How to Haul an Antique Heirloom Grandfather Clock

• 1). Plan how you are going to move your clock. Every moving situation is different. Carefully consider the conditions you are confronted with, including the location of the clock. For instance, your clock may have to be hauled down a flight of stairs from the second floor, in which case you will need at least two people and possibly a moving dolly. Or, it may just simply be carried out the front door from the front hallway.
  
  
• 2). Prepare the clock to be moved. First, lay out a 3-foot piece of bubble wrap on a table or the floor next to the clock. Open the tall front trunk door, remove the pendulum, being very careful not to damage the suspension spring it is attached to, and place it on the bubble wrap. Wrap the bubble wrap securely around it and then place the wrapped pendulum in the large plastic storage bin container. Cut a piece of 1' x 1' bubble wrap, gently wrap it around the suspension spring, and tape the plastic.
  
  
• 3). Pull down on the two vertical chains (or cables) that raise the weights up until the weights are pulled up as far as they can go. Be careful not to tangle the cables. Remove the two weights, wrap them in plastic, and tape them. Be sure to label both the chain and the weights so that the weights are returned to the exact same place. Place the weights in the storage bin.
  
  
• 4). Take a 2-foot length of bubble wrap and cut it vertically down the center to make a thinner section. Interweave it around the chains (at the top) that you have taken the weights off from and tape the plastic securely so the chains are not loose. Wrap the chains on the bottom in the same way, securing them so they do not move during transport.
  
  
• 5). Next, remove the bonnet, which is the top section of the grandfather clock that contains the face and the dials and an upper door. To do this, you probably need the help of another person. Position yourselves to the sides of the bonnet and each take a side, carefully lifting up (or forward) slowly and methodically to remove the bonnet. Every clock is different, so be observant and make adjustments as you go. Place the bonnet on a nearby table or couch, being careful not to allow the glass door to fly open and break.
  
  
• 6). Remove the hands of the clock by releasing a small cotter pin running through the shaft and pulling out on the hands very, very carefully. Wrap the two hands separately in two small pieces of bubble wrap and then tape them between the two pieces of cardboard, label them, and place them safely on the top part of the plastic storage bin. Wrap the face of the clock in bubble wrap and tape it securely. Never allow any of the tape you are using to touch the surface of the clock, as it could cause damage.
  
  
• 7). Check for any other moving parts, secure them with the bubble wrap, and then tape them. Check that the movement mechanism is securely mounted in the clock. Some early movement mechanisms only sit on top of two sideboards inside the clock. If one of these is not removed, it could fall out and be damaged. Very gingerly lift it up and out and wrap it carefully in plastic wrap. Place it in the container for transport.
  
  
• 8). Next, take the second roll of bubble wrap and wrap it around the center section of the clock and trunk door, wrapping until the bubble wrap is completely used up. Tape the bubble wrap securely. Follow this by packing the entire clock in heavy wool blankets, allowing a 2-foot overlap on the bottom so the base can be covered also when being transported. Tie rope around the entire clock at three different levels--the bonnet area, the center, and the base.
  
  
• 9). Wrap what's left of the shrink wrap around the door of the bonnet section that's been sitting on the table or couch. Tape the plastic securely so that the door will not move. Cover this with heavy woolen blankets and tie securely.
  
  
• 10
  
  Now prepare the bed of the pickup truck. Lay three sections of 8-foot-long rope across the front, center, and back area of the bed toward the sidewalls. Place the 4' x 8' sheet of rigid foam insulation board in the center of the bed and on top of the ropes. Then cover the foam board with several blankets. The insulation board will act as an extra spring to help cushion the clock.
  
  
• 11
  
  With at least two people, carry the clock out to the pickup bed and lay it on the blanket covered insulation board. Push extra blankets against the side walls of the truck to prevent movement of the board. Pull the rope over the padded clock case and tie securely. When you are finished, carry out the bonnet of the clock and the plastic storage bin and place them in the front of the pickup bed. Use bungee cords to secure items further.
  
  
• 12
  
  When transporting the clock a long distance, follow this same procedure but use a pickup that has an overhead camper to protect it from the elements. Increase the padding for a longer journey. If you are only traveling a short distance, plan a route on the least traveled roads and be sure to drive slowly over bumps and railroad tracks.