Front-end winch attachment?
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 12,146
Likes: 2,038
From: Easton, PA
St. Jude Donor '10
I don't think I have the same issue because my winch cable can drop down between my ramps and they are 11' long.
On my 350Z they have a tow ring behind the front grill for this very reason, so I get what you are suggesting.
Good luck with your solution.
David
On my 350Z they have a tow ring behind the front grill for this very reason, so I get what you are suggesting.
Good luck with your solution.
David
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 4,705
Likes: 983
From: Orlando FL
You can see the crank handle in this picture, the winch is mounted between the tool box and the tie-down ratchet handle.
We have a power winch, and a welded in bracket to mount it to, but we never use it, because the hand crank is quicker, and more convenient.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 4,364
Likes: 1,588
From: los altos hills california
You have a good eye for the geometry of the situation. I have the winch mounted up about 10"'s on a couple of I-beams. I think that'll do it however I have yet to try it with this and that other stuff, and now it's raining pretty good.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 4,364
Likes: 1,588
From: los altos hills california
Why use a power winch? I have a hand cranked winch mounted on the front of my trailer, and the handle is fixed in a bracket. It EASILY pulls up the 3700 pound Grand Prix.
You can see the crank handle in this picture, the winch is mounted between the tool box and the tie-down ratchet handle.
We have a power winch, and a welded in bracket to mount it to, but we never use it, because the hand crank is quicker, and more convenient.
You can see the crank handle in this picture, the winch is mounted between the tool box and the tie-down ratchet handle.
We have a power winch, and a welded in bracket to mount it to, but we never use it, because the hand crank is quicker, and more convenient.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 4,705
Likes: 983
From: Orlando FL
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
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From: Charlotte NC
I actually use my padded straps and go around the cradle of the frame itself on the super nice high dollar Corvettes Yes...it is a 'process'...and I do not do it this way all the time....because lets be honest. Not every Corvette is pristine and many have issues such and previous existing body damage, suspension bushings being worn out and front lower air deflector missing or all chewed up
But I am about 100% certain that if a persons Corvette was being hooked up at my shop and being pulled onto t roll-back/flat bed and I allowed the driver to do it that way and something went wrong right in front of the owners eyes....I would hear about it. Depending on the year model..I like the driver to use the 'T' hooks and put them in the frame where they are made to go.
DUB
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 4,364
Likes: 1,588
From: los altos hills california
Not that what I write will change how people do things...but I can say pulling on a part of the car that is bolted to the frame is asking for problems. Not 'saying' it will cause a problem.
But I am about 100% certain that if a persons Corvette was being hooked up at my shop and being pulled onto t roll-back/flat bed and I allowed the driver to do it that way and something went wrong right in front of the owners eyes....I would hear about it. Depending on the year model..I like the driver to use the 'T' hooks and put them in the frame where they are made to go.
DUB
But I am about 100% certain that if a persons Corvette was being hooked up at my shop and being pulled onto t roll-back/flat bed and I allowed the driver to do it that way and something went wrong right in front of the owners eyes....I would hear about it. Depending on the year model..I like the driver to use the 'T' hooks and put them in the frame where they are made to go.
DUB
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Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Charlotte NC
By changing the angle that the car is being pulled up on. I have some Corvettes that have such a low fiberglass front air dam...there is NO WAY that a flat bed could load it IF the normal angle is being used. So using custom extended ramps. YES..I know that works great while I am at my shop and have access to them....but what about loading your car up on the side of the road.
That is when I have made a custom spacer that could be easily attached so this spacer now has the cable up against it....thus changing the angle of the cable. And with the cable being closer to the ground....so-to-speak....it would not tear anything up. I paid a friend with his flat bed to stop by so I could test and change my design until I got it right for that specific Corvette. Depending on the Corvette...using a custom made spacer just depends.
DUB
That is when I have made a custom spacer that could be easily attached so this spacer now has the cable up against it....thus changing the angle of the cable. And with the cable being closer to the ground....so-to-speak....it would not tear anything up. I paid a friend with his flat bed to stop by so I could test and change my design until I got it right for that specific Corvette. Depending on the Corvette...using a custom made spacer just depends.
DUB
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 4,364
Likes: 1,588
From: los altos hills california
Thanks DUB. I don't know how much of this thread you read but as mentioned, my goal is to not have to crawl around on the ground hooking up stuff over and over again. That gets old, as do I!
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,192
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From: Allenton Wisconsin
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
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From: Charlotte NC
If your method makes you happy and is works for you....I guess all is good.
DUB
