emergency help needed in Linden, NJ

[jvandyke]

Here's the scenario.
Car getting shipped, trucker tried to pop hood to verify VIN, broke release cable (it sounds like).
Any chance any good samaritan can run over and get that opened for them.
Car is at
1500 Lower Rd.
Linden NJ, 07036

it's in a warehouse awaiting help, poor scared little girl

contact at warehouse is Olga, 908-523-0266

Can you take out the grill to release it? Or what???

Meat fisted moron truck driver!!!!!!!

Good samaritan bribery could be any parts they want, box of good ribcase bits, front suspension king pin kit, Bentley manual, home made wind blocker......

 

[Guest]

Meat fisted moron truck driver!!!!!!!

......

I know you're angry, FWIW, if it was working properly it would have released before it broke. Don't blame him.


The VIN isn't in the door jam or on the dash like later cars?

 

[jvandyke]

Meat fisted moron truck driver!!!!!!!

......

I know you're angry, FWIW, if it was working properly it would have released before it broke. Don't blame him.


The VIN isn't in the door jam or on the dash like later cars?

No I think VIN is only in engine bay.
I know, it is only partially his fault as the hook had a tendency to catch the cable once in a while. I knew this. I should have warned him, but I didn't know they were going to go through the car. He should have asked. Blame is irrelevant, I just want to get it on it's way with no harm. (even though it technically isn't my problem anymore).

 

[Guest]

I just checked my '79. It might be possible to use a hooked coat hanger to pull the rest of the inner part of the cable throught the grill so you can pull on it to release. They'll have to be real careful around your grill though.

Other than that, I don't see how it can be released.

 

[jvandyke]

bump
anyone anywhere near this and willing stop and pop it open I will pay, it's not my responsibility as it isn't my car anymore but, life is short and this needs correcting.

 

[aeronca65t]

I'm not real close to Linden, but I am in NJ.
No time today or tomorrow and my weekend is fully booked.

*Might* have time in afternoon on Monday, but I won't know for sure until Monday morning.

I'll PM you.

Nial

 

[jvandyke]

just found out the car can be accessed all weekend, was told earlier it wasn't I called the terminal/warehouse directly and spoke with the lady there so this first hand info. If I can get the name of the person to the gate guard, they get in, 24/7.

 

[jlaird]

Frank, where are you, here is a 60 mile run for you. Take along a couple of coat hangers so you can fix this for all time.

 

[racingenglishcars]

Since I'm not in the area, I'll do what I usually do, consult google maps

link

 

[jvandyke]

I think I heard from Frank on the spridgetlistserve thing. He's recuperating and not in a position to assist at this time.
I have been told the shipper might have a person willing to try to open it. I will work that angle tomorrow. Otherwise, if I can't get someone there by Monday, I'm leaving for Linden Sunday. This must be dealt with on Monday. It's not the end of time if I have to drive 1500 miles to open a hood. Will make a great story and it's only gas money, and lots and lots and lots of coffee and 80's rock.

 

[abarth69]

Hey Jeff

I just posted your problem on the big Healey email list to see if we could find you some help

Cheers

Mark

 

[jvandyke]

Thanks!!
I'm starting to get offers of help but so far it is very far from "convenient" for anyone. I might have someone willing to try tomorrow, then another guy might be able to try Sat. a few more could try Sat. too but they are both 100 miles or more away too. Another guy can for sure tackle it Monday so things are looking a bit better. Still, I'm happy to hear from anyone who might find it somewhat convenient.

 

[jvandyke]

I opted for help from a Fiat brother who was near (relatively). He got at the car this morning and found the cable had failed at the latch. He managed to open it with a coat hanger and removed the catch so it could be reopened without too much trouble. Hopefully it is secure enough for transport and will make it to it's new owner without further incident.
Many thanks to all for offers of help and suggested release methods. All is well that ends well, let's hope it ends well.

 

[Guest]

Make sure the new owner knows the hood is not secure so it doesn't fly open. Make sure the shipper puts a note in the car for the same.

of course, it would have to be in Portugese.

 

[aeronca65t]

...He got at the car this morning and found the cable had failed at the latch. He managed to open it with a coat hanger and removed the catch so it could be reopened without too much trouble.....

Excellent! Glad it worked out for you.

 

[JPSmit]

Very nice - congrats!

 

[Silverghost]

Like this guy used to say:

"I love it when a plan comes together!"

 

[jvandyke]

I'm feeling much relieved. Now that Dan S from Philly has saved the day I can ask.
Was it my responsibility to fix this? Whose car is it at this point? I was paid, signed off on the title, sent it out and sent the car off. "Technically" who is responsible when something breaks enroute?
Doesn't really matter as I feel part of a team to get the buyer his car as quickly and safely as possible but out of curiosity, when does true ownership pass? Buyer doesn't have the title and he hasn't signed it yet. Again, just academic. I'd have bent over backward no matter what.
Oh and by the way, I LOVED that car and a piece of me goes with it. I'll be back someday, just let me get a few kids set up and on their own, then I will return. Count on it. Oh, I really like my X 1/9. It's my daily driver and is taking me into winter. Man that thing corners like nothing I've ever driven, slow, but a riot even so.

 

[racingenglishcars]

Congratulations on getting the job done. that's one useful benefit of forums.

Can't say for sure, but I would think there's insurance on the car, for shipping purposes. But my experience is that shipping companies refuse to take responsibility for anything

 

[JPSmit]

OK, now that you've posted the X 1/9 photo - how did your Fiat guy know to look under the hood for the engine and are you sure he unlocked the correct end?