Welcome Guest [Log In] [Register]


Welcome to Northern Retros Forum. We hope you enjoy your visit.


You're currently viewing our forum as a guest. This means you are limited to certain areas of the board and there are some features you can't use. If you join our community, you'll be able to access member-only sections, and use many member-only features such as customizing your profile, sending personal messages, and voting in polls. Registration is simple, fast, and completely free.


Join our community!


If you're already a member please log in to your account to access all of our features:

Username:   Password:
Add Reply
Winter driving
Topic Started: Nov 2 2011, 18:24 (435 Views)
minitravellerman

Everyone ready for snow driving again this year? After two years of not really getting anywhere in the ZR, I decided to get proper winter tyres for this year (my plan was spend a 100-odd quid and hopefully I won't need to use the tyres!!).

Anyways I'm running 8x17s on the ZR with 45 profile tyres - not much good in snow. So got a set of Rover 200 14" steels and road legal competition rally tyres. Hopefully I'll not have to abandon her this year at the end of my road and walk the 2 miles over hill and dale to get home!!
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
DarrylWebb

I had considered buying winter tyres, but to be honest the trusty Fiesta is a doddle to drive in the snow. (running OE Bridgestone Turanza 195/50/15)
There. I've gone and scudded myself now.
Edited by DarrylWebb, Nov 2 2011, 20:21.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
B2AUDI80
Member Avatar
Administrator
loved the snow last year and start of this year!! hope we get the same again!! i put 2 winters on the passat there and kept last years knobblies as a back up!! incase it gets really bad B-)
Posted Image
Posted ImagePosted Image

ascona project http://s4.zetaboards.com/northernretros/topic/8860264/1/#new
audi 80 project http://s4.zetaboards.com/northernretros/topic/8859935/1/#new
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
MikeyNI
Member Avatar
Administrator
Must get some antifreeze and screenwash checked in shortly, not sure how 205 & 225 17's will do in the snow though lol!
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
stix

I have been busy making snow chains.
I made a set for myself last year and then people were asking me to make them sets.
Saves walking in the snow.
It is a simple ladder desgin.
Can only go 20mph before the chains throw themselfs off.
i will post a pic up in an hour of a chain on a wheel.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
stix

ok I couldn't find my camera.
But i did find a kids camera to make a little clip.
It is in 2 parts.
I will explane a little here about them.

The chains are made of 5mm chain pick up in most hardware shops.
The chains have about 160kg strain before they break.

But i cut the links with boltcutters where they are welded together.
Then bend them apart, put it where i need them to link too and bend them back.
Now the strain on them before they break is about 80/90kg

The reason i dont weld the links back up is that if they slip of the wheel,
it will pull itself apart and drop off without doing any damage to your car.

The clips i use are rated at 120kg.
They will last lonnger than the chain and the chain is the cheapest part to replace
and can be done at the side of the road in the car.

How to make them.

I find out how wide the wheel is with the chain.
I make it 2/3 links on the side wall, across the top of the wheel and 2/3 links down the other side wall.

Then get to lenghts of chain and make a ladder.
When starting the "steps" leave the 1st link free this will be for the rings and clips.

Now when you get to the end of your ladder you need a top step like your bottom one.
I cant tell you what lenght you need for each wheel,
but around 4meters a wheel for a 15/16inich.

DRIVING WITH THEM

This part need to remember.
IF YOU CAN GO FASTER THAN 20MPH
on the road you dont need them or your a fool.
They are just an aid to get you home.

STORY TIME


Last year i was driving out of letterkenny on the dual carriage way,
It had snowed and every1 drove on it, it was now a sheet of ice.
I was driving a fwd toyota craina, chains on the front wheels.
coming up to the strabane roundabout..
Down the gentle little slope lightly on the brakes to slow down.
The back wheels locked, No grip.

At this point I dropped my load, to be honest.

There we where Spinning, on the second spin turn to my wife and said "its ok i got it".
Her sister in the back sreaming.
And on the 3rd spin drove out of it.

I did some stock car racing thats it.
I am a barstool racer, i know what to do but never done it.
The front wheels had grip avaible to me, to be able to drive out of it.
I wasnt going fast, wasnt sharp/heavy on the brakes.

It made me think if it wasnt on the dual carraiage way
and there had been on coming traffic what would of happen?


Well here is the vids
1st isnt working yet = http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqcTk3MXO_I
processing, please wait

2nd is working = http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlvhlZWD904
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
B2AUDI80
Member Avatar
Administrator
look good there :)
Posted ImagePosted Image

ascona project http://s4.zetaboards.com/northernretros/topic/8860264/1/#new
audi 80 project http://s4.zetaboards.com/northernretros/topic/8859935/1/#new
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
MikeyNI
Member Avatar
Administrator
Nice one, good job they are!
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
minitravellerman

MikeyNI
Nov 2 2011, 21:18
Must get some antifreeze and screenwash checked in shortly, not sure how 205 & 225 17's will do in the snow though lol!
That's the same as me - 225x45 17s - not brilliant. They weren't too bad in fresh snow but once the tracks came compacted and polished I was going nowhere!
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
MikeyNI
Member Avatar
Administrator
Ah, lovely not! The joys of nice wide low profile tyres!! ;)
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Jim
Member Avatar

The GTi struggled a bit with 195/55/15s past couple of years have to see how the tdi will fair. Never had bit of bother when ran the wee polo on 155/70/13s............... actually considered putting back on raod for winter use....... would use the bug for the craic but wouldn't want some idiot running into me!
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
bdtd

Isuzu Trooper. 265.75.16 :-)
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
MikeyNI
Member Avatar
Administrator
Big Trooper should be the job for the snow!
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
1 user reading this topic (1 Guest and 0 Anonymous)
« Previous Topic · General Chat · Next Topic »
Add Reply


Theme by Retro Mecanic