Strapping a 66 Polara to a Trailer?

[Mr onetwo]

Good morning all, It looks like I am going to Massachusetts to pick up a 66 Polara 500 2dr hardtop next Friday.I very much would like to get some advice on strapping it down to a flatbed trailer safely without damaging the front end specifically.The rear of the car is simple...around the axle tube outboard of the springs and cross the straps.I ordered a set of axle straps and have plenty of chains and binders.Just not sure about where or how to strap the front. Most cases say the lower A arms but I don't think that is a good idea on a C body Mopar.Don't want to bend anything if possible. Car has no engine and transmission so it is a lot lighter than normal. Any advice is very much appreciated!

 

[cbarge]

Front lower control arms are good to attach to. Just not the strut rods they will bend.
Reat axle tube behind springs where strap does not bother brake lines.
I usually strap the right side of car to the left of trailer in a cross pattern fashion.
Hope this helps

 

[BigblueC]

I've never pulled a car without an engine in it so this is coming from no actual experience, but I would think you could simply wrap around the cross member. Just do't put any pressure near the strut rods.

 

[Big_John]

Lower control arms will work just fine.

With no engine, be sure to pull the car farther forward to keep the trailer tongue weight correct. I've even loaded cars with no engines backwards on trailers to keep the weight right.

 

[Rapidtrans777]

Harbor freight. I have used these for years. They are sold in pairs, get 2 sets, one for each wheel.

 

[TerryM]

I always run a strap from each control arm to the front of the trailer and I leave the winch hooked up to the front cross member. Rear is just around the axle.

 

[Mr onetwo]

Thanks for the answers guys...as the picture states...strap here?

 

[65Fury440]

If you plan on trailering your car around a few more times, you may want to consider wheel straps. You can find a set if 4 for around $100.
It's a lot easier to strap down from the outside, and for every car it's almost the same. I tow a lot, so staying out from under cars matters when possible.
My trailer doesn't have D rings in the bed (I'm cheap), the stake pocket placement on my trailer works well, giving fore and aft , and lateral support. Once you crank the ratchets down, the car isn't moving.
Actually the strap in the picture is facing too far forward for my tastes, but, whatever.
Good luck in your towing travels! Nice looking body!

 

[413]

You see that big crossmember that the engine bolts to? Why not use that? Your not going to bend it or damage it. Easy to tie onto it with no engine.

Do not use the strut rods or the sway bar.

 

[Mr onetwo]

View attachment 279411
Harbor freight. I have used these for years. They are sold in pairs, get 2 sets, one for each wheel.

I already have the axle straps, but those do look like they would work well.

 

[LocuMob]

Do you have your own trailer, or borrowing or renting? Uhaul trailers have straps at the front for the tires, and a chain in back.

I use the axle straps if I use a regular car trailer, put them over the control arm, and a large rachet strap to the trailer. I have a long chain I use over the rear axle, and tighten with a chain binder. Never had any issues, just remember to check the time downs after a few miles, and every time you stop.

 

[bluefury361]

No engine? Piece of cake. Bungie cords from the door handles to the trailer fenders.....
Seriously, it sounds like you have it covered. Axle straps around the lower arms to a ratchet strap going straight forward. Rear, Axle straps around the shock mount & and axle, to ratchet straps crossing side to side in the rear . (this prevents side to side hop). I don't recommend using chains. Aside from the damage they can cause a twisted link may work loose.
Wont hurt to set the E brake if it functions either. Wood blocks....?

 

[LocuMob]

Wood blocks....?

Not unless they are somehow secured to the bed of the trailer. The straps should hold the car with force in opposite directions, so the blocks wouldn't be necessary.

 

[Mr onetwo]

My very good and generous friend Paul is lending me his Cummins Dodge quad cab and 5 ton beavertail equipment trailer for the journey.Making up a mount for my new Harbor Freight 5K winch tomorrow.I think I will leave the winch chained up to the crossmember, axle straps and ratchet straps straight forward and the same crossed out back,,,should be fine.Many thanks to everybody for their answers to my question.Wish me luck!

 

[Mr onetwo]

Got an FSM. Not bad for $20. Now to get back home in 1 piece! Wish me luck!

 

[LocuMob]

Got an FSM. Not bad for $20. Now to get back home in 1 piece! Wish me luck!

View attachment 280402

And you won't feel bad if it gets dirt on it.

 

[Mr onetwo]

yep...what's the point if it ain't got any grease on it?

 

[Rapidtrans777]

I think I will leave the winch chained up to the crossmember,

Do not leave the winch attached under tension.

 

[Mr onetwo]

Quote-"Do not leave the winch attached under tension." any particular reason?

 

[bluefury361]

Not unless they are somehow secured to the bed of the trailer. The straps should hold the car with force in opposite directions, so the blocks wouldn't be necessary.

This is true in transport. Wood blocks have many additional uses on a job like this. They can prevent the vehicle from obtaining to much speed loading or unloading on a grade. Or to keep it in place while re rigging the winch cable. I don't go anywhere with out wood blocks.....