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My GT500...damaged in delivery!!!!

Started by Brian350, February 22, 2026, 09:00:41 PM

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Brian350

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!You cannot view this attachment.You cannot view this attachment.You cannot view this attachment.



jimhyc

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.
1969 GT500
2005 Saleen S281
1967 Mustang
1965 Galaxie 500
1969 Thunderbird
1988 Turbo Coupe
1928 Pierce Arrow
1930 Pierce Arrow
Prior cars
1967 GT500
1970 GT500
1968 KR
1970 BOSS 429
Daytona Coupe, 427 Cobra - kits
1971 BOSS 351

Kent

Which Broker did they used, its hard to find good shippers.
SAAC Member from Germany and Owner of a unrestored 1967 Shelby GT500, 1968 1/2 Cobra Jet´s and some nice Mustang Fastback´s 67/68

Brian350

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!

Brian350


Bill

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.

Instead of being part of the problem, be part of a successful solution.
HOW TO IDENTIFY A FORUM TROLL
https://www.saacforum.com/index.php?topic=16401.0

Bob Gaines

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.
Bob Gaines,Shelby Enthusiast, Shelby Collector , Shelby Concours judge SAAC,MCA,Mid America Shelby

69 GT350 Vert

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. 

Brian350

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!

Brian350

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...

Brian350

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!

Special Ed

If they replace the stripe i would replace the white with the correct gold that came from aosmith originaly.

Bob Gaines

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 .
Bob Gaines,Shelby Enthusiast, Shelby Collector , Shelby Concours judge SAAC,MCA,Mid America Shelby

pbf777

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.

SCJSTU

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.....
1969 Shelby GT350 convertible 4 speed/ AC
Built Jan 1969 Red/Black

1967 S-Code 4 spd Black/Red
1932 Ford Tudor Hot Rod
1956 Ford F-100 Big Window 392 Hemi
1957 F-100 Fridge
1961 Econoline PU
1961 Falcon 2 dr wagon
1970 Challenger R/T vert 4 speed
2025 Lotus Emira

1970 Chevy C10 Extended Cab