| Author | Message | ||
     Geoff Wootton Grand Master Username: dounraey Post Number: 320 Registered: 5-2012 |
Hi Folks I will be having SRX18501 transported across the US and it will therefore spend some of the time in car pounds etc. I am wondering if I should remove the Spirit of Ecstasy as this is an obvious target for vandals. On a related note, is vandalism a problem with these cars when they are left parked up overnight or not garaged. Have any forum members experienced this, or is it a problem that is more imagined than real. Geoff | ||
| David Gore Moderator Username: david_gore Post Number: 1335 Registered: 4-2003 |
YES, YES a thousand times YES - remove the mascot, take it with you and do not leave it in the vehicle. I would be very reticent about using a transport company that cannot guarantee door-to-door transport in a sealed container. Transporting in a container gives the dual benefit of far less damage and far less likelihood of vandalism compared to the use of an open car transporter especially if there is the likelihood of unloading and reloading during the journey. With regard to the possibility of vandalism, this is always a concern due to the temptation presented to the cretins of this world by an unattended vehicle. The extra cost of using a specialist classic car transporter over the less-expensive run-of-the-mill "greasy joe" alternative gives peace of mind and a low probability of an insurance claim for transit damage. Many of our Club members ship their cars around the world for events and I am certain almost all of these shipments are done by containers loaded by specialist car shippers. By the way, have you checked with your insurance company about coverage for your vehicle whilst being shipped rather than driven? Your vehicle may not be covered or the insurer may impose conditions that have to be met for coverage to be maintained. | ||
| James Feller Grand Master Username: james_feller Post Number: 314 Registered: 5-2008 |
Geoff, David gives you sensible and sage advice. While a new or reproduction 'spirit of Ecstasy' is not break the bank $$$ they are NOT cheap to replace '000's rather than '00's. I have no idea how your transporters will carry your car but clearly while in transit they will have insurance cover over it but no idea what 'incidental' damage cover they have. Im not sure how easy a SY's mascot is to remove but prevention better than cure here... my SZ Spirit has a drop down mascot and I fear the mascot would be a nightmare to remove and its probably safer dropped into the grille as its out of harm or temptations way... My main point actually is the potential horrible damage that usually ensues by said 'cretin' ripping the mascot from the mount in the first place, the mechanism is complex and very sturdy and the damage to the iconic grille is what is insanely expensive. If said cretin is really intent on separating the mascot from your car by brute force....more often than not the whole top is reefed from the grille...ive seen this and its not pretty...think can opener and you will be getting the picture... The mascot that might be say a grand to replace becomes a 5 grand exercise to replace the whole grille and inaards.... So if you are not sure or in any doubt....carefully remove it. Here's a thought if that's a bit of a bother....I know I can remove the whole grille itself and mascot and mechanism on a SZ with 3 hex bolts, the grille just lifts straight out, job done. I'm not sure if SY's work as well as this though.... J | ||
| James Feller Grand Master Username: james_feller Post Number: 315 Registered: 5-2008 |
wrt to vandalism no one can or will say it will never happen.... however in Australia it's very rare to see wanton vandalism now ie ripping the mascot out...an easier temptation are the ss wheel finishers or in Yank speak 'hubcaps'. No idea what the going rate for them in the States is but in Aus they are very high hundreds EACH!!! the once sturdy steel locking ring gets out of shape and weak over 20-30 years and where once you certainly needed the claw lever to remove... I've seen cars where just a firm tug with your fingers and you could be off with $800 bucks worth of Rolls Royce 'ashtray'... I know of a few cars, while I don't like it, owners actually put clear lock ties on their hubs, mainly to stop them flying off and potentially killing someone... J | ||
| Geoff Wootton Grand Master Username: dounraey Post Number: 323 Registered: 5-2012 |
David and James Many thanks for your replies. I've had some quotes in - $1500 standard, $1900 covered for a 2000 mile trip. The specialist "covered" company seemed much more professional and also offered door to door with full comprehensive insurance, so I've decided to go with them. I also like the idea of them loading the truck and driving it across, rather than having the car loaded and unloaded at various depots across the states. As you have both said, it's worth the extra cost for peace of mind. Geoff | ||
| Geoff Wootton Grand Master Username: dounraey Post Number: 325 Registered: 5-2012 |
BTW - As a benchmark I estimated the cost of driving the Rolls the 2000 miles. This would include the return flight, gas and overnight hotel stays. Comes out at around $1500. Puts the transport costs in perspective. There would also be the added worry of the car breaking down along the way, but since Rolls Royces never go wrong I was able to discount this potential additional cost. | ||
| Randy Roberson Prolific User Username: wascator Post Number: 159 Registered: 5-2009 |
My Car made it just fine with her Spirit intact. She was under a Ferrari and in front of a nice XKE roadster when she was unloaded. Good company all around. I do not park Her just anywhere, either. I usually drive her to church or a few other select places when she wants exercise. | ||
| Jan Forrest Grand Master Username: got_one Post Number: 505 Registered: 1-2008 |
If you include the 'Pouncing Pussy' as I called it on my Jaguar XJS I've had 3 mascots ripped off my cars. Both the original Emily and the much cheaper replacement - along with the center chrome trim strip on the bonnet - were stolen from The Old Girl. Unfortunately I don't yet have a garage large enough to take her, but I'm hoping to erect one on my back garden shortly. It's 3.5 metres wide and 8 metres long so she should slip in easily. | ||
| Colin Silver Prolific User Username: colsilver Post Number: 165 Registered: 8-2008 |
Have a friend who has been buying up all sorts or cars from East Coast of the U.S. eg: A Lincoln Continental. For $10,000 he is having fun. Flys over, buys the car, then drives it across to the East Coast and leaves it with his friend's contacts. (His friend brings Mustangs et all over here constantly). |
