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Posts Tagged ‘Classic Car Shipping’

5 Tips for Preparing a Classic Car for Transport

Investing in a classic car is a must for car enthusiasts, whether you love an old-fashioned T-bird or if you go even further back with your collection. When you are seeking a classic car transport service or a service that provides enclosed car transport solutions, there are a few tips to help you prepare your classic car ahead of time.

 

1. Remove All Personal Items Before Using a Classic Car Transport Service

Whether you intend to transport your classic car to another city or move across the country, it is essential to remove belongings and personal items before beginning the transportation process. Because you will not be with your classic car throughout the entire process of its transport, it is best to remove belongings and personal items that cannot be replaced or refunded if they are lost or stolen.

Although most classic car transport services provide insurance and protection from theft and loss, it may still not be worth the risk to lose the belongings you currently have stored or placed in your car.

 

  • Thoroughly Clean Your Car

After you have removed your belongings from your classic car, it is highly advisable to clean your car thoroughly, both inside and out. Thoroughly cleaning your car will ensure it is in tip-top shape for transport while also providing you with another opportunity to find and preserve personal belongings that you might have left in your car.

 

  • Take Photos of Your Car

Anytime you need a classic car transport service, it is highly advisable to take photos of the condition of your car before turning it over to your preferred provider.

2. Turn on Your Car

If your classic car has been sitting for weeks or even months in the same location, it is best to turn on and run your vehicle before transporting it, especially if you intend to drive it to its final destination.

Classic cars work best if they are run from time to time. Allowing such a car to sit without running it or turning on its battery can lead to bigger issues that require an on-site mechanic after your car’s transportation is complete. Keeping the battery adequately charged even when it is not in use is an essential aspect of owning an older car or a classic vehicle of any kind.

 

  • Remove Your Toll Charging Device

You can also opt to unplug or remove your toll charging device from your classic car before starting the transportation process. Before transporting them, it is best to remove any add-on tools or devices from a classic car. In addition to traditional toll-charging devices, it is also recommended to remove additional items such as alarm systems, stickers, parking passes, and removable or collectible emblems.

If you are searching for a way to protect and preserve your vehicle’s battery, consider getting a battery disconnect switch.

A battery disconnect switch provides you with a small plug or, in some cases, a removable pin that works to prevent battery drains from happening, even in vehicles that are sitting without being driven for extended periods.

Using a battery disconnect switch is a way for you to ensure the quality and life of your classic car’s battery, even if it has been a few months or over a year since you have used the vehicle or battery itself.

Using a small plug or removable pin, the battery disconnect switch can be used to plug into the positive-side terminal of the battery connection, keeping it from draining or causing electrical issues.

 

3. Take Care of Details Ahead of Time

Depending on the amount of time your classic car will be in transportation, it may be a good idea to address the fuel situation with your vehicle. When transporting a classic car between locations, using a fuel stabilizing product is highly advisable.

A fuel stabilizing product between your fill-ups can help to preserve and protect your vehicle. Additionally, some locations for fuel may add ethanol to the fuel itself, which may deteriorate and break down if your vehicle has not been driven or started for an extended period.

It is important to note that traditional, pure gasoline can typically retain its original properties for at least one year. However, if there is ethanol in the fuel you have used to fill up your classic car, it may be best to use fuel stabilizing products each time you visit a gas station before transporting the car itself.

When you plan to ship your vehicle across the country or over a few days or weeks, it is best to fill your car with 1/4 of a gas tank to avoid adding to the hazard of transporting a vehicle.

 

  • Tire Gauge

If you occasionally drive your classic car, it is advisable to stock the vehicle with a tire gauge and, in some cases, a pancake air compressor. You can store these useful tools in your garage whenever your vehicle is not in use.

Ensuring your tires are properly filled and have not lost significant pressure. At the same time, your classic car is stored as an imperative, especially if you are planning to transport the vehicle to a new destination or location.

Always check the pressure of your classic car’s tires using a tire gauge to determine whether or not your vehicle requires more air before transporting it or even taking it out on the road.

 

  • Make Another Set of Keys

Rather than giving away your only set of keys to your preferred vehicle transporter, have another set of keys made ahead of time. Having a copy of your keys is a way to maintain peace of mind while you await the completion of your transport.

 

  • Request a Maintenance Check

Before sending your vehicle off to be transported, it is best to have a thorough maintenance check conducted by your preferred mechanic. Whenever you have a maintenance check completed, be sure to take photos and gather and store any necessary paperwork you receive from your work.

Ensuring your vehicle remains in the same condition from the beginning of the transportation process until the end is essential. It is much easier with photographs of your vehicle and a verifiable paper trail.

 

  • Verify Insurance and Coverage

Even if you have traditional insurance on your vehicle, there is no guarantee that it will cover damage or a total loss of a collectible. Many classic cars in the USA that are valued at $100,000 or more may already have the maximum insurance coverage available, which is why it is best to work with a transporter service that specializes in transporting classic cars and collectibles.

A transporter service specializing in custom and classic vehicles will provide more insurance than traditional carriers and transportation services. When you choose to go with a classic car transporter, it is much easier to keep your mind at ease, as insurance policies can typically range from $500,000 to more than USD 5 million.

Before you settle on a classic car transport service or an enclosed car transport provider, inquire about the type of insurance they offer as well as their current insurance coverage limit.

If your vehicle’s value is worth more than the amount of coverage you are offered from your preferred classic car transport service, you can also attempt to negotiate. Inquire about the possibility of the transporter taking out an additional insurance policy to receive your busin

 

4. Load Your Vehicle With Maximum Allowed Luggage Weight (If Necessary)

Suppose you plan to transport your classic car to another state or even across water or the entire country. In that case, it is often recommended to load your vehicle with the maximum allowed luggage weight possible.

Adding luggage and weight to your vehicle before transport will help to stabilize it throughout the transportation process. Although you will be working with professionals, a heavier car is less likely to skid and move around easily, especially when transporting older classic cars.

Even if you are using an enclosed car transport service, loading your vehicle with the maximum allowed luggage weight will help to ensure your vehicle remains in place.

 

5. Position Your Vehicle Properly

Once you select a classic car transport service, you can then establish the details of the pickup and transport date.

Most carrier trucks will request that you position your vehicle in a convenient location for pickup and transport. Working out these details with your preferred carrier before your scheduled pickup date is ideal.

Inform your carrier of any information or details they may require to reach and pick up your vehicle with ease successfully. If possible, make sure that you are on-site and available during the pickup to ensure that the process goes over as smoothly as possible with your presence.

If you live in a gated community or your car transport provider will need permission to enter your neighborhood or property, inform them ahead of time to prevent hangups and schedule interference.

Transporting a classic car using a traditional classic car transport service or an enclosed car transport service is a way to move any car from one location to another without the hassle.

With the right car transport provider like National Dispatch, maintain your peace of mind knowing your classic collectible is in the right hands at all times, even when headed across the country.

7 Classic Car Shipping Tips Every Owner Must Know

Why Should You Ship Your Classic Car?

Did you recently purchase a classic vehicle? Or, maybe you are moving and want to take your 1963 Corvette Sting Ray with you. The only problem is that the vehicle or the move is a few states away. You could transport the car, yourself, with a truck and trailer. However, the easiest and safest option is to use an auto transport company.

Shipping the vehicle, rather than driving it, reduces the chance of accident and depreciation. After you add up a number of driving expenses, such as lodging, gas, and food, it makes more sense to transport. You will also be saving yourself time and energy.

Finding a reliable and trustworthy company to transport your vehicle can be difficult. After all, your classic car has been an investment of both your time and money. You would do anything to protect your most valuable possession. In this post, you will find tips on shipping your classic vehicle, as well as a few classic car care tips.

What Makes A Car A Classic?

Is it age, model, or popular opinion that defines a vehicle as a classic? To put it simply, a classic car is an “old” automobile. However, experts in classic cars have more specific characteristics of what makes a vehicle a classic.

Many organizations have created categories of classic, antique, and vintage. The category the vehicle is placed into is dependent upon the age of the vehicle. For example, a classic may be defined as being between 25 and 50 years old. Organizations and clubs differ in their definitions.

You may wonder why this is important. This is important for future buyers and current owners. Each classic car insurance and lending agency has established their own definition of a classic vehicle. Therefore, it is important to understand the company’s definition before making a purchase. The DMV of each state has also set guidelines for registering a classic vehicle or obtaining a classic vehicle license plate.

Classic Car Shipping Tips

In general, no matter what type of vehicle you are shipping, the process is similar. The process for shipping a car, including a classic model, is as follows:

  1. Go online to request a quote using the free online quote calculator or call 800-321-2051. At National Dispatch, no personal information is ever required. Just fill out four simple fields and receive your quote in seconds!
  2. Book your auto transport service to have your vehicle shipped. Short on time? Choose an expedited shipping option at an extra fee.
  3. Prepare the car for shipping. The driver is responsible for taking care of your vehicle during transit. On the other hand, you are responsible for getting it ready to be shipped before the driver’s arrival.
  4. Perform an inspection with the driver and sign necessary forms upon pick-up of the vehicle.
  5. A final inspection on the vehicle’s condition after transport is conducted. This is to ensure no damages occurred during auto transport.

You have decided that shipping your classic model is the best option for you. It is time to book auto transport services. We have gathered a few tips for you to keep in mind during the whole process to ensure that you receive the best experience.

Here are 7 Tips For Shipping Your Classic Car:

  1. Know the company. It is hard to trust someone else with your vehicle. Therefore, it is important to find out everything you can about the company that is going to be hauling your vehicle. You want a company that has the proper equipment, knowledge, and years of experience in the industry. Look at the company’s website to ensure that they are credible and trustworthy. You want to make sure that you find the right car shipping company to transport your priceless antique. For more information on how to research and what to look for, read How to Choose An Auto Transport Company.
  2. Do not wait until the last minute to book. It can take several days to a few weeks to ship your car, depending on the shipping option you choose. Therefore, it is important to not waste anytime. As soon as you have made a final decision, book with the auto transport company, and put it on your calendar as a reminder. This way everything is taken care of ahead of time, so you do not feel rushed. Procrastination often leads to unnecessary stress.
  3. Decide on the transport service you want. There are two primary options to choose from, which are open auto transport and enclosed auto transport. Open auto transport is the standard car shipping option, in which the car will be shipped with up to eight other vehicles on an open-air trailer. With this option, there is the small risk that the vehicle could become damaged or dirty from road debris. However, top-load placement reduces the risks from dirt and debris. Enclosed auto transport is more expensive, but it provides more protection. Some trucks even offer power lift-gates, which limits the handling of the vehicle even more. When weighing the two options, one must take into consideration their budget and the level of service they wish to receive.
  4. Do not choose solely on price. Quality over quantity. Do not choose a company just because they offer the lowest price. Often times, you get what you pay for in the quality of the service. If you want the best service for  your valuable car, you must invest a little more to give your vehicle what it deserves. Look at another aspect of the company, such as the number of years that they have been in business.
  5. Understand the insurance coverage. Ask the auto transport company about their insurance policy to find out what is and is not covered in the case of an accident. Ask for a copy of the policy to be emailed or printed out, so that you can review it. Get all your questions answered. Some common questions include: What does the insurance cover? What types of accidents, events, or damages are NOT covered? Check with your own insurance company to see if the vehicle is covered during shipping.
  6. Follow important preparation procedures. There are several important tasks that should be completed before shipping your car. Prior to shipping, the car should contain only ¼ tank of gas. Perform up-to-date maintenance, especially if there are any fluid leakage problems. It is important to fix these problems, so that your vehicle is not placed above another car in transport and potentially cause damage. All valuables should be removed from the vehicle. Prepare written handling instructions for the driver, so that the driver will know of any special tricks to operating the vehicle. An inspection, with the driver, will be performed before and after auto transport. You may even want to take pictures of your car from a variety of angles. For more helpful tips, read Preparing Your Car for Shipping in 10 Easy Steps.
  7. Be available during transport. The driver will notify you with updates along the way, so it is important to remain accessible. Some locations with narrow streets are difficult for the driver to maneuver the large truck. If this were to be the case, the driver would communicate with you to determine an easier place to drop off the car. You are also free to call the driver with any questions you may have.

How Much Does It Cost?

The price to ship a classic car depends on many factors. These include the following:

  • Distance from pick-up site to drop-off site
  • Vehicle make and model
  • Vehicle condition: operable vs. non-operable
  • Transport service: open vs. enclosed
  • Time of year (demand)

Depending on these factors, shipping your classic car could cost you anywhere from a few hundred dollars to more than one thousand dollars. On average, you will spend between $300-$500 more for enclosed auto transport than for open auto transport. If keeping your car out of the elements is important to you, then enclosed is the way to go. If you are the owner of a soft-top convertible, enclosed provides a safer option. Expedited shipping will also cost more, because the company is reserving a spot on the truck for your car in a limited time frame.

Classic Car Care Tips

With Summer just around the corner, you are eager to get behind the wheel and show off your classic model to the world. Summer provides the perfect opportunity to put the top down and cruise around town. Now, it’s time to unveil the beauty that has been hidden during the wintry months. Before hitting the road, there is some general car care to take of.

Here are a few tips to ensure that your classic car is looking and running its best:

  • Protect the paint. Liven up those reds, blues, yellows, and greens with a fresh paint job. Maybe the paint is not faded, it could just use a good scrubbing. Wash and wax your vehicle before taking it for a spin. This way it will look shiny for all onlookers.
  • Protect the interior. It is not just the exterior that should be in great shape. When you take it out on the town, people will want to see the interior, as well. Protect your vehicle’s interior by using a protectant and sunshade. You do not want your leather seats to peel and crack.
  • Perform necessary car maintenance. Perform any needed servicing on your car at the start of the Summer season. Here are some car maintenance tasks to put at the top of your to-do list:
    • Check the tire tread and pressure
    • Change the oil and filter
    • Check hoses and belts for cracks
    • Replace windshield wipers
    • Check battery
    • Check air conditioning
  • Let it run. Allow the car to run for a couple of minutes before driving it. If the vehicle has been sitting for a while, plan on driving it for thirty minutes or more.

When winter comes around, you will want to protect your vehicle from the extreme cold. Check out our Guide To Winterizing Your Classic Car.

Upcoming Classic Car Shows

Now, your vehicle is in perfect condition for the next car show. A car show provides the opportunity to share your classic model with enthusiasts who love the cars as much as you do. We have assembled a short list of some of the upcoming classic car shows on the east and west coast.

  • Rockabillaque Annual Classic Car & Vintage Motorcycle Show: The event is located in Charleston, South Carolina in November. There is live music, a beard and mustache contest, and fun events for the kids. Find out more information here.
  • Orinda Annual Classic Car Show: The event is located in Orinda, California in September. There is fun the day before, also. The Car Show benefits local charities. Find out more information here.
  • Chester’s Annual Classic Car & Truck Show: The show is located in Chester, New Jersey in June. The historic streets of Chester provide the perfect location for hosting this type of event. Find out more information here.

Call National Dispatch Today!

We understand that your classic car is of great sentimental value to you. After all, history is priceless, and some models are not even made anymore. You may be nervous about shipping your car a long distance with a stranger, but National Dispatch is a leading provider of auto transport services. It is our goal to ship your vehicle in the safest, fastest manner possible without incident.

We have years of experience in the industry, shipping hundreds of vehicles for many different individuals all across the United States. We provide door-to-door transport, so we will do our best to come directly to you. In addition, you may choose to have your classic vehicle shipped in an enclosed transport truck for the utmost protection. We also have the equipment and manpower to ship non-operable vehicles.

Taking the first step is easy. Call us today at 800-321-2051 to speak with one of our knowledgeable staff members about the auto transport process. You may also go to https://www.nationaldispatch.com for a free, instant car shipping quote. We look forward to hearing from you!