Request for hauling assistance?

[jay]

As part of my ongoing kitchen renovation, one of the last items is to replace an old Formica counter (that deyo helped me patch up, four years ago) with a new stainless steel countertop. The shops that make these are in south SF. I can either pay them another $200 for delivery to Mountain View, or pick it up myself. Fine, except it is 9' long and the max. cargo length in my minivan is 8'. Do any of my local friends have a full-size van or truck that could hold a 9' x 2' piece of sheet metal, flat (no edges leaning on edges)? Alternatively, I could probably rent a cargo van for about $80-100 given the mileage.

Comments

[cyan-blue.livejournal.com]

I'm sure you've all ready considered this, but if the back window in your van opens, might you simply be able to tilt the piece of metal upwards and have it stick out the window a bit, with a red hanky tied to the end for safety?

[cyan-blue.livejournal.com]

Oh, wait, I guess that's what you meant by edges leaning on edges. Would you like us to crosspost this request in our own journals?

blush

[brian1789.livejournal.com]

Well... probably not. I'd feel uncomfortable accepting help from someone I didn't know, it's hard enough with friends.

[cyan-blue.livejournal.com]

*hugs* Sometimes those sorts of discomforts are good growth-edges to push at a bit. And one could always offer recompense in kind, like a tray of Pat's brownies... :-)

[cyan-blue.livejournal.com]

...that being said, though, yay you for taking the risk of asking for help in the first place :)

[brian1789.livejournal.com]

Unfortunately, the window doesn't open... I'd have to drive around with the whole back door elevated upwards.

[datagoddess.livejournal.com]

Could you bungie it down as far as you could, and drive it that way?

[brian1789.livejournal.com]

Door bounces are a problem, given door-lift springs and bungee elasticity. Maybe with a wooden brace against the door...

[tenacious-snail.livejournal.com]

I've checked with one friend, who may be able to help.

How big is airshipjones's truck? I'm thinking if it were big enough, maybe you could borrow it mid-day (since he drives it to work in Menlo Park).

[geekchick]

Hook a bungie cord on the rear door so it stays reasonably closed and tie a red cloth on the end of the countertop that protrudes?

[brian1789.livejournal.com]

That could work, if I also installed an upward brace to keep the rear door from bouncing up-and-down and thwacking the countertop. Thanks...

[tenacious-snail.livejournal.com]

tshuma's truck is too small. I've asked someone else local on my flist to see if that works.

As I'm understanding your need, the entire 8 feet needs to be supported (can't be hanging out the back/top/end), right?

[brian1789.livejournal.com]

There's some structural stiffness, but leaning it against something (say, a window ledge or tailgate) can cause dents when going over potholes, as the sheet metal's pretty thin.