Transporting a Model A from FL to MA... Help

[CapeCod_28A]

Last year I inherited a Model A and Model T and they are both located in St. Petersburg, FL. In the spring I'd like to get the Model A up to my home in Massachusetts. I've been driving the A a little when I'm down in FL but I'm really looking forward to enjoying it more when I get it up here.

I'm in no time crunch so the timing doesn't matter much but I'm guessing car haulers tend not to make runs up to the NE this time of year.

Any advice or suggestions for a newbie Model A owner?

 

[mcorrell]

A few years ago I inherited my '29 Model A Coupe and had to have it transported from my Dad's place in northern OH, to my home in western NC. The car was infrequently driven and had issues making the trip inside the Reliable Transport trailer.
It was DOA when it arrived, even though it ran well when they picked it up. This was later determined to be the fault of a new, but cheaply made repop ammeter. It looked OK externally bet "let go" inside during the ride giving no power to the ignition. Also, two of the 40 year old tires gave way when they strapped it down for transport.
I had made plans with Reliable to pick up the car at an abandoned industrial park about 1 mile from my home on a certain day and planned to drive it home. The day before was an important day with the top brass arriving at my work for a day of meetings. Guess what? The driver decided to change his route and the delivery date and I get a call during a high level meeting that he was waiting for me at 11am. I made him wait until I left work at 3pm. When I got there I found the car in the above condition and had to call a roll back truck to get the car the one mile to my house. The 650 mile trip from OH to NC was $975 and the rollback an additional $75. I was highly ticked off and called Reliable to tell them so. The tires and ammeter wasn't their fault but the driver changing the route and delivery date was.
I am saying all of this to let you know things can happen out of your control. Good luck!

 

[160B]

This was not a Model A transport, but it is worth sharing.

My daughter had a vehicle transport pick up a vehicle in Little Rock AK and transported to Seattle, WA.

Due to her work schedule I agreed to meet the transport, inspect the vehicle pay the driver and drive the car to her house in Seattle WA.

The delivery was delayed several days due to a transport break down in CA. When the break down was resolved they were to deliver the vehicle to a prearranged site near Tacoma WA, this was relatively close to where I live in Port Orchard WA.

As the driver neared Tacoma he changed the delivery site to another area in Federal Way near Seattle with a evening pickup. Then he called and he had arrived at Federal Way and was spending the night in Federal way and if we wanted the car it would be a early AM pick up the next morning.

So my one experience and lesson learned is be flexible, and be ready for changes to the plan.

 

[Curtis in MA]

I inherited mine in NC in 1987. I had newman international transport move it to MA. They picked it up on time but got to MA before I did, so they left it in my driveway. It didn't run so I'm not sure how they did it! They had a deal with their drivers so if there was any damage the driver paid the deductible. It was well worth it.

 

[glenn in camino]

I transported a model A from SoCal to NorCAL. I used FedX. They did a great job.

 

[Bruce Adams]

Just Google Car Transporter and a number of AGENTS will contact you since they have private haulers on their lists and will arrange it for you.

 

[holdover]

Getting close to when the people who winter down in Fla. will be coming north , the transporters will be making trips up and down the coast, be a good time to get lined up with one that can fit you in..

 

[3.6rs]

...
I'm in no time crunch so the timing doesn't matter much ...

Take a flight down to Fla and drive the A home.

 

[Larry Jenkins]

"Freighter Jim" advertises over on Ahooga. He seems to be a good choice based on his dialog; images and Customer comments.

 

[trulyvintage]

Thanks Larry

"Freighter Jim" advertises over on Ahooga. He seems to be a good choice based on his dialog; images and Customer comments.

Thanks Larry

For those who have been around for awhile ....

Before Ryan bought the rights to Ford Barn & Chevy Barn from Miss Shelly

It was a simple format and I ran a little box ad at the top for years

Times Change

I wrote the code for my website back in 2006 - it has been up and running
continuously since then ...

I have safely transported many Model A's over the years

I also transport for the MTFCA Museum in Richmond, IN

I have safely hauled at least (9) vehicles there over the years

I safely haul other vehicles as well

And always along the way I make plenty of .....

Right now I am in Tucson, AZ - headed next to Phoenix with room
to Salinas, CA - from there I am building a trip East - hopefully
to Florida ....


Jim

 

[TerryH]

I used Passport by FedEx years ago, to transport my Town Sedan from upstate New York to California. Very professional, on time, cell phone communication with the driver, no surprises....very satisfied.

 

[CapeCod_28A]

Take a flight down to Fla and drive the A home.

I'd love to do this! Unfortunately I'm in the learning phase with the Model A right now and I've already learned that there's always tinkering to be done when driving it and I'm starting from knowing zero about old cars.

Thank you for everyone that's been responding.

 

[ronn]

uship around 500. a car

enclosed carrier about 1000. a car

MAKE SURE YOU INSURE BOTH ON YOUR OWN BEFOREHAND, NO MATTER WHO YOU CHOOSE.

the FL-ME corridor has drivers running back and forth daily................

 

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

I read of a Fordor BODY, shipped on a flatbed trailer, UPSIDE DOWN!!! It arrived with an 8" "CHOPPED" TOP!!!!
Bill Cramped

 

[1931 flamingo]

I'll vouch for trulyvintage, excellent ! ! !
Paul in CT

 

[trulyvintage]

Thanks Paul

I'll vouch for trulyvintage, excellent ! ! !
Paul in CT

Thanks Paul !

If memory serves correct - you used to run a tow truck so
that is high praise indeed ...

I believe this is your 1973 Ferrari Red Corvette I dropped off in Florida a few years back ...


Jim

 

[1931 flamingo]

That's it and that's MY brother with HIS car. He was very happy with the transaction as was I with the interface with you here in CT.
Paul

 

[old31]

Re: Thanks Paul

Thanks Paul !

If memory serves correct - you used to run a tow truck so
that is high praise indeed ...

I believe this is your 1973 Ferrari Red Corvette I dropped off in Florida a few years back ...


Jim

Oh ouch, my eyes, I went blind. A red vet on a Ford site. Your lug nuts should be removed.

Very pretty!

 

[jhowes]

I'll make you an offer you can't refuse. My brother and I along with another Model A owner are driving from Daytona Beach to New York and the friend to Vermont in June. We are leaving the 1st of june and expect to take 4 days. There will be 2 model A's on the trip and we all have years of experience with these cars. You are welcome to join us. Jack

 

[rocket1]

I would drive it home,an adventure of a lifetime! and by the time you get home you will have a very good knowledge of the model A.I would ask a local Barner to assist you on going over the A to get it ready for the trip.