Sigh... When will you flamingoes down south stop competing with Canucks over
temperature. :^)
I drove my TR6 as my only vehicle until 1989 when she rusted to pieces
forcing me to start a 10-year rebuild. I drove in blizzards, ice storms and
any and all conditions that came along. Despite all the moaning about
Stromberg carbs, I can truthfully say that my car started with no problems
at all at -40 on many an occasion. My heater did a splendid job of cooking
my feet. I had a piece of carpeting that I cut to insulate the roof and
slipped it between the top frame and vinyl when Fall came. As an added
benefit, it cut the wind noise down considerably as well.
The major issue is that the TR6 is a dreadful snow car. Being narrower than
standard American cars in the 80s I was always trying to drive in the ruts
in the snow and finding that I was catching a wheel. On several occasions I
have spun around and found myself going backwards down the highway at full
speed. That happened to me once going 80 mph on a raised 2-lane country road
in a blizzard at night. I was flogging along Airport Road north of Toronto
on Christmas Eve trying to make it to my mother's cottage before the road
completely filled with snow. The tracks were already about 3" deep and
everybody was really pushing trying to get out of the storm. I caught my
front left wheel on the inner edge of the snow track and whipped right
around in a blink of an eye. It's a remarkable sensation to see car
headlights right ahead of you and have people passing on the right at 140
mph relative. I was sure I was going off the road or right into the cars
from the lane beside us. Somehow managed drive straight while slowing to a
stop going backwards.
It doesn't seem to snow like that anymore. Life is safer but a little less
edgy.
Mark
-----Original Message-----
From: Michael D. Porter [mailto:portermd@zianet.com]
Sent: Friday, January 23, 2004 2:29 PM
To: Michael Godley
Cc: triumphs@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: Extreme Conditions
Michael Godley wrote:
> Anyone had there TR out on a colder day?
Yup. In the middle `70s in Michigan, the TR4 was the goin'-to-work car.
There was a real cold snap before I could get
the 20W-50 drained out, the engine was still fairly new and tight, and the
temp dropped to -12 F. Wouldn't even bump
over. Called the tow truck and the driver couldn't get it to start, even
with the 24V system. So, he gave me a push. At
35 mph, the rear wheels just skidded on the snow and ice. At 50 mph, with
some nursing of the clutch, I finally got it
started. Interesting experience.
Cheers.
--
Michael D. Porter
Roswell, NM
Never let anyone drive you crazy when you know it's within walking distance.
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