[ALB]

Hi,

The car is a Sunbeam Alpine, last driven in the 1980s (and definitely now inoperable), currently with my great-uncle in Arkansas. He's excited to see my dad and me convert it to an EV. The first step is to get it at or near my folks' place in Louisiana, where, frankly, it might sit a few years until we get this project fully underway. There is no garage at the house, so we need a different solution for storing the car. Therefore, we need to (1) transport, (2) store an inoperable car, and (3) possibly also haul to the local auto body shop for some repairs before it's in a condition where we can start the EV project.

Does anyone have advice on the right way to handle this? It seems we need an enclosed trailer with an electric winch, which, frankly, is something I've never bought before. Any advice on how to shop for that would be greatly appreciated. And hello to anyone else with a Sunbeam Alpine!

Best,

ALB

 

[cricketo]

I assume the vehicle at least can free-roll on its wheels. If it doesn't, you need to fix that first. I would suggest a car hauler type trailer, u-haul calls them "auto transport tailers". No fancy winches are necessary - just get a 2ton "come along" and some chains. I've loaded an older heavier car onto a tilt bed trailer like that before.

 

[Kato659]

For storage I would probably just get a car cover. An enclosed trailer is expensive (beware also, most are not wide enough for a car), takes up a lot of space, and is a tempting target for thieves.

 

[cricketo]

Tarps also work

 

[brian_]

A U-Haul trailer makes a lot of sense... but sports cars can have front end clearance issues with getting on trailers, so be prepared for some creative loading work.

For a small number of local moves during the build, a tow truck might be the most practical solution.

 

[cricketo]

Those u-haul car transport trailers are specifically intended for that purpose :

 

[brian_]

Those u-haul car transport trailers are specifically intended for that purpose :

I've used one, but only for my Mazda 3, and even it had an issue with the stop at the front being too high; I'm pretty sure our Spitfire wouldn't go on easily. They're specifically for cars, and have a pretty reasonable ramp angle... but the Sunbeam could be very low. If the 911 clears okay, that's promising for the Sunbeam.

 

[cricketo]

Maybe deflating trailer tires for loading/unloading would help then ?

 

[Kato659]

Bring a pair of 2x8 boards, 6 or 8 feet long. Put one end of the board about 2/3 of the way up the ramp with the other end extending back past the ramps. Works like a charm for low cars.

Edit: this is necessary with a flat deck trailer with shorter ramps, might not be required for a lower U-Haul. If it's close, though, this could make the difference.

 

[brian_]

Maybe deflating trailer tires for loading/unloading would help then ?

The problem is usually the opposite - more car height is needed, and less inflation would make it worse.

 

[brian_]

Bring a pair of 2x8 boards, 6 or 8 feet long. Put one end of the board about 2/3 of the way up the ramp with the other end extending back past the ramps. Works like a charm for low cars. View attachment 123327

Edit: this is necessary with a flat deck trailer with shorter ramps, might not be required for a lower U-Haul. If it's close, though, this could make the difference.

Yes, that's exactly the sort of thing one runs into. I agree that the U-Haul car hauler is pretty good, and might work for the Sunbeam Alpine without any problems.

 

[cricketo]

The problem is usually the opposite - more car height is needed, and less inflation would make it worse.

Did you read my question right ? I was suggesting deflating trailer tires (not car tires), which would lower the entire trailer and reduce the ramp approach angle.

 

[brian_]

Did you read my question right ? I was suggesting deflating trailer tires (not car tires), which would lower the entire trailer and reduce the ramp approach angle.

Nope, I didn't read it right... and of course deflating the trailer tires would help. I blame not having my coffee yet!

 

[Jbear]

Do you haul trailer will be just fine, there are many creative ways to get your car on that that your peers on here have notably mentioned. As to Storage, I am in Juno Alaska, we are in temperate rainforest and since we are rainforest our humidity is high but not as high as it is all the time in Louisiana. So if you do use a car cover which is more preferred then a tarp, make sure it is a breathable car cover. The reason being if you don’t get air circulation you get mold mold will permeate leather and vinyl and render it really nasty as well as the carpet and the electrical components. Make sure you uncover it and roll the windows down if it’s a hard top and even if it is a soft tub occasionally just to let it dry out