I don't like trailers for a variety of reasons. One solution to the question of how to haul one's car without trailers is to make something like this (minus the extra trailer of course):
Or if you trend something brawnier, you could convert a 4WD to FWD truck like this:
So my question for the GRM intelligentsia is if someone were going to look for a rear-ended vehicle to do the car hauler conversion on, which would be the favored candidates?
HEMTT has my vote:
Barring that, maybe something vintage and comfortable:
The Eldorado seems like a good choice - with that 500ci engine there's a lot of torque for hauling loads.
Yep. One of the 70's FWD GM V8 cars could be a promising candidate. At least that would get gas-mileage vs gas-yardage like the HEMTT. Some were even diesels. 
A few years ago, there was a dropped-tail converted E350 box truck for sale on a BMW forum that was really cool. If that were still for sale right now, I might be in trouble.
I live in a hilly region of the country where I'd be concerned about the transmissions on most FWD minivans, so the V8 options do have their appeal. The pimp aspect of a Cadillac car hauler's pretty cool too.
I'm thinking that all the newish FWD big SUV's would be great for this. Ford Flex, GMC Acadia/Traverse, etc...
Or something Volvo based.
Saabs are cheap and plentiful:
Why don't you like trailers? Seems like the easy button vs doing a bunch of fabrication work to try and make something that already exists and does the job better...
Pick a minivan, just about any minivan.
Hmm, I wonder why this picture didn't show up in your first post until after I posted it.
Anyway, it's still the right answer.
¯\_(ツ)_/¯ wrote: Barring that, maybe something vintage and comfortable:
Mmm yes. Yes this is good.
If you're going FWD then start with something that was originally FWD. It'll have the weight distribution to help the front wheels hook up, and the engine power won't be turning 90 degrees for no reason (Edit: Unless it's an El Dorado of course)
Something that has body on frame construction would be easier to fabricate from, but not common with front wheel drive.
What about a Ridgeline?
That would eliminate any fab to the passenger compartment, while starting with something that is already mainly front driven. Although I don't know if they came in a FWD only version.
Find a FWD RV chassis, add cab and bed of choosing.
¯\_(ツ)_/¯ wrote: Saabs are cheap and plentiful:
Now it becomes clear exactly WHY I made large error by scrapping a 9-5 body with buggered up rear suspension...
I think something with more torques, bigger CVs, and bigger brakes would probably be better suited, but those are really cool!
I want a copy of TV Tommy Ivo's Dodge L700 based hauler.
Read more about it here. Not sure I'd copy the way he backed the 'Vette off the roof, or the manual steering (!), but it's got plenty of room and plenty of pizazz.
I always liked the idea of having something like Buster.
Not sure what bus I would want to base it on.
I'd go with something with a TH425 (Eldorado, Toronado, GMC Motorhome) or just buy a ramp truck. If you cut the back off a 3/4 or 1 ton 4x4 pickup I'd be inclined to recommend something with a Dana 60 under it, not a IFS GM truck with the aluminum case 9.25" front diff.
docwyte wrote: Why don't you like trailers? Seems like the easy button vs doing a bunch of fabrication work to try and make something that already exists and does the job better...
Because I'm one of those guys who has trouble pushing the easy button. The hard button always seem more interesting.
Kreb wrote:docwyte wrote: Why don't you like trailers? Seems like the easy button vs doing a bunch of fabrication work to try and make something that already exists and does the job better...Because I'm one of those guys who has trouble pushing the easy button. The hard button always seem more interesting.
As proven by swapping a perfectly good Miata for the frankenfiat
Kreb wrote: I live in a hilly region of the country where I'd be concerned about the transmissions on most FWD minivans, so the V8 options do have their appeal. The pimp aspect of a Cadillac car hauler's pretty cool too.
The TH425 from an Eldo was also used in motorhomes.
Trans shop we work with has resealed a bunch. Not rebuilt, they haven't ever seen one have a mechanical failure or even wear out, so they haven't ever had to rebuild one.
EvanB wrote: Quick CL search... http://cleveland.craigslist.org/cto/5875188508.html
I may be looking at that one this weekend
A REO or some other COE over a FWD propulsion with bagged rear suspension that allows it to kneel for loading.
Negates the need for ramps (I hate ramps) and presents a shallow incline for easy loading.
I used a school bus for my drag car (67 dodge Dart) set up a second one to haul 3 dwarf cars at one time as well but never used it. all fit inside like a trailer but reg as RV's.
I think chopped school bus is the answer.
What about an old Class A motorhome with a hole cut into the back for a swing down steel door, huge windows on each side, and the camping portion gutted and then turned into a replica of a period correct showroom for your car?
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