1st time driving a MR car w/ MT in teh sno!

[BlackRider]

Oh boy! Well, our streets got nice and slick today... slick enough to have lots of fun in my MR2.<br>Fun because:<br>1) MT = more torque at the getgo if I'm not careful w/ the clutch... so spinning wheels<br>2) Rear wheel drive... this adds throttle induced oversteer in the the break induce oversteer of all cars<br>3) The engine's behind my head... this is the heaviest thing in the car... and its in the back. Ergo, #2 multiplied my lots and understeer increased too (heaviest thing up front, that's not in the back, is the radiator)<br>4) part of my route home includes a certain hill w/ a 100 degree hairpin turn<br><br>so...<br>#1 + #2 + #3 +#4 = me ending up in a driveway that I hadn't meant to <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :) --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/smile.gif ALT=":)"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> (was going down the hill at as slow a pace as I could go and its so slick that there is no feel between wheels locked and turning free... so locked was my only option when I sped up above slow as I can go... so I was sitting there wondering who to take to this year's Christmas party when the idea popped into my head that the only way I was going stop sliding down the hill was to hit something... but what to hit? The tree? Nope, that would hurt my car! The mailbox? The same! Ahh! The curb followed by a flat driveway and hopefully not someone's bushes! So I let off the breaks, aimed the car, and relocked them... sliding... sliding... bump... sliding.. bump... roll back. The curb was enough!)<br><br>on second thought I could have tried to swing the tail end around and drift through the turn sideways and then appologise for ending up in someone's yard and offer to reseed their yard come spring time so they don't call the police... but the method I used was (in the long run) less time consuming. :P<br><br>Now to find an empty parking lot... one w/o light poles to slide into. Then I can try a 360! <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :) --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/smile.gif ALT=":)"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <p><!--EZCODE FONT START--><span style="color:red;font-size:large;">C</span><!--EZCODE FONT END--><!--EZCODE FONT START--><span style="color:orange;font-size:large;">O</span><!--EZCODE FONT END--><!--EZCODE FONT START--><span style="color:green;font-size:large;">L</span><!--EZCODE FONT END--><!--EZCODE FONT START--><span style="color:blue;font-size:large;">O</span><!--EZCODE FONT END--><!--EZCODE FONT START--><span style="color:indigo;font-size:large;">R</span><!--EZCODE FONT END--><!--EZCODE FONT START--><span style="color:violet;font-size:large;">S</span><!--EZCODE FONT END--><!--EZCODE FONT START--><span style="color:pink;font-size:xx-large;">!</span><!--EZCODE FONT END--></p><i></i>

[Mavicator]

Buy some chains. <p><!--EZCODE IMAGE START--><img src="http://www.camerasupport.com/oV/mavsigr ... <!--EZCODE IMAGE END--></p><i></i>

[Spinning Hat]

Chains on the roads up in the midwest are illegal in most states. MN specifically prohibits chains and spikes and other traction devices. Their thinking is that it tears up the roads, and we don't have any significant grades around here that we absolutely need chains. You can't even find chains in stores here. <p><!--EZCODE HR START--><hr /><!--EZCODE HR END--><!--EZCODE CENTER START--><div style="text-align:center"><br><!--EZCODE FONT START--><span style="color:red;font-family:Arial;font-size:medium;"><!--EZCODE ITALIC START--><em>"Never, Never, Never Quit"</em><!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> -Winston Churchill</span><!--EZCODE FONT END--></div><!--EZCODE CENTER END--></p><i></i>

[XMEN Gambit]

Seems like a good response would be to tell the state "Well, if you kept the roads clear, we wouldn't NEED the chains."<br><br>I know that wouldn't work, but it'd feel good. <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :) --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/smile.gif ALT=":)"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <p></p><i></i>

[BlackRider]

bah, who needs chains 'n such to stop me when there're plenty of driveways, yards, bushes, trees, and much more to stop me! :P (yes, chains are illegal here)<br><br>Actually, this winter has shown me many things about my car that need fixing.<br><br>1) HEAT! The car will only get as warm as 50 on a good day, plus I start to smell something burning when it does start to get warm.<br>2) Hand break line... water gets in it and it freezes<br>3) Something in the ignition freezes and the starter won't stop turning the engine over unless I hold it until it catches. (it will turn over but the engine doesn't get any gas/or doesn't fire unless I hold the ignition) again, this only happens when it is below freezing.<br>4) Wiper fluid nozels freeze solid...<br>5) Doors freeze shut and can't be opened<br>6) Steering freezes SOLID<br>7) I'm not sure if my rear window defrosters work<br><!--EZCODE EMOTICON START 8) --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/glasses.gif ALT="8)"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> Engine idles rough when warm (injector cleaner didn't work)<br><br>Other than those minor things... I love my car still. <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :) --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/smile.gif ALT=":)"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <br><br>Still I have to get something less than 6 years or so to fall back on.... or keep a stash o' cash specifically for auto failures. (I still have my eyes on an '00 MR2 Spyder for $12,000... edmunds.com says it's better 'n a Miata :P) <p><!--EZCODE FONT START--><span style="color:red;font-size:large;">C</span><!--EZCODE FONT END--><!--EZCODE FONT START--><span style="color:orange;font-size:large;">O</span><!--EZCODE FONT END--><!--EZCODE FONT START--><span style="color:green;font-size:large;">L</span><!--EZCODE FONT END--><!--EZCODE FONT START--><span style="color:blue;font-size:large;">O</span><!--EZCODE FONT END--><!--EZCODE FONT START--><span style="color:indigo;font-size:large;">R</span><!--EZCODE FONT END--><!--EZCODE FONT START--><span style="color:violet;font-size:large;">S</span><!--EZCODE FONT END--><!--EZCODE FONT START--><span style="color:pink;font-size:xx-large;">!</span><!--EZCODE FONT END--></p><i></i>

[Mavicator]

1)Flush the cooling system with the heater turned on. The heater is actually powered by the cooling system. Hot coolant heats the air before it comes into the cockpit. The heater core may be clogged.<br><br>2)There should be a grease fitting on the hand brake cable. Get a grease gun and pump grease in until clean grease comes out both ends.<br><br>3) Replace the starter solenoid.<br><br>4) Get used to it.<br><br>5) Get used to it.<br><br>6) Check your steering rack boots. If they are cracked or missing, water may be getting into the rack and freezing. Water will destroy it in no time.<br><br>7) It either works or it doesn't.<br><br>8 ) No clue. <p><!--EZCODE IMAGE START--><img src="http://www.camerasupport.com/oV/mavsigr ... <!--EZCODE IMAGE END--></p><i></i>

[BlackRider]

1) I'm working on it... <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :) --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/smile.gif ALT=":)"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <br>2) Never thought of that...<br>3) I'll look into it.<br>4 & 5) <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :( --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/frown.gif ALT=":("><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <br>6) there's a bad bearing in the steering too... 'nother thing to do<br>7) I dunno. <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :) --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/smile.gif ALT=":)"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <br><!--EZCODE EMOTICON START 8) --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/glasses.gif ALT="8)"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> I'm going to have to check my shop manual as soon as I can find it.<br><br>Off topic... this is my next lead for my MG project:<br>1965 MGB ROADSTER RESTORATION PROJECT<br><br>Worth restoring. Very early 51,xxx serial# 5 main bearing engine pull handle strap on gas tank B. Off road many years and has usual Northern rust. Was tartan red, now black with wire wheels. Engine seized from sitting. Will need complete floorpans, sills and centre cross member as well as some other lower panel work. Trunk rails and floor good, inner fenders good and doesn't appear to have been hit ever. L/F fender is scrap. Interior is largely missing as it was trash. Has seat frames, dash complete, top racks and header rail, missing most lenses. Car is about 95% original and complete. Should be a straightforward complete restoration of a pretty rare car. Very few pull handle 5 main brg engine cars built and even fewer with the strap on gas tank. Interesting offers around $1900 USD or trades listened to. Glad to talk to those who are serious. achenderson2002@yahoo.ca or 613-382-1768 evenings eastern time. <br>Contact: Anthony Henderson <achenderson2002@yahoo.ca> <br>Gananoque Ontario Canada<br><br>Though for this one I'd have to take a couple welding classes <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :) --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/smile.gif ALT=":)"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <p><!--EZCODE FONT START--><span style="color:red;font-size:large;">C</span><!--EZCODE FONT END--><!--EZCODE FONT START--><span style="color:orange;font-size:large;">O</span><!--EZCODE FONT END--><!--EZCODE FONT START--><span style="color:green;font-size:large;">L</span><!--EZCODE FONT END--><!--EZCODE FONT START--><span style="color:blue;font-size:large;">O</span><!--EZCODE FONT END--><!--EZCODE FONT START--><span style="color:indigo;font-size:large;">R</span><!--EZCODE FONT END--><!--EZCODE FONT START--><span style="color:violet;font-size:large;">S</span><!--EZCODE FONT END--><!--EZCODE FONT START--><span style="color:pink;font-size:xx-large;">!</span><!--EZCODE FONT END--></p><i></i>

[Mavicator]

That guy is on crack. That's a $100 car. <p><!--EZCODE IMAGE START--><img src="http://www.camerasupport.com/oV/mavsigr ... <!--EZCODE IMAGE END--></p><i></i>

[BlackRider]

I know that... but I can still offer something. <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :) --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/smile.gif ALT=":)"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <br><br>Maybe I could offer him 1900 yen... or 16.69USD<br>or how about 1900 rubles? (65USD)<br><br>and mav.... he's not on crack... he's just canadian <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :) --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/smile.gif ALT=":)"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> (sorry) <p><!--EZCODE FONT START--><span style="color:red;font-size:large;">C</span><!--EZCODE FONT END--><!--EZCODE FONT START--><span style="color:orange;font-size:large;">O</span><!--EZCODE FONT END--><!--EZCODE FONT START--><span style="color:green;font-size:large;">L</span><!--EZCODE FONT END--><!--EZCODE FONT START--><span style="color:blue;font-size:large;">O</span><!--EZCODE FONT END--><!--EZCODE FONT START--><span style="color:indigo;font-size:large;">R</span><!--EZCODE FONT END--><!--EZCODE FONT START--><span style="color:violet;font-size:large;">S</span><!--EZCODE FONT END--><!--EZCODE FONT START--><span style="color:pink;font-size:xx-large;">!</span><!--EZCODE FONT END--></p><i></i>

[Mavicator]

Even $1900 CDN is a crack-smoking-ish price. Sill repair is a huge job and very difficult to do properly. Add to that floorpan replacement and the main crossmember. I've never seen a crossmember rusted through before which suggests there will be a LOT of hidden rust, perhas even in the pillars which are as big a job as the sills.<br><br>The engine will need significant machining work to repair since it's seized. The missing interior parts will cost $2k to replace. It's a great year but unfortunately it's a parts car, or a project for a masochist! If you did all the work yourself, I'd say a ground-up restoration would still cost $10-15k. <p><!--EZCODE IMAGE START--><img src="http://www.camerasupport.com/oV/mavsigr ... <!--EZCODE IMAGE END--></p><i></i>

[BlackRider]

well scratch that one... besides I don't wanna go to canada to get it <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :\ --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/ohwell.gif ALT=":\"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <p><!--EZCODE FONT START--><span style="color:red;font-size:large;">C</span><!--EZCODE FONT END--><!--EZCODE FONT START--><span style="color:orange;font-size:large;">O</span><!--EZCODE FONT END--><!--EZCODE FONT START--><span style="color:green;font-size:large;">L</span><!--EZCODE FONT END--><!--EZCODE FONT START--><span style="color:blue;font-size:large;">O</span><!--EZCODE FONT END--><!--EZCODE FONT START--><span style="color:indigo;font-size:large;">R</span><!--EZCODE FONT END--><!--EZCODE FONT START--><span style="color:violet;font-size:large;">S</span><!--EZCODE FONT END--><!--EZCODE FONT START--><span style="color:pink;font-size:xx-large;">!</span><!--EZCODE FONT END--></p><i></i>

[XMEN Ashaman DTM]

You're in SD, right? That's probably closer to Canada than I am. I'm about a two and a half hour drive from BC (the westernmost canadian province).<br> <p></p><i></i>

[BlackRider]

I'm in OH... Canada (nearest point) is between 5-6 hours drive from here. <p><!--EZCODE FONT START--><span style="color:red;font-size:large;">C</span><!--EZCODE FONT END--><!--EZCODE FONT START--><span style="color:orange;font-size:large;">O</span><!--EZCODE FONT END--><!--EZCODE FONT START--><span style="color:green;font-size:large;">L</span><!--EZCODE FONT END--><!--EZCODE FONT START--><span style="color:blue;font-size:large;">O</span><!--EZCODE FONT END--><!--EZCODE FONT START--><span style="color:indigo;font-size:large;">R</span><!--EZCODE FONT END--><!--EZCODE FONT START--><span style="color:violet;font-size:large;">S</span><!--EZCODE FONT END--><!--EZCODE FONT START--><span style="color:pink;font-size:xx-large;">!</span><!--EZCODE FONT END--></p><i></i>

[Mavicator]

Oh yeah, add customs / import fees to that shipping bill. <p><!--EZCODE IMAGE START--><img src="http://www.camerasupport.com/oV/mavsigr ... <!--EZCODE IMAGE END--></p><i></i>