Anyone heading to Calais?!

[CC Cyclone]

Well, following on from my previous thread about temporary garage space due to my accident ebay purchase, I have now tracked down and bought a rolling chassis for the 550 replica. The problem is it is in the Netherlands, but the helpful owner has offered to meet at Calais to collect it.

My problem is that he needs it collecting pronto, but Katherine is due to give birth in the next 3 weeks and so suggesting that I disappear on a day trip to France ain't going to go down to well. I have also found my usual trailer rental company have said I can't take one if their trailers out if the country!

Just checking no-one is passing Calais with an empty trailer.... No, I thought it unlikely but worth a try.

Will give Shiply a go I guess - any experiences?

[Iancider]

Sorry I can't help but

Just checking no-one is passing Calais with an empty trailer....

I think the rule is nobody leave Calais with an empty trailer! 

[Moleman]

I wouldn't have a clue as to what that would cost? That's 3 hours to the euro tunnel then going over to Calais & back then 3 hours drive back. your probably talking 12 hours with stops if the M25 is kind to you. plus petrol & return ticket on the train. I would like to know what that would cost to pay someone to do it mate? 

[CC Cyclone]

Best quote so far is 400 all in. Seems like a bargain actually, trailer hire, diesel, tunnel ticket food etc not to mention about 12-14hours of time seems not bad to me.

['The Gaffer']

I'd say that was a very good deal.

[garry h]

does seem a good price when i got one picked up from just outside southampton back to the Isle Of Wight it cost £250   

[benchmark51]

A very good deal! Bristol to Dover return is about 400 miles add trailer hire, fuel and ticket price - very cheap
It's a trip I've done several times, the last time was a single from Calais to Dover - fare on Seacat at £160. That was driving an Escort and no trailer. I have done these sort of mileages all over Europe, but really cant see how anyone do it for that price. Of course, it may be a firm that is doing the trip anyway and are just doing it for diesel money in which case it would make sense. Have you approached anyone doing the trip regularly for a price?

[CC Cyclone]

Well after a lot of messing about it is on it's way, hopefully arriving in the morning.

A word of warning - be careful using Shiply - a last minute google of the courier I had booked when he started being a bit difficult revealed cases of missing goods, police involvement and a string of disgruntled customers with missing deliveries. The problem is I only discovered this yesterday. I then checked the shiply confirmation email and realised I had just a mobile phone number, email address and a name for the guy and nothing more. Not only that, but having not returned my calls for three days the guy got extremely arsey when I asked him for his address and copies of insurances Shiply claimed he had and then refused to return my calls.

So at 8pm last night I had to find another courier and am now chasing Shiply for my deposit back. I really wouldn't recommend the site at all.
Anyway, hopefully arriving tomorrow...

How we get it out of the van is another matter...

[Iancider]

Glad to hear you rumbled it in time!

Ian

[benchmark51]

What sort of van are you using? It doesn't look any bigger than my tranny. Mine has an interior load width of 70 inches (178cm) and length of 114 inches (290cms).
I would think you could get it off by hands, about 12 of them.

Your original courier does sound 'iffy' alright.

[CC Cyclone]

It a merc sprinter and just fits. The problem is the front wheels had to be lifted over the wheel well in the van and so it took four men to get it in. It is arriving mid morning tomorrow and everyone is at work and so I am hoping there might be done willing passers by otherwise we are going to be a bit stumped.

Oh well we will work it out somehow!

[Bulldog Bri]

Tow rope on the front of the chassis, tie the other end to something solid then just drive the van away slowly and get something under the wheels as they emerge. then lower down once it's completely out. Simples

[Iancider]

Bri!
Tow rope on the front of the chassis, tie the other end to something solid then just drive the van away slowly and get something under the wheels as they emerge. then lower down once it's completely out. Simples

I think you are getting confused with the way a Vet deliver calves!

[Bulldog Bri]

Obviously works for awkward removals then Ian.

['The Gaffer']

Hope all goes well.

[CC Cyclone]

Well, it has landed! Literally. You were not far off Bri with your method. A poor suspecting passer by helped and even then i managed to take the full chassis weight as a point load on my big toe  Jesus it hurts. I'm beginning to see the merit in  Health and Safety rules now! The thing weighs a bloody ton. Over engineered doesn't quite cover it 

[CC Cyclone]

Oh and management is now seriously unimpressed with the growing collection. 

[benchmark51]

Oh and management is now seriously unimpressed with the growing collection. 

noo shoos time!

[CC Cyclone]

I think it might be more serious than that. Told her I'm penny less, spent it all on the chassis.

Frosty.

[benchmark51]

Oh dear, spam for tea for the next month then.

[Iancider]

All to be fixed on the 14th hopefully

[CC Cyclone]

Well I'm saving up for a boxster engine to go in it, so will have to be frugal...