Just completed a deal on this 69 GT500. Contracted with Reliable to bring from NoCal to Vegas. WHILE UNLOADING the car, as they unstrapped the wheels, they say the car "popped" out of park, (Emergency brake was not on) and the car rolled back into the truck causing the damage you see below. Needless to say, I was not happy. More heartbroken than mad, this is my childhood bucket list car. So we'll see how Reliable handles this, the damage isn't massive, the rear bumper is bent, fiberglass corner gouged, little spot on the rear quarter dented by the bumper. I had used Reliable before with zero problems. But, stuff happens, everybody makes mistakes, it was a bad day for everyone. The couple driving for Reliable were very nice and really bummed that this happened on their watch. Like I said, we'll see how Reliable handles it. I know plenty of places here in town that can do a proper repair job, so time will tell...I'll let you know!1969ShelbyGT500.jpgPXL_20260221_200946627.jpgPXL_20260221_201020077.jpg
That's terrible but it could have been a lot worse. Reliable is a good carrier and I bet they will step up and make it right. Looks like a nice 69. They are great cars and a blast to drive.
I've had issues twice out of at least 100 that I've shipped after selling. A Cougar fell off the truck and was totaled. Buyer ended up very happy, insurance settled for way more than he paid. This summer I sold a 70's Ford van and the driver put it on top of an open hauler and hit a bridge 20 minutes from my place. Peeled the roof off like a sardine can. Shipper hasn't paid the buyer and it's been 9 months. Both cases buyers went through a broker for the lowest rate.
Which Broker did they used, its hard to find good shippers.
Quote from: jimhyc on February 22, 2026, 09:28:48 PMThat's terrible but it could have been a lot worse. Reliable is a good carrier and I bet they will step up and make it right. Looks like a nice 69. They are great cars and a blast to drive.
I've had issues twice out of at least 100 that I've shipped after selling. A Cougar fell off the truck and was totaled. Buyer ended up very happy, insurance settled for way more than he paid. This summer I sold a 70's Ford van and the driver put it on top of an open hauler and hit a bridge 20 minutes from my place. Peeled the roof off like a sardine can. Shipper hasn't paid the buyer and it's been 9 months. Both cases buyers went through a broker for the lowest rate.
Thanks, yes I believe Reliable is a good carrier, but as you know, stuff happens. I'm just bummed it happened to me. So, we'll see how they handle it. And thanks, it is a nice car!
Quote from: Kent on February 22, 2026, 09:46:44 PMWhich Broker did they used, its hard to find good shippers.
Reliable, here's their webpage. https://www.reliablecarriers.com/
Hang in there, Reliable will do whatever they have to in order to repair the car or make you whole. In this case, as the retired bodyshop owner, it's not horrible and they will repair on their dime.
Make sure they do not do a partial stripe kit replacement on that rear quarter as the reflective appearance can and will change from batch to batch compared to the rest on that same side. The white stripe might match good enough but the reflective aspect could be off. If you do not do the entire side you run the risk of the reflective aspect not matching. They will have to buy a complete stripe kit regardless because you can't buy separate pieces (for good reason) but may fuss if they have to replace the entire one side. After the job is done and before you sign off on the job it is imperative that you have the car in a darken area and shine a light on the reflective stripe to make sure they did not short cut the job. The stripe will seem to light up when the light hits it and any mismatch will be very apparent.
Sorry to see this happened. Sometimes some paint can peel off when they remove the stripes, which means you may have to paint more than anticipated.
Quote from: Bill on February 23, 2026, 09:07:38 AMHang in there, Reliable will do whatever they have to in order to repair the car or make you whole. In this case, as the retired bodyshop owner, it's not horrible and they will repair on their dime.
Thank you!
Quote from: Bob Gaines on February 23, 2026, 10:32:27 AMMake sure they do not do a partial stripe kit replacement on that rear quarter as the reflective appearance can and will change from batch to batch compared to the rest on that same side. The white stripe might match good enough but the reflective aspect could be off. If you do not do the entire side you run the risk of the reflective aspect not matching. They will have to buy a complete stripe kit regardless because you can't buy separate pieces (for good reason) but may fuss if they have to replace the entire one side. After the job is done and before you sign off on the job it is imperative that you have the car in a darken area and shine a light on the reflective stripe to make sure they did not short cut the job. The stripe will seem to light up when the light hits it and any mismatch will be very apparent.
Good point, I'll put that on my list...
Quote from: 69 GT350 Vert on February 23, 2026, 10:48:14 AMSorry to see this happened. Sometimes some paint can peel off when they remove the stripes, which means you may have to paint more than anticipated.
Thank you, that will also be on my list!
If they replace the stripe i would replace the white with the correct gold that came from aosmith originaly.
Quote from: Special Ed on February 23, 2026, 12:26:50 PMIf they replace the stripe i would replace the white with the correct gold that came from aosmith originaly.
I agree. Since the other side would have to be replaced with a stripe color change chances are an extra charge would be involved .
Quote from: Brian350 on February 22, 2026, 09:00:41 PM. . . . . they say the car "popped" out of park, (Emergency brake was not on) and the car rolled back . . . .
When following proper procedure, movement of the vehicle is to "always" be under the control of the carriers' intention. The vehicle is to be tethered , utilization of wheel chocks and or other equipment of the carriers' choosing, which is to be utilized at all times to arrest any unintentional vehicle movement. Never should there be a situation where equipment of the vehicle is to be relied upon, as the carrier has no knowledge of it's operational condition or capability.
Anything else, is negligence on the part of the carrier, period! ;)
Scott.
She's a beauty what a bummer......I ALWAYS watch closely loading/unloading as seen /heard many horror stories no matter who you use.....
several times I have seen guys not even put a chock behind rear wheel when lowering the lift.....I will grab one and do it myself.....
I recall having a car delivered and the driver asked me to take the car off the top rack. I said, thats your job my friend.
Right now, my suggestion would be fix the end cap. Once you get into that quarter panel its going to get messy. Leave the stripes alone- and do a spot fix, it looks like you have a healthy dose of products under that red paint
Quote from: Brian350 on February 22, 2026, 09:00:41 PMJust completed a deal on this 69 GT500. Contracted with Reliable to bring from NoCal to Vegas. WHILE UNLOADING the car, as they unstrapped the wheels, they say the car "popped" out of park, (Emergency brake was not on) and the car rolled back into the truck causing the damage you see below. Needless to say, I was not happy. More heartbroken than mad, this is my childhood bucket list car. So we'll see how Reliable handles this, the damage isn't massive, the rear bumper is bent, fiberglass corner gouged, little spot on the rear quarter dented by the bumper. I had used Reliable before with zero problems. But, stuff happens, everybody makes mistakes, it was a bad day for everyone. The couple driving for Reliable were very nice and really bummed that this happened on their watch. Like I said, we'll see how Reliable handles it. I know plenty of places here in town that can do a proper repair job, so time will tell...I'll let you know!1969ShelbyGT500.jpgPXL_20260221_200946627.jpgPXL_20260221_201020077.jpg
Quote from: Special Ed on February 23, 2026, 12:26:50 PMIf they replace the stripe i would replace the white with the correct gold that came from aosmith originaly.
When you buy one you can do that. I LOVE the white...
Quote from: pbf777 on February 23, 2026, 12:56:34 PMQuote from: Brian350 on February 22, 2026, 09:00:41 PM. . . . . they say the car "popped" out of park, (Emergency brake was not on) and the car rolled back . . . .
When following proper procedure, movement of the vehicle is to "always" be under the control of the carriers' intention. The vehicle is to be tethered , utilization of wheel chocks and or other equipment of the carriers' choosing, which is to be utilized at all times to arrest any unintentional vehicle movement. Never should there be a situation where equipment of the vehicle is to be relied upon, as the carrier has no knowledge of it's operational condition or capability.
Anything else, is negligence on the part of the carrier, period! ;)
Scott.
Talked to the carrier today, they said get it fixed and they'll pay for it.
Quote from: SCJSTU on February 23, 2026, 03:48:16 PMShe's a beauty what a bummer......I ALWAYS watch closely loading/unloading as seen /heard many horror stories no matter who you use.....
several times I have seen guys not even put a chock behind rear wheel when lowering the lift.....I will grab one and do it myself.....
It was unloaded before I got there...but you are correct.
Quote from: Coralsnake on February 23, 2026, 04:13:02 PMI recall having a car delivered and the driver asked me to take the car off the top rack. I said, thats your job my friend.
Yup!
Quote from: Coralsnake on February 23, 2026, 04:15:20 PMRight now, my suggestion would be fix the end cap. Once you get into that quarter panel its going to get messy. Leave the stripes alone- and do a spot fix, it looks like you have a healthy dose of products under that red paint
It's in the shop now. Everything you said is already a part of the discussion. Thankfully, it's not huge damage, but we all agreed that you never know until you start pulling things apart. Shop is top notch classic restorations in my area.
Have the end cap sent to Dave Topper. It will come back looking like new. He did my headlight buckets. Look like they just came out of the box.
Quote from: Dennis Y on February 24, 2026, 12:40:51 PMHave the end cap sent to Dave Topper. It will come back looking like new. He did my headlight buckets. Look like they just came out of the box.
Got it into an awesome shop here in town, I totally trust them. They worked on my Pantera and I've seen lots of their work. Thanks for the tip though!
Quote from: Brian350 on February 24, 2026, 04:28:04 PMQuote from: Dennis Y on February 24, 2026, 12:40:51 PMHave the end cap sent to Dave Topper. It will come back looking like new. He did my headlight buckets. Look like they just came out of the box.
Got it into an awesome shop here in town, I totally trust them. They worked on my Pantera and I've seen lots of their work. Thanks for the tip though!
Hi Brian.
I sent you a pm. Check your inbox.
QSS
Quote from: QuickSilverShelby on February 24, 2026, 10:05:17 PMQuote from: Brian350 on February 24, 2026, 04:28:04 PMQuote from: Dennis Y on February 24, 2026, 12:40:51 PMHave the end cap sent to Dave Topper. It will come back looking like new. He did my headlight buckets. Look like they just came out of the box.
Got it into an awesome shop here in town, I totally trust them. They worked on my Pantera and I've seen lots of their work. Thanks for the tip though!
Hi Brian.
I sent you a pm. Check your inbox.
QSS
Answered...thanks!