Transport company damaged my teener!

914rrr · 07-31-2001, 04:19 AM

I just received my '74 2.0 from CA and it was damaged by the transport company (never mind it was also 2 1/2 weeks late!). The driver put a chain hook into the small hole in the sheet metal "triangle" that ties the rear of the floor pan into the longitudinal, causing it to "tear". My question is, where IS the factory specified transport attachment point for the rear of a '74 914? The transport agent (Express Auto Transport, don't use 'em!!!!) is trying to weasel out by saying THAT is the factory tie down point. I only have a few days left to make a claim with the transport company! ANY help would be immensely appreciated!

kevinseven · 07-31-2001, 05:52 AM

I thought there was an eye hook or "tow hook" that screwed into a hole in the rear bumper that was used for towing, etc.. Pop off the cap and you should see a threaded port.

Those hooks usually get lost or end up rusting because they have been sitting in a puddle of water under the spare tire.

914rrr · 07-31-2001, 06:36 AM

Thanks for the response. Yeah, I know about that one, I even got one with this car.

I spoke to Brad Mayeur (he was a dealer mechanic when 914's were new) and he couldn't remember where the "right" place was, but the triangle WASN'T it! He remembers some of the new ones coming into the dealer with the same damage or worse. Sometimes the triangle would be pulled completely off! He thought it was possibly the engine cross bar, half shafts, or trailing arms, but he didn't know for sure.

24flys · 24flys's Garage

I work for a trucking company(NOT the one that shipped your car!). our customers have 9 months after they recieve their freight to file a claim with us. I'm pretty sure this is a law, set by the interstate commerce commission. If I were you, I'd call another car carrier and ask them how long you would have to file a claim if the car was damaged. assuming you just got your car, you should have plenty of time to file the claim. also, you should make sure you signed your DR as damaged or subject to inspection. if you signed it subject to inspection, make sure you have called the transport company to inform them of the damage. trucking company's don't like to pay claims.!! good luck.

scott

Jim T · 07-31-2001, 09:24 AM

I doubt that is the factory tie down point, but more importantly, so what if it is?? How does that make them not responsible for damaging your car?

The fact remains: You hired them to transport the car, and they handed it back to you damaged. They are responsible for it.

914rrr · 07-31-2001, 09:59 AM

Most all of the transport companies have a "weazel clause" that says they are not responsible for damage resulting from attaching chains, etc. to a "factory" tie down point. Cy (of Doc & Cy's) suggested that THEY provide positive proof that the triangle is the designated attachment point!!!!

Jim T · 07-31-2001, 10:59 AM

Hmm, interesting.
Anyways, I agree, have them prove those triangles were the factory tie-down point. Those things seem pretty flimsy, it seems unlikely that the factory would have intended them to be tie-downs.