Auto transport 1970's

[Boss1Ray]

Very unique transportation method.

http://www.amusingplanet.com/2012/12/vert-pac-unusual-way-to-transport.html



Ray

 

[MechEng]

Okay that's super rad! I love learning about things like this. And I admire the pursuit of the lower cost for the consumer

 

[Don65Stang]

I saw something similar to this used in Star Wars to transport Droids.

 

[mjlan]

Interesting. I'm impressed no fluids escaped during transport. I'm assuming that they were filled prior to loading as it looks like the closest car is about to be driven away.

They also did the robot transporters in I, Robot that way...

 

[Gold Rush]

Rumor has it battery leaks were the cause of the rust problems. I had a 73 that rusted from the battery forward within a year. The rest took just a little longer.

 

[M Beauchamp]

I think that is a hobo trying to stow a ride!

 

[rpmcarter]

I saw something similar to this used in Star Wars to transport Droids.

lollerz

 

[Boss1Ray]

Interesting. I'm impressed no fluids escaped during transport. I'm assuming that they were filled prior to loading as it looks like the closest car is about to be driven away.

They also did the robot transporters in I, Robot that way...

Not sure if this addresses your assumption but here is a capture from the article:

"Chevrolet's goal was to deliver Vegas topped with fluids and ready to drive to the dealership. In order to be able to travel nose-down without leaking fluids all over the railroad, Vega engineers had to design a special engine oil baffle to prevent oil from entering the No. 1 cylinder, batteries had filler caps located high up on the rear edge of the case to prevent acid spilling, the carburetor float bowl had a special tube that drained gasoline into the vapor canister during shipment, and the windshield washer bottle stood at a 45 degree angle. Plastic spacers were wedged in beside the powertrain to prevent damage to engine and transmission mounts. The wedges were removed when cars were unloaded."

Had a friend's dad that bought one new. When they went to change the oil they found the filter appeared to be welded to the aluminum block! Don't remember if I ever heard what happened - guess it became a dealer warranty problem.

Ray

 

[midlife]

Seems like an awful lot of engineering to save a few pennies on transportation costs.

 

[Boss1Ray]

So what you're say'n Ray....is that Jimmy Carter created jobs in the field of engineering, EPA, Fire Departments and Hospitals? I would have included the rail guys but they are union so they were already guaranteed a job. :-/

Yep.

Hmmm that don't look like no Ferrari lift on the end!

(prob an old Pettybone...)

Ray

 

[Mike429cj]

Seems like an awful lot of engineering to save a few pennies on transportation costs.

That is what I was thinking! Seems the conventional way would have been the best. I think I will start looking for a Vega car show so I can see first hand what they were like. I am sure there very popular.

 

[Kit Sullivan]

I remember the Vega clearly. Junk from the very first minute. The early engine problems are well known, but there are dozens of other horrific design flaws with them.

No inner fender liners were used, so the upper portion of the fenders by the windshield rusted out almost immediately. The rear sub-frame rails were thin and not rustproofed...after only a year or so, it was common for cars to crack in half directly in front of the rear axle, giving the car an unwanted hinge in the body.

No factory adjustments for camber...one slight bump of a wheel on a curb and it was then impossible to properly align the suspension.

Brakes were far too inadequate for the car, leading to overheating and cracked braked pads, wildly distorted rotors, and melted hub caps.

Poorly manufactured exhaust manifolds cracked with regularity, and starters too close to the exhaust without a heat shield burned up starters quickly.

Other than that...great cars!