Snow tires

[Gjohnson]

Hey I'm going to be getting a 240z pretty soon but I live in Maine is there anyway I could make this a daily driver? I was thinking snow tires or chains. Could you guys point me in a good direction.

Thanks, Gabe

[zKars]

Can't imagine anyone here recommending you drive your Z in the winter. Its a garanteed way to have it rust to nothing in record time destroying you dream machine.

That said, they are quite capable handling winter cars when wearing good winter tires, so if this is your only choice of a car to drive, then get some good Michelin X-ice or similiar and have fun! Just remember the heat and defrost power of the HVAC system is not up to modern standards. Come to think of it, I somehow I made it through several Saskatchewan winters with my 510/610 back in the day, so I'm sure you can too.. Just be prepared to throw it away come spring. Something, none of us want to see happen.....

[5thhorsemann]

Gabe, buy a pick up.

[black gold man]

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/TpNZBJjpS8E" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Go from that to this.

[psdenno]

I used my Z in snow from '71 to '80 without chains or snow tires. It did just fine, except for the salt damage and rust. It hasn't seen snow for the last 31 years. Keeping a Z you like off the road in the winter is probably the best strategy for a long term relationship.

Dennis

[Gjohnson]

Ok thanks guys I'm 16 btw, 17 in feb. So I can't just buy another car it's taking all I got to afford a z but I have always loved these cars my grandfather had one before he passed away. Idk what I'll do cuz I don't know if I can handle having such a sexy car rust out on me.

[240260280z]

You should get the underside and rails sprayed with Krown or Rust Check.

Just go to Walmart and get cheap General or Nexen tires with studs.

Driving tips:

Brake before entering corners.

Accelerate slowly.

When stuck try not to spin tires. Start in 2nd gear to move forward "gently" or rock the car in fwd/rev.

On icy hills drive with passenger side in gravel for better traction

Lots of wiper fluid for the salt coated glass (especially in the spring when it is ice at night then salt water in day)

Carry candles,matches,food if you are driving into a storm...especially on rt 9 (airport road )

btw I drive through maine about once every few months, are you anywhere near I95?

[240260280z]

Oh yeah... don't drive like the guys in the video... it is all about traction, momentum and intelligence... sort of missing all 3 in that one.

[Gjohnson]

Ok thanks man, yeah I live in Portland. I hear a lot about the z's having rust problems do they rust out faster than regular cars?

[240260280z]

Yes, they have a reputation for this. There are modern products that help like Rustcheck and Krown... avoid Ziebart.

I am presently restoring a 71 240z that was driven in the winters in NB & NS until~ '75 so it is not like all Z's will dissolve in the winter but they don't stand up like modern cars do.

[Gjohnson]

Ok thanks I will check those products out. I'm going to be getting 72 240z let me know next time your in Maine maybe we can meet up.

[Pop's Z]

FWIW, I was a ski patrolman in the 70s and I drove my Z w/ ski racks to various areas here in Colorado. That being said...it was an adventure. I had 4 studded snows on factory steel rims and still it was an adventure. Light weight in the back, no lsd, heavy in the front. I learned a lot about slick driving. Back then salt was used with sand , today with the mag-chloride, etc. What the other guys said...rust will kill your Z quicker than you might think. Find yourself a used Subaru and put the Zed in the garage until spring.

Cheers, Mike