wct@mordor.UUCP (12/14/83)
Subject: tire chains Newsgroups: net.auto After many years of driving through the snows of Colorado and New Mexico, I recommend cable chains for many reasons. First, they are much easier to put on than conventional chains, none of the moving the car, jacking up the wheels . . . Second, they require much less fender clearance--this is important on some cars, particularly if your tires aren't the same size as the originals (and for old cars like my 65 VW bus--all new tires are wider than the originals). Third, they are much lighter than conventional chains, you can tuck them away in your trunk year round--and have them when you need them. Quality cable chains give a smoother ride and seem to offer better traction with my experience. Note the word quality--the original chains made of aircraft cable were sold as "Canada Chains" by Champion. When compared to other models such as a pair I ordered through a Firestone dealer several features may be noted which add to their performance and durability. The Champion chains have hardened steel wires wrapped helically around the cross pieces. Over these wires are hard steel "beads" which rotate but provide the actual traction. The Firestone model had nylon beads over a plastic coated cable (and a recommendation to use them only for packed snow!). I've never broken any portion of my original Canada Chains--new cars are the only reason I've had to purchase 3 later sets. After 10 years and punishment such as the one or two hour drive over La Veta Pass in southern Colo. (with mixed snow and cleared pavement at 40 mph, no less) I still haven't had to install any of the repair links supplied with the chains. Finally, from the Jan. issue of skiing, the current manufacturer (distributor?) for cable chains by Champion appears to be: The Security Chain Co. 621 S.E. Union Ave. Portland, OR 97214 1-800-547-4255 They usually have local distributors in areas where people use chains. As usual, the usual disclaimers apply, this represents my personal opinion and my only connection with any tire chains is as enduser. :w ------------ -- William C. Thompson III (S-1 Project, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory) MILNET: wct@s1-c or s1-a UUCP: ...!decvax!decwrl!mordor!wct
wally@cornell.UUCP (Wally Dietrich) (12/17/83)
How much do these "Canada Chains" cost, typically?