Towing question-Sport Coupe

[Bob from Northport]

A customer just brought a 28' Sport Coupe into the shop for work. It was brought in on an open trailer. During the trip, the center section of the top ripped off, now costing the customer a consider able amount to replace it.
We do not know why the car wasn't brought in a closed trailer.
Is there a way to tow a soft top car on an open trailer without damage or concern??


Thanks!!

[Tom Wesenberg]

Cover the top with a moving blanket, then a tarp over the blanket. Make sure the tarp is tightly wrapped to prevent flopping in the wind. Be sure no metal grommets can touch the body or paint.

[RonC]

Drive slow!! The top is not designed for the speeds it was probably subjected to

[jimalabam]

Agree with TOM, but if you cannot then I agree with RonC. Should not tow ANY trailer at 80-80 MPH just because others do...

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by Jim/Alabam

Agree with TOM, but if you cannot then I agree with RonC. Should not tow ANY trailer at 80-80 MPH just because others do...

Shouldn't be driving at those speeds even without pulling anything. It is dangerous and wastes gas.

[Redbird]

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Get a roll of collision wrap and wrap the top including the windshield.

[Mitch//pa]

There are always concerns when using an open trailer..wind, weather, debris. Etc

I'm not a fan of tarping cars that are getting beaten up by the wind for obvious reasons.

[trulyvintage]

I used to use an open trailer to transport

I switched to an enclosed trailer about (6) years ago

If you care about your vehicle - you will haul it in an enclosed trailer

If I were you - I would have any express disclaimer (in writing)
stating that any & all damage YOU determine to be caused by
open trailer hauling is NOT covered under warranty


Jim

[Charlville]

I've got a Sport Coupe and my good friend juke joint johnny warned me about this very thing so I've gone enclosed or a very well secured tarp.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

So is the cause of the top material blowing off because of the transport speed, -or because the top material and/or wood was faulty?

I have been in this hobby for over 50 years, and the first half of that tenure we attended tours all over the place where all the trailers were open trailers. Back then, highway speed limits were 60 mph too. Few, --if any cars arrived damaged to the tour. So what changed during the past 25+/- years where enclosed trailers are now a 'must'?

[old car guy]

Just saw a mid thirties Pontiac convertible that was towed about 1000 miles on a trailer at highway speeds . He took the plastic like the movers use to shrink wrap a pallet and went under the car to over the car to completely wrap it in .no only did everything stay put he went thru some horrendous rain storms and everything was bone dry inside. He bought what he used from a home depo store and it cost him about 40.00 pretty cheap price to insure a long ride with a expensive top. It certainly would have been better in a enclosed trailer. But not everyone has the means to buy or have one.

[Bob from Northport]

I don't know, Brent. The car showed up at my shop with a very sheepish look on the owners face. I have looked at the top, and it seems like the threads/sewing were getting old and weak, and maybe it was it's time. But it is for sure that it's gonna have a new top now. The roads are icy and salt covered here, so I doubt it was excessive speed.