Transport?
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: I live my life by 2 rules. 1) Never share everything you know. 2)
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13, '16-'17-'18
Transport?
Anyone care to recommend a good, reliable shipper? As the weather looks like it's turning crappy later this week, I'm thinking it may be smarter to ship the new C7 instead of driving it home.
Needs to go from Kellogg, ID to south of Portland (Wilsonville area)
Needs to go from Kellogg, ID to south of Portland (Wilsonville area)
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Seattle WA
St. Jude Donor '15
I would avoid DAS (Dependable Auto Shippers) at all costs.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Might want to contact Corvettes of Auburn. Dan may know somebody local (greater Seattle area) who has experience in transporting Corvettes. Dan will have a booth in the ShowPlex Building at the CHP Meet.
Maybe contacting Nancy's out in Sandy? They may know somebody.
Maybe contacting Nancy's out in Sandy? They may know somebody.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2009
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From: Everett WA.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Sammamish WA
May I ask what the concern might be? Is it simply the weather - as in snow and rain - or not wanting to put miles on it?
XC6vette picked his new car up from Montana and drove it home. Granted, the weather was Fall-like, but no issues. Not sure how the passes are in the Oregon cascades (or would you be coming home through the Gorge?)
I suspect the cost could run $500 or more, but if you think you'll ever drive it in the rain, might as well give it its baptism and enjoy the new car by driving it home.
Besides, going to the dealer to pick it up will allow you the opportunity to check it out before you take delivery. Not that there's any reason to be concerned,
Just go get it....
XC6vette picked his new car up from Montana and drove it home. Granted, the weather was Fall-like, but no issues. Not sure how the passes are in the Oregon cascades (or would you be coming home through the Gorge?)
I suspect the cost could run $500 or more, but if you think you'll ever drive it in the rain, might as well give it its baptism and enjoy the new car by driving it home.
Besides, going to the dealer to pick it up will allow you the opportunity to check it out before you take delivery. Not that there's any reason to be concerned,
Just go get it....
Thread Starter
Team Owner
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From: I live my life by 2 rules. 1) Never share everything you know. 2)
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13, '16-'17-'18
First of all, thanks to all who've responded. But I do have to say that I checked with Passport and they're a good 50% higher than anyone else I've checked with so far. Not to mention twice as long a guaranteed delivery time.
That being said....
Rain doesn't bother me nor does cold weather. All my Vettes have been regularly driven in everything but serious snow. My concern right now is that the weather forecast is looking substantially crappier than it has for a while and folks who know the driving in Northern ID/Spokane this time of year warn me of black ice, gravel and rocks.
I'm not sure yet on the EXACT timing as the car is scheduled right now to be in Spokane on Thursday. Allowing for a few days to unload from the rail car, get trucked to the dealer and have them prep it, I'm assuming being able to take it (one way or another) the first week of Feb. Maybe the weather will settle down by then but I'm just doing my due diligence on this and having a backup plan
(I'd prefer to drive it home...)
That being said....
Rain doesn't bother me nor does cold weather. All my Vettes have been regularly driven in everything but serious snow. My concern right now is that the weather forecast is looking substantially crappier than it has for a while and folks who know the driving in Northern ID/Spokane this time of year warn me of black ice, gravel and rocks.
I'm not sure yet on the EXACT timing as the car is scheduled right now to be in Spokane on Thursday. Allowing for a few days to unload from the rail car, get trucked to the dealer and have them prep it, I'm assuming being able to take it (one way or another) the first week of Feb. Maybe the weather will settle down by then but I'm just doing my due diligence on this and having a backup plan
(I'd prefer to drive it home...)
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Have you thought of a courtesy delivery? That may cost as much as having a freight company deliver the car, but it would get the car delivered to a local Chevy dealer. And the transportation would be handled between two dealers so you would not have to find a company yourself.
Thread Starter
Team Owner
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From: I live my life by 2 rules. 1) Never share everything you know. 2)
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13, '16-'17-'18
Actually, I was tried to change my order to do exactly that early in the process. But even that early, it was too late to change delivery - the only way to change would have been to cancel and reorder. I wasn't about to do that for some reason 
I know, I didn't get it either as the car hadn't even been built by then but it is what it is....
I know, I didn't get it either as the car hadn't even been built by then but it is what it is....
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Safety Car
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From: Green and Wet Western Oregon
2023 C7 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
2018 C6 of Year Winner
You probably already thought of this, but does anyone in MHCC have an enclosed trailer and HD pickup? Best of both worlds - you could pay a buddy for his time & gas and you would be there to supervise loading.
Thread Starter
Team Owner
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From: I live my life by 2 rules. 1) Never share everything you know. 2)
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13, '16-'17-'18
I may just bite the bullet and if the weather isn't too bad, I'll drive it home after putting a few pounds of blue painters tape on it first
(VIK TOY is reminding me that I probably should inspect the car myself before it leaves the dealer anyway...)
Safety Car
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From: Green and Wet Western Oregon
2023 C7 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
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Yea, that was my first thought and I'm looking into it.
I may just bite the bullet and if the weather isn't too bad, I'll drive it home after putting a few pounds of blue painters tape on it first
(VIK TOY is reminding me that I probably should inspect the car myself before it leaves the dealer anyway...)
I may just bite the bullet and if the weather isn't too bad, I'll drive it home after putting a few pounds of blue painters tape on it first
(VIK TOY is reminding me that I probably should inspect the car myself before it leaves the dealer anyway...)
Best of luck with whichever way you ultimately decide.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,606
Likes: 88
From: Sammamish WA
Rain doesn't bother me nor does cold weather. All my Vettes have been regularly driven in everything but serious snow. My concern right now is that the weather forecast is looking substantially crappier than it has for a while and folks who know the driving in Northern ID/Spokane this time of year warn me of black ice, gravel and rocks.
(I'd prefer to drive it home...)
(I'd prefer to drive it home...)
As much as you are prepared to enjoy - indeed, love - your new C7, this is not something that can't be touched up or repaired when you get home. Sounds to me as though you've reached the threshold of marginal propensity to spend so if you have excess money, by all means, get a reliable carrier to bring it home.
If you're a tightwad, like me, go get the damn thing and begin to enjoy it. Based on my recently discovered realization that Corvettes depreciate like rocks and that trying to preserve your new baby by having it shipped is likely not to produce any dividends in the long run.
Methinks thou worries too much...(although I fully understand).
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: I live my life by 2 rules. 1) Never share everything you know. 2)
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13, '16-'17-'18
I feel your anguish. When we bought our Grand Sport in Indiana we went through some similar decisions. First, do we buy a used Corvette sight unseen? And secondly, do we fly to Chicago & drive it home or rely on the dealer to make shipping arrangements? In the end we had it shipped and it was the LONGEST five days of my life!!
Best of luck with whichever way you ultimately decide.
Best of luck with whichever way you ultimately decide.
Then drive the bloody thing home via southern Idaho. Buy a bra or get some of that protective film.
As much as you are prepared to enjoy - indeed, love - your new C7, this is not something that can't be touched up or repaired when you get home. Sounds to me as though you've reached the threshold of marginal propensity to spend so if you have excess money, by all means, get a reliable carrier to bring it home.
If you're a tightwad, like me, go get the damn thing and begin to enjoy it. Based on my recently discovered realization that Corvettes depreciate like rocks and that trying to preserve your new baby by having it shipped is likely not to produce any dividends in the long run.
Methinks thou worries too much...(although I fully understand).
As much as you are prepared to enjoy - indeed, love - your new C7, this is not something that can't be touched up or repaired when you get home. Sounds to me as though you've reached the threshold of marginal propensity to spend so if you have excess money, by all means, get a reliable carrier to bring it home.
If you're a tightwad, like me, go get the damn thing and begin to enjoy it. Based on my recently discovered realization that Corvettes depreciate like rocks and that trying to preserve your new baby by having it shipped is likely not to produce any dividends in the long run.
Methinks thou worries too much...(although I fully understand).
Let's face it.. spending upwards of $60K on a new car seems like a bad time to nickel and dime the details. Not that I throw money away but sometimes it is better to spend a little to save a lot. On the other hand, I would hate to give my brand new C7 the complexion of a 16 year old with majorly plugged facial pores - something I think a couple of rolls of blue painter's tape might be the cure for. I do many show and shines and like to keep my car looking as nice as possible. The forward facing surfaces of the body impersonating the Sea of Tranquility doesn't do much for me
Anyway, I appreciate the feedback from everyone one. I will probably end up flying out and driving her home as long as temps aren't too low (the Michelins that come on 'em don't stick well at colder temps) and the roads are clear.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 637
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From: Maple Valley WA
I've used Reliable many times. Not cheap but they do take good care of the cars. You can also try your hand at Uship which allows you to set your own price for haulers to bid on. I've used them a couple times.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: PORTLAND OR
St Jude Donor '15
Yea, I know what you mean. The buyer of my C6 flew out from New Orleans and drove it home.
What me worry?
Let's face it.. spending upwards of $60K on a new car seems like a bad time to nickel and dime the details. Not that I throw money away but sometimes it is better to spend a little to save a lot. On the other hand, I would hate to give my brand new C7 the complexion of a 16 year old with majorly plugged facial pores - something I think a couple of rolls of blue painter's tape might be the cure for. I do many show and shines and like to keep my car looking as nice as possible. The forward facing surfaces of the body impersonating the Sea of Tranquility doesn't do much for me
Anyway, I appreciate the feedback from everyone one. I will probably end up flying out and driving her home as long as temps aren't too low (the Michelins that come on 'em don't stick well at colder temps) and the roads are clear.
What me worry?
Let's face it.. spending upwards of $60K on a new car seems like a bad time to nickel and dime the details. Not that I throw money away but sometimes it is better to spend a little to save a lot. On the other hand, I would hate to give my brand new C7 the complexion of a 16 year old with majorly plugged facial pores - something I think a couple of rolls of blue painter's tape might be the cure for. I do many show and shines and like to keep my car looking as nice as possible. The forward facing surfaces of the body impersonating the Sea of Tranquility doesn't do much for me
Anyway, I appreciate the feedback from everyone one. I will probably end up flying out and driving her home as long as temps aren't too low (the Michelins that come on 'em don't stick well at colder temps) and the roads are clear.
Tough decision.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
It might be a longer trip, but you might consider driving back on I-90 to Ellensburg and then down to Yakima and I-82 to the Columbia. Another way might be I-5 back towards Seattle. then take SR18 to Auburn and I-5, then head south to P-Land. This route might be the easiest as I-90 is typically kept clear. Snoqualmie Pass is pretty low at 3000 feet and WSDOT does a really good job at keeping the roads clear.
In any event, keep a close eye on weather conditions in the Spokane/Couer d Alene/4th of July Pass/Kellog areas.
Besides the blue painter's tape, there are disposable clear wraps available for protecting the nose. They are close to the typical clear wrap for kitchen use. Throw on 4-5 lyers of that and tape the edges and ends ant it should up very well for the trip back.
In any event, keep a close eye on weather conditions in the Spokane/Couer d Alene/4th of July Pass/Kellog areas.
Besides the blue painter's tape, there are disposable clear wraps available for protecting the nose. They are close to the typical clear wrap for kitchen use. Throw on 4-5 lyers of that and tape the edges and ends ant it should up very well for the trip back.
Thread Starter
Team Owner
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From: I live my life by 2 rules. 1) Never share everything you know. 2)
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13, '16-'17-'18
Well I think we have a viable plan in place at this point..
Gonna fly into Spokane, DSM will pick us up and take us back to the dealership.
If everything about the car is good to go, I grab a U-Haul truck/tandem trailer in Kellogg, blue painters tape the vulnerable areas, load the new toy onto the trailer and drive down to Spokane. If all seems dry and good at that point, drop off the U-Haul truck/trailer and take the C7 the rest of the way under its own power. If it still looks crappy, we'll just keep going..
Of course, try to plan the trip so we don't face murderous conditions in The Gorge either....
Now I just need a car to go get!
Gonna fly into Spokane, DSM will pick us up and take us back to the dealership.
If everything about the car is good to go, I grab a U-Haul truck/tandem trailer in Kellogg, blue painters tape the vulnerable areas, load the new toy onto the trailer and drive down to Spokane. If all seems dry and good at that point, drop off the U-Haul truck/trailer and take the C7 the rest of the way under its own power. If it still looks crappy, we'll just keep going..
Of course, try to plan the trip so we don't face murderous conditions in The Gorge either....
Now I just need a car to go get!
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: I live my life by 2 rules. 1) Never share everything you know. 2)
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13, '16-'17-'18
UPDATE:
Car finally arrived in Spokane this morning (only took 30 days...sheesh). Barring any further unforeseen circumstances, it should be ready for pickup the week of the 17th and the weather forecast looks pretty crappy at that time.
So.....I'm gonna go with a transport company and an enclosed trailer. I'm getting quotes of 1 to 2 day delivery after pickup...
Car finally arrived in Spokane this morning (only took 30 days...sheesh). Barring any further unforeseen circumstances, it should be ready for pickup the week of the 17th and the weather forecast looks pretty crappy at that time.
So.....I'm gonna go with a transport company and an enclosed trailer. I'm getting quotes of 1 to 2 day delivery after pickup...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,245
Likes: 562
From: Margaritaville Daytona
UPDATE:
Car finally arrived in Spokane this morning (only took 30 days...sheesh). Barring any further unforeseen circumstances, it should be ready for pickup the week of the 17th and the weather forecast looks pretty crappy at that time.
So.....I'm gonna go with a transport company and an enclosed trailer. I'm getting quotes of 1 to 2 day delivery after pickup...
Car finally arrived in Spokane this morning (only took 30 days...sheesh). Barring any further unforeseen circumstances, it should be ready for pickup the week of the 17th and the weather forecast looks pretty crappy at that time.
So.....I'm gonna go with a transport company and an enclosed trailer. I'm getting quotes of 1 to 2 day delivery after pickup...