What have you done to your wagon lately? (Let's keep the thread going!)

Good call. Salt can and does give a false sence of security (and the rust it causes), I can't remeber off hand at what temp, but salt has it's window when it comes to disolving ice or snow. Can start melting and the temp drops that little bit and it's frozen ice snow/slush and then it does not matter what you have for tires.

It's allways funny IMO when it comes to winter weather and driving, how where you are in the world has no comparison to another part of the world in winter. I grew up in a fairly dry winter enviroment (Manitoba Canada) and then ended up on a Island on the west coast. Talk about a nite and day comparison when it comes to snow, ice, and driving. Our snow is so damp, the fist car that lays a path has packed it to ice....don't matter what your driving or the tires, all you can do is watch out for the other guy. Seen many a day where they salt, highways are good but "slushy" and next thing ya know the temp drops and it's crash after crash because it's to cold for the salt to do anything and your on a ice rink. We also have drastic elivation changes that don't help.....and the moron who does not have proper tires for the road.

I used to have Michelin something?, winter tread on my Crewzer all year round till I no bad weather driving put mags on it. Drove my old truck with Goodyear Wranglers daily and fell in love with the tires when it came to ice, so much that I have a winter set for my honey's ride, and put 235/70's on the Buick.

But if I moved to Sweden, I would be asking YOU what winter tire is the best

 

Salt will quickly destroy your car.

I live in the Lake Ontario snow belt and New York State has used salt for over 60 years. The 60's and 70's cars were the worst for rust. Some had rust holes in 2 winters, many in 4 or 5 winters. Even frames weren't immune despite their thicker steel. If we get a dusting of snow overnight (which happens 80 percent of the time), the state gets stupid with the salt. We have it on our roads here from 5 to 7 months depending on the winter.

There are times when the salt makes the road worse, especially as it is turning the frozen snow to slush. Once the road is wet, it's no worse than a rain covered road and in some conditions will dry off. When wet, it is a acidic brine solution and when dry, the salt dust gets in everything. Once it is re wetted, it attacks again. Those who don't spend considerable time getting the accumulated salt out of the hidden areas are often rewarded with major structural damage.

No matter the road surface in the winter, a skinny, agressive tread tire is best. It cuts through what is ever on the road better (higher unit load) and is less likely to ride on top of whatever is on the surface.

 

You said it all, turbo...and I could not have said it better. Especially about the lingering salt dust that gets into the tiniest crevices of a car only to be reactivated with moisture or heat. Parking a salted car in your garage is the worst thing you can do...heat activates the salt. If it is freezing outside the salt will stay dormant.

 

washed it,,swapped wheels and tires,, put a new for sale sign in it

 

Made plans to FINALLY rescue it. Almost took off thataway Sat., but the guy (please note I use the term loosely) started crying about why I couldn't do it. Crying, there's a tractor in front of it, there's a bunch of heavy stuff in the way, the ground's too soft, if you don't get stuck you'll tear up my yard. Had a buddy's van all lined up & his son's tow dolly. Called him & canceled. Called another friend a lot farther away who has a 4WD pickup & a trailer WITH A WINCH!!! Busy this weekend & next, but weekend after we're hitting the road. Then he said there was a change in plans, the pickup & trailer were the backup plan. He just bought an old wrecker a week or two ago & is getting it road ready. Says we're gonna use it. VERY LONG story, basic details are I took my wagon to that guy 2½ years ago, not expecting a rush job. Told him, wait till I get the money before you start. About 6 months later, I got the money & sent it to him. Sent a little extra in case he could do something else that hadn't been discussed.That was the end of Feb.3010. Summer came & I started asking questions. Always an excuse, no cement, can't paint. Trying to get motet from the bank fro cement but I have to finish remodeling job I started on the house. Just got laid off, no money, etc., etc. Finally decided enough was enough. Told him I wanted my wagon & money back as he'd promised in the beginning IF I wasn't satisfied with what he did. More excuses & no money. Hard for me to get enough money to do this as he's about 4½ hours away from me. Got my tax refund & decided to go get it myself. Anyway, my friend with the wrecker (who lives about the same distance away) agreed to help after I called him. He's doing it for his gas money round trip from his house. Plans are 2nd of March we're gonna show up, hook on to it & drag it back here. SUPPOSEDLY the guy is gonna have it out (now)where we can get to it & all my parts inside. Apologies for the book, left A LOT out.

 

Dont know if you can get them in US, but the best snow/ice tire here is the ; Nokian Hakkapellitta. With studs and a fullsize weight on the car it will have as good trction as on asphalt.. Not really, but you know what i mean? Its been developed from the BMW and Audi cars that test ther new models in finland and swedish lapland..

 

I love complaining about our weather. So far since I've got my GT I replaced the exhaust. I've been driving it and put a coolant cleanser in (3-6 hrs.), oil conditioner and plan to do major service soon. It just looks right with a ladder strapped to the roof.

 

I hate to think this but..... Are you even sure your wagon is still there? Have you or any of your friends seen it very recently? I'd be bringing several big friends along for the ride...

IMO it doesn't sound good for your $, but I hope you get your car back!

Many forms of 'land fill', this guy sounds like one.

 

First thing I thought of too.

This same story is constantly repeating itself on the automotive forums, just the names, cars, and places change.
You never pay up front, pay only when the work is done to your approval, even if the job has to broken down into several stages, that way nobody puts out too much at once or gets in too deep.

 

That is what Ma runs on her Volvo 240 wagon, minus the studs. I bought a set, at $250 a piece, for Nora, the 78 Thunderbird. ONE winter and they were toasted, and not very good at that! 2 of them developed shifted belts. They may be great on smaller, lighter, cars, but never again on a big one. Not unless I get the truck version. The thing is the grip was not any better than the el-cheapskate Goodyear Nordic I threw on my other car to keep me moving while Nora was being certified. If there was a difference it was in favour of the Goodyears, and believe me, I am NOT a fan of Goodyear tires! The Goodyears, by the way, are under half the price of the Nokians, too.

 

Finally! Got the thing running and running well!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=770k1RnuSDY

 

Bought some GM Truck rally wheels to go on the 91 Oldsmobile, then found some cool hubcaps on E-bay to put on them. Still have to sand and paint the wheels, it will be a big improvement over the damaged aluminum wheels that are on it now...

 

YAY! Sounds good, super!

 

1962 Pontiac Bonneville Safari ! New taillights lens !

SCORE!!!! NOS tailight lenses for my 1962 Bonneville Safari came today !