Serious question about c3 and snow...
10-27-2011, 05:44 PM
#1
8th Gear
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Serious question about c3 and snow...
Sadly i live in west virginia but i finally have enough money for my dream car but it would be my daily driver, I figure id wrap it in all 4 new all season tires petro jelly the body on the places the salt could get wash it every 2 days and repeat jelly, Wait untill they plow roads and salt to drive, I know it will take me having a strict wash/cleaning schedule but i can follow that for sure, How are c3's with all seasons on plowed/salted roads in the winter(Sometimes gets roughly -5 but normally stays around 11-28 degree's untill march starting about late late november early decemeber
10-27-2011, 05:49 PM
#3
Race Director
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I went up north during the winter & there was not enough snow there for me in the city & my g/f from there knew where to find plenty of snow in the mountains. I didn't expect real problems due to the 50/50 weight distribution. Those little iced bridges can be fun at speed. Gets a little sideways, a quick twitch of the st. wh. fixes. 
We went everywhere like Tenn., KY., N.C. etc. in the Vette & got lots of attention.
We went everywhere like Tenn., KY., N.C. etc. in the Vette & got lots of attention.
10-27-2011, 05:53 PM
#4
Melting Slicks
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Out of necessity, I had to drive my vette a couple of winters back in the early 70's. It was my only car. The vette actually did pretty well until the snow got deep. It would then pile up underneath bringing me to a stop.
If I had to do it again, I would buy, beg, borrow, steal a beater to drive during the winter. Around here, every year they try to put down more salt than they did the previous winter.
If I had to do it again, I would buy, beg, borrow, steal a beater to drive during the winter. Around here, every year they try to put down more salt than they did the previous winter.
10-27-2011, 05:57 PM
#6
Burning Brakes
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I live in WV as well and there is no way I would drive a c3 in the snow-or a c4 or c6 {I have owned all 3 generations and currently own a 78 and 2008}.
10-27-2011, 06:34 PM
#12
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how good are you in dirt tracking a car. if you can't drive a car sideways I would not do it. I learned how to drive in a RWD car in the winters it was fun but scary at times. then I bought my 94 vette. now I drive that all year round in PA its still fun. but having tracking control and ABS has saved me a couple of times. but you have to drive smart. but its all the other loonies out there that scare me the most
10-27-2011, 07:16 PM
#13
Melting Slicks
Vettes are not snowmobiles! I drove one back in the late '60's through the winter and learned one very important lesson: when they can't go forward any more they can still back up! Snow stacks up in front of those fat front tires and acts like a wall. Good Luck!
10-27-2011, 07:25 PM
#14
I'd advise against it on several ways.
First, your washing schedule would probably accelerate rusting. Grease it up, and leave it.
Second, the steel in the frames is 40 years older now than in the '70s when we did this stuff, so you can have much more problems.
But if you are going to anyway, try this.
Spray inside the frame rails with an oil spray and hope.
Use lots of Vaseline on the steel chrome bumpers and other exposed metal parts.
Use a tall skinny tire for snow. Get an extra set of wheels, and use at least the 225/70-15 and maybe a 235/70-15. I think if you go with a 235/75-15, you will be stretching out too much on the 8 inch rally wheels unless you come up with some 7 inch ones.
If it is an automatic, you have the same issues most have - plowing straight ahead when trying to brake. A four speed is much easier to drive in snow. Always shift the auto to neutral when trying to brake on ice.
I'd work real hard at coming up with an extra $1000 for a beater to drive.
First, your washing schedule would probably accelerate rusting. Grease it up, and leave it.
Second, the steel in the frames is 40 years older now than in the '70s when we did this stuff, so you can have much more problems.
But if you are going to anyway, try this.
Spray inside the frame rails with an oil spray and hope.
Use lots of Vaseline on the steel chrome bumpers and other exposed metal parts.
Use a tall skinny tire for snow. Get an extra set of wheels, and use at least the 225/70-15 and maybe a 235/70-15. I think if you go with a 235/75-15, you will be stretching out too much on the 8 inch rally wheels unless you come up with some 7 inch ones.
If it is an automatic, you have the same issues most have - plowing straight ahead when trying to brake. A four speed is much easier to drive in snow. Always shift the auto to neutral when trying to brake on ice.
I'd work real hard at coming up with an extra $1000 for a beater to drive.
10-27-2011, 07:31 PM
#15
8th Gear
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Yeah i suppose i could save another 1500 for a beater since c3's are 4500-9k in my area lol in decent condition sadly 5 more months untill i can safely drive but atleast i wont crash 4500$ down the gutter i suppose lol :/
10-27-2011, 07:45 PM
#16
1969/1971/1976 Coupes
Just my opinion; I would not drive any Vette in the Winter but for what it's worth, this is coming from a guy who used to ride a motorcycle in the snow (Wisconsin). I've got some forum buds here who will completely disagree with me and drive theirs all year long. Bottom line is it's your decision but like others have said, get the beater.
Used to be able to buy them for 50-100 bucks all day long (in the early 80's).
Point is, maybe you could swing both or at least get your beater now and Vette in the spring. In the summer, store the beater for the next winter.
Terry
Used to be able to buy them for 50-100 bucks all day long (in the early 80's).
Point is, maybe you could swing both or at least get your beater now and Vette in the spring. In the summer, store the beater for the next winter.Terry
10-27-2011, 07:47 PM
#17
Le Mans Master
IMOE the Corvette actually drives very well on snow/ice, as long as it's not too deep. However, as mentioned, it's the salt that'll get you. You'll be miles ahead in the long run if you get that beater ASAP. 
10-27-2011, 08:26 PM
#19
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My 74 coupe was my daily driver for years. I drove it in every kind of weather, including snow. As soon as you learn how Posi acts on a partially snow covered road, you'll be fine.
No disrespect, but how are you going to wash the car in the dead of winter?
No disrespect, but how are you going to wash the car in the dead of winter?