....  seen it happen to a buddies car when they strapped it on the dyno...
Title: trailering Turbocoupe ???'s
Post by: thundr306 on October 17, 2008, 09:00:45 PM
I agree, you do need to be careful. That is the only way that I have ever tied any of my cars down and never had an issue.
Title: trailering Turbocoupe ???'s
Post by: FLSTCI71 on October 17, 2008, 09:18:00 PM
Quote from: thundr306;239710
In the rear you should be around the axle(as close to the pumpkin that you can) and straps crossed.

Why do you say the straps have to be crossed? I have hauled literally 100's of cars and have gone cross country several times (NY, CA, TZ, FL, etc) and I have never crossed straps. I would think crossing them could possibly create a rub/wear point. I always use four heavy ratchet straps, two in the front, two in the rear, and I go outward towards the corners. I always cross trailer safety chains, but not car tie downs. Just wondering what the rationale for that would be. Thanks.
Title: trailering Turbocoupe ???'s
Post by: fordguy545 on October 17, 2008, 10:52:44 PM
yeah, I've never gotten the whole cross straps deal.  When I put my truck on the trailer, I have two chains welded to the trailer so they never move for the front, and then put two ratchet straps at the back onto two loops I welded on the frame and around the bottom of the trailer at the back.  Never had any problems with that, but there is way less stuff to hook to on these cars:mad: and what is there I'm afraid isnt going to be strong enough:dunno:
Title: trailering Turbocoupe ???'s
Post by: 87badbird2613 on October 18, 2008, 01:36:55 AM
most of the cars ive ever done we welD a heavy guage ring on each side of the lower control mount on the rear  never had any problems!!
Title: trailering Turbocoupe ???'s
Post by: thundr306 on October 18, 2008, 08:14:15 AM
Quote from: FLSTCI71;239718
Why do you say the straps have to be crossed? I have hauled literally 100's of cars and have gone cross country several times (NY, CA, TZ, FL, etc) and I have never crossed straps. I would think crossing them could possibly create a rub/wear point. I always use four heavy ratchet straps, two in the front, two in the rear, and I go outward towards the corners. I always cross trailer safety chains, but not car tie downs. Just wondering what the rationale for that would be. Thanks.


I use a reinforced(covered) axle strap and then attach the ratchet strap to that. Crossing the straps should keep the car from moving side to side when tied to the axle.  There is not as much down force on the tires as when strapped to the frame. I know there are other ways, such as the factory tie down holes designed for the t-hooks. Not everyone has a t-hook chain end and alot of times the double j-hook ends, that are very popular in stores,  are too big too fit in the oval holes in the frame.

I guess it comes down to what he had to tie it down with and where the d-rings are on the trailer. Let us know how you make out.
Title: trailering Turbocoupe ???'s
Post by: Thunder Chicken on October 18, 2008, 09:03:07 AM
I suppose I've been lucky... the only time I say "trailer" and "Thunderbird" in the same sentence I mean this:
Title: trailering Turbocoupe ???'s
Post by: fordguy545 on October 18, 2008, 06:10:50 PM
well, heres the solution in the rear, and why I was having so many problems trying to find places to attatch to.  Front will come later becuase I didnt have time today
It would seem a little unnerving to trailer it a couple hundred miles with the brake lines where they are at
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c146/Fordguy545/88%20t-bird%20tc/SNV30539.jpg)
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c146/Fordguy545/88%20t-bird%20tc/SNV30540.jpg)
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c146/Fordguy545/88%20t-bird%20tc/SNV30541.jpg)
Solution is 1/4"x3" flat stock bolted to the lower control arm bolt and shock bolt.  Pass side is really close to the exhaust, so I may end up tweeking that one a little bit
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c146/Fordguy545/88%20t-bird%20tc/SNV30542.jpg)
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c146/Fordguy545/88%20t-bird%20tc/SNV30543.jpg)
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c146/Fordguy545/88%20t-bird%20tc/SNV30544.jpg)
Title: trailering Turbocoupe ???'s
Post by: 1WLD BRD on October 18, 2008, 09:16:43 PM
very cool and practicle idea...  why not run the control arm bolt through it?
Title: trailering Turbocoupe ???'s
Post by: fordguy545 on October 18, 2008, 09:29:05 PM
it is through it on the other side.  I probably would have put them on the inside of the bracket if the bolt was the other way, but going on the outside gives it 2 bolts it can go through, just needs another little bend in it to do it.  I also had my doubts the bolt would come out easily, and I didnt feel like fighting a spring this afternoon either, lol
Title: trailering Turbocoupe ???'s
Post by: Haystack on October 19, 2008, 12:21:45 AM
why not just loop it around the lower control arm?
Title: trailering Turbocoupe ???'s
Post by: Haystack on October 19, 2008, 12:21:44 AM
why not just loop it around the lower control arm?
Title: trailering Turbocoupe ???'s
Post by: fordguy545 on October 19, 2008, 08:33:12 PM
this I can just reach under there with a strap and hook it on.  To loop it around the LCA, I'd have to crawl under there to wrap it around.  The way I have my truck setup, I can drive it on the trailer, hook the front hooks in the frame, backup till they are tight, strap the back down and put the ramps away.  I can do that in under 5 minutes, and would like to have this car the same way, and not have to lay down on the trailer to hook any of it :)