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Topic: Getting car fixed and need it towed..what is the proper way to tow?

in Forum: C4 Engines

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Getting car fixed and need it towed..what is the proper way to tow? (1/11)
7/19/12 7:35pm

TEN A C
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Joined: 2/1/2012
Posts: 34

Hi everyone,

I'm finally taking my car to the shop. The battery is still dead and won't start. I need to have it towed. It is parked head-in in my garage. How do I have the tow company pull it out without damaging anything? Is there some way to put the car in neutral? I read the manual but didn't see anything about the shifter being locked. I want to make sure they do it right and I want to be able to tell them if they are doing something wrong.

I am going to have them send a flat-bed truck.

Thanks for your help.

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Re: Getting car fixed and need it towed..what is the proper way to tow (2/11)
7/19/12 8:00pm

jonneyone
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galion, OH - USA

Vette(s):
1984 base coupe 17,000 miles all original. very low production number.red on red 3853. pro num.

Joined: 5/31/2012
Posts: 413

i would say that the driver should pick it up from the back .get the rear wheels off the ground so the front wheels can turn . he should have a damage free hoist that goes under the tires. if he is an experance driver hell know what to do. perhaps he'll get a damage free tow truck, instead of a flat bed. i realy wouldn't like seeing your rear tires drag and slide going up the ramp . just my opinion. i hope i made sence about this . your owners manual should tell you on how to tow your vette. well atleast mine does. let me know how it turned out for you.

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Re: Getting car fixed and need it towed..what is the proper way to tow (3/11)
7/19/12 8:55pm

eddie20890
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lanoka harbor, NJ - USA

Vette(s):
1990 L-98 white/ red/black leather interior targa top auto 1975 L48 blue/black leather interior t tops auto

Joined: 3/22/2009
Posts: 1363

most towing companies will use a flat bed. the car is too low to trust a tow truck. if they use a hoist that was suggested by the time they got to the end of the block you would need a new front bumper. should be able to put the key in the off or start position and put the car in neutral. the towing companies usually know how to get your car on the truck with no problems.

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the dynamic duo

c3vr life member #97

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Re: Getting car fixed and need it towed..what is the proper way to tow (4/11)
7/19/12 9:15pm

i wasn't refering to a hoist ok i was talking about the fixture that they put under the wheels damage free ok.....wow

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Re: Getting car fixed and need it towed..what is the proper way to tow (5/11)
7/20/12 8:23am

understand about what you were saying but the car is still too low to the ground. in most cases you cant even put a c4 on ramps unless you put something in front of them to drive up on to raise the height. most towing companies that i know of will automatically send a flatbed when they hear corvette. they can almost put the bed flat on the ground and with the car in neutral can attach the winch to the frame and the car will go on with no problems.

the bottom line is to do whatever you feel comfortable with.

this is MY opinion.

|UPDATED|7/20/2012 5:23:33 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

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the dynamic duo

c3vr life member #97

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Re: Getting car fixed and need it towed..what is the proper way to tow (6/11)
7/20/12 8:44am

Adam Wartell
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Eagleville, PA - USA

Vette(s):
1979 Corvette Red T-Top

Joined: 3/18/2009
Posts: 4809

This thread doesn't need to turn ugly.

To the OP (Original Poster),

Let's just put it this way... whatever towing company you call should know how best to not only get your car out of the garage an onto some sort of towing vehicle, but ANY car. So call around, ask how they will get your car out, and make sure to tell them it is a Vette and ask if they will do anything differently because it is a Vette.

Ultimately, whatever company you wind up with will be responsible for making sure your car is not damaged, and if they do damage it, will be responsible to repair it.

Let us know how you make out!

Good luck.

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Re: Getting car fixed and need it towed..what is the proper way to tow (7/11)
7/20/12 9:56am

brocky3
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Jackson, NJ - USA

Vette(s):
Currently own a 1993 6 speed coupe

Joined: 8/26/2009
Posts: 7

Had my car pulled out of my garage rear-end first when my clutch slave cylinder went. Flatbed angle was still too steep to prevent the front spoiler from dragging so the driver put some 2x8 boards under the front tires which was enough to lift the front end and prevent the spoiler from dragging. They know what they're doing.

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Re: Getting car fixed and need it towed..what is the proper way to tow (8/11)
7/20/12 9:59am

jimmymack
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West Chester, PA - USA

Vette(s):
1995 Torch Red Coupe

Joined: 3/20/2009
Posts: 702

I would insist on a flat bed, if they can't supply one, find someone else.

Never let anyone put a winch or tow hook on your suspension, they will certainly bend it. There are tow hooks welded to the frame in the rear if they have to pull it out. But, as mentioned, turn ignition key, put into neutral and make sure emergency brake is off, before they pull it.

Good luck, hope it's nothing major.

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Re: Getting car fixed and need it towed..what is the proper way to tow (9/11)
7/20/12 7:51pm

Trooper
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Hermitage, TN - USA

Vette(s):
1990 C-4 Coupe Polo Green Saddle Interior L-98

Joined: 8/8/2010
Posts: 280

I had mine towed awhile back, actually about two years ago after I first bought it. Pulled it from the rear till it was out in the open, then we pushed it to turn it around and pulled it up onto the flat bed front first. I would ONLY go with a flat bed and no other way.

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Allan Brenneis Nashville Tn. 1990 Polo Green Coupe Saddle Interior Chrome ZR-1 Rims https://www.c4vetteregistry.com/member_uploads/14501_14600/14572/image2014329104347r.jpg

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Re: Getting car fixed and need it towed..what is the proper way to tow (10/11)
7/21/12 1:26pm

TEN A C
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Joined: 2/1/2012
Posts: 34

Hey everyone,

Had the car towed. All went well. I told the guy that he needed some boards before he came. First guy was on his way then a different guy called back. I think the first guy was a little nervous handling Vettes. Tow guy got her on the flat bed and didn't even scrape the ground. It was a good idea to use boards. It lifted it up high enough not to scrape. I think someone suggested that in another post. Finally got it to the shop. You may remember my other post. Car won't start. They think it's the starter. Should have it rollin' by next week. Cars were not meant to sit.

Thanks for all of your help.

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Re: Getting car fixed and need it towed..what is the proper way to tow (11/11)
8/9/13 8:40am

C4in mesa
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mesa, AZ - USA

Vette(s):
1988 Base C4.

Joined: 12/16/2012
Posts: 7

I've had my money pit towed at least 6 times. AAA service always. Professional guys who never blinked an eye. All used boards.

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