Slippery when white

G

Gino

Senior Member
Hi, I've learned that my pickup does not handle well in the snow. Anyone use chains, I don't know front and rear and where can I purchased some? Thanks
 
Mines a lot better since I put some weight in the bed.Still no way like my 4w/d 150 which I just got rid of for an old Mighty-Max 2w/d but trippel the gas mileage around town,man was it a gas hog but would go anywhere in the snow. ken ct. Chains go on the drive wheels.
 
I saw a car's rear fenders where chains were used. Those poor fenders were beat beyond repair by loose chains. More than likely a link or two wore out and broke loose to do the damage.

Can you find someplace to drive in the winter where the roads aren't full of salt and salt slush?
 
I haven't used them in years, but IF you use them (only on the drive wheels) two things you need to consider IMHO.

1- they help you go, they make it harder to stop

2- install them tight and use chain tighteners - loose ones can tear up a fender - don't ask me how I know. LOL
 
I took mine out the other day with patchy packed snow on the road. When I tried to accelerate a bit, the rear end started to fishtail.
 
There is a product called cable chains. Made by the Safety Chain Co. They use aircraft cable and a roller type chain. They actually roll around the tires as you move, but you can not move faster than 30 mph. I used them on vehicles and wreckers for years, and never had a problem. But any chain will not stop like a normal vehicle. The vehicles weight and slow deceleration is how they work. Very good on icy roads in an emergency.
 
Somebody mentioned making your own chains out of rope, Just wrapping then around the wheels. Seems to me that would work for a short distance, might be fun to try.
 
I have a set of chains made for the A.Each wheel uses three,and the part that goes between the spokes over the rim is contoured to fir the rim.They look they will only fit the 19 inch,not the 21's.They were under the seat of a Tudor I bought that spent it's life in hilly country.I'm not sure if they were ever used,they still have red paint on them,but they spent their life in a canvas bag riding around in that Tudor.I've used rope on motorcycles before,you tie one end to a spoke and lace it around until you get back to where you started.If you try to lace another rope around in the opposite direction,the bike will hop up and down like a MR Joggy.Old Harley 45's will plow through 6 inches of snow like a tractor.
 
I used clothesline rope once. Imagine that, cotton rope lasted only about 30 miles. :) Worked though, so poly might work better.
 
Do not put chains on a limited slip differential vehicle! Luckily the Model A did not have this feature. Do not know how they would work on these newer vehicles that have the traction control. The fenders on my Model A had evidence of tire chain usage that was hard to get out. Do not know if they are still available in the states that have a lot of snow, but studded snow tires were much better. Four wheel drive with good all season tires or even better snow tires will usually get you going, but you cannot stop any better than two wheel drive contrary to what a lot of people driving the four wheel SUV think.
 
"Four wheel drive with good all season tires or even better snow tires will usually get you going, but you cannot stop any better than two wheel drive contrary to what a lot of people driving the four wheel SUV think. "

You see it every day in the Minnesota winters. They stop pretty quickly when the roll over on the side or top.:D
 
Depending on where you are in the USA ,you can buy chains at Tractor Supply,Les Schwab tire stores,and Sears. Probably at the other major tire dealers.

The big thing I've found with chains is put them on tight and GO SLOW.

Hope this helps, Kenny
 
Buy a wood stove, fill the truck with wood. By spring you should be in good shape.
I admire you guys, I don't drive my A in snow, I drive the Subaru.
 
Put some weight in the rear. If I remember correctly you're on the Cape. The best solution would be snow tires. Depending on the amount of snow and how well the roads get cleared chains will work, but wear quickly on cleared pavement and if something lets go you'll be doing paint and bodywork in the spring. A's have been driven for 80 plus years in the snow so this is nothing new. FWIW
Paul in CT
 
Be careful of what you use for weight in the bed. If you have a head on wreck it could come through the rear window. Sand in bags works best, do not use blocks.
 
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