One of the best systems for tying down your car for transport is using a tie down kit. This article talks about tying down a Shelby Cobra using a Mac's pak kit. Begin by looking at your trailer. Is there sufficient length for the Shelby Cobra plus a enough space to operate the ratchet assemblies at the fore and aft of the bodywork?

Do you have ?D? rings located towards the corners of the trailer? Is the ?D? ring rated for a total of 3 times the weight of the Shelby Cobra? Once these items have been addressed, It is time to load the Shelby Cobra and tie it down.

Once you have loaded the Shelby Cobra onto the trailer, the next step is to connect the straps. Start by connecting the twisted snap hook on the fixed end (the short end)to each of the ?D? rings. Choose a set of locations to tie down to. Typically, on a Shelby Cobra those locations would be through the wheel, over an axle or substantial suspension member, or possibly around a frame horn.

Some general guidelines to keep in mind are: choose a location with enough strength to hold the Shelby Cobra in the event of an accident, one that is free of cutting hazards, and with enough space around it to lace the axle strap.

Do not run a strap where it might migrate and crush a brake line. Also consider the effect of the movement of the Shelby Cobra while it is traveling down the road, since what may seem like a clear space now, could become tie down strap guillotine later, if the trailer hits a hard bump.

After choosing a location, you should now run your axle strap around it. Check the length if the standard 24? isn't enough, don't worry Mac's can make the strap in any length needed in a short time frame.

After determining that the length is correct, align the two delta rings at the end of the axle strap together and click in the running end (long end) of the ratchet strap. Before ratcheting the strap tight, pull the tail end of the strap through until the strap looks straight. Now you can ratchet the strap, making sure to have two full wraps around the mandrel to ensure a positive mechanical lock. Repeat this process at all four corners of the Shelby Cobra.

Should you cross the straps? Possibly. Understand that the strap will have its maximum strength in the line it is pulling. It is always a good idea to have the straps at the rear of the Shelby Cobra pulling mostly straight back. Most vehicles will out corner a trailer, so the Shelby Cobra is more likely to come loose when an accident occurs than wander around when properly tied down. Be sure to take a look at the setup in your trailer and make sure that it is sensible this is the best test for tie downs.