S.W.A.T excursion

[jimbob350ifhc]

Switzerland with a tvr! Bit self indulgent this- I'm a mad keen skier go at least couple of times a year. Well in march im going to strap my ski's to the boot of my 350i fhc and try and drive to switzerland and back its a round trip of 1700 miles!!!

Mates think im mad but me and a co-pilot are going to attemp it. Should be good in the snow!!!

Whole car is pretty much rebuilt only thing never been changed is the fuel pump so plan to take a spare just in case and a few other things.

Was wondering if anyone else had attemped to take their wedge to the slopes?

James

[leorest]

Not going to look anything like this is it?

Show Spoiler

Spoiler

Edited to add... "Oh James "

Edited by leorest on Wednesday 8th November 12:52

[jimbob350ifhc]

used to have one of them too (must be the shape) yes when ive made the racks it will im afraid!!!! hoping to fit them to the rear glass just hope it dont pull the hinges out when were on the fast french toll road :-) or it might be a bit cold when reaching the snow!!!

[mightymouse]

Good luck with the trip.

Let us all know how you got on + piccies of course to support the verbal.

[leorest]

Just make sure you don't damage the glass as I'm sure it will be difficult/expensive to replace!
I've driven the 350 in snow a few times and found it not too bad! Though a 3 point turn escalated as every time I reversed it would only go in a straight line (guess the slipper was locking up) I should have completed the maneuver using the loud pedal.

[adam quantrill]

Last time it snowed badly I got caught at work. I was going up speed humps sideways because the rear was just all over the place on anything bar tickover in 4th.

I would invest in some snow tyres, skinny ones at that (195's?) or you won't be getting up any hills.

[tvrski]

before you go, check if the snowchains don't fool the body/trailingarms, or take snowsocks with you

[adam quantrill]

Indeedy! I doublt whether snowchains would go on the 350i or 400SX due to fouling problems. However with an FHC on 14" rims you might be OK. Do check the clearance with the wheels on the ground!!!

[jimbob350ifhc]

thanks for the support! got adjustable height on the rear so chains will fit! dont think i will need em though as the roads are pretty well kept! plus co pilot to push anyway tee hee! going on the 4th of march so will put some pics on of the car when were ready to leave. Top gear eat your heart out!!

[wedg1e]

leorest said:

Not going to look anything like this is it?

Show Spoiler

Spoiler

Edited to add... "Oh James "

Edited by leorest on Wednesday 8th November 12:52

Lotus were inundated with requests for the Esprit ski-racks, but they were one-offs and not actually offered by the factory! God knows what the wind loading would have been at speed...

[phart]

Have great fun. I'm in Finland this week and contemplating a drive out here next year, beautiful country... I would need a decent rack, something i have considered when I go surfing in the UK as well. Love to know any ideas you have and how you get on with tyres etc. Maybe studded tyres rather chains?!

[jimbob350ifhc]

studded tyres yes come on! hmmm wondering on the cost of them bad boys ?

[jimbob350ifhc]

the rack should not be to difficult for me beind a fixed head just going to make some clamps out of a little box section i hope! I just want to drive up that long tunnel up to the alps in the tvr rather than some ski bus should be very cool!