MadMobile Chronicles Episode 7 - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

Madder · 09-09-2003, 00:15

Well, a while since the last Episode, pretty much more of the same except....

At an undisclosed location, the MadMobile has been involved in controlled exercises. The limits of braking and cornering have been explored and rubber is pushed to its physical boundaries. The LSD proves it's existence and EBD and ABS are brought to the fore. The MadMobile is pushed to greater lengths, proven grippy beyond ute expectations. Something has to give, somewhere, somehow and it's found somewhere high on the rev-range. The netherworld of the four-wheel slide is felt, backwards, sideways and over the edge...

after being salvaged from the mud and grass, the first concern, the underbody, is examined, intact. The key point of impact, the front left tyre has shown to have pulled back from the rim resulting in bulk air loss. Otherwise all is well. No high-pressure compressor is at hand so the spare alloy is winched down and dragged out. In a grotty state it is, but it's directional tyre proves to be biased the right way. Woohoo. It replaces its deflated mate and the MadMobile returns to it's exercises with renewed vigour....snaking onwards...

Epilogue: The alloy with deflated tyre is lowered ready to be fat once again. Lo and behold a deflated tyre and BA ute underside do not a happy alloy make. Paint has been worn from points of contact, the uninflated tyre unable to form the usual buffer zone. Fellow ute-driverers beware, some rubber sheeting may be very handy layered between your spare alloy and tray underside, should the unthinkable happen...

Epilogue to the Epilogue: As observed by Charliewool, a well trained monster does become truly monstrous and this mixed with down-at-the-heel rubber results in happy times for all concerned (and I believe other drivers will indeed feel concerned in the MadMobile's vicinity right now). The Boss is taking over...

XRFPV8 · 09-09-2003, 04:06

Funny stuff Madder, just wondering how controlled was it ????

''the MadMobile has been involved in controlled exercises.''

outback_ute · 09-09-2003, 15:47

Madder, just chuck it in the tray and tie it down next time!

Aussie Pete · 09-09-2003, 16:55

My Pursuit has foamy pads on the underside to prevent the wheel touching the metal parts. However, my second winch has just died and I can't get the wheel off. I'm sick to death of these winches jamming up - what a pain!

Madder · 09-09-2003, 17:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by outback_ute

Madder, just chuck it in the tray and tie it down next time!

Yeah, lessons learnt.. and all the rest. Thought it would be worth mentioning to save someone else the pain. Fact was, XRFPV8, it was a driving course and everybody else was attacking the slalom while I was changing the wheel. Was just keen to get it secured and join the fray.

Madder · 09-09-2003, 17:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aussie Pete

My Pursuit has foamy pads on the underside to prevent the wheel touching the metal parts. However, my second winch has just died and I can't get the wheel off. I'm sick to death of these winches jamming up - what a pain!

I presume the foamy pads were put there by FPV. If so just goes to show Ford cutting costs at the buyer's expense. Will try and get it repaired by the dealer. Noticed that my winch was a bit dodgy too. At least it means your 18" spare is secure, you can't get it off, nobody else will!

rod c · 09-10-2003, 20:55

Madder, After reading this thread I relise in your other thread why you are asking about wider back tyres. Seems like the only time you were on the road was when you were crossing it. Another interesting read mate. Well done.

PS. Madder the first car I drove with a starter button was when I was 6 1/2. It was a FJ Holden with wooden blocks on the pedals so I could reach them. Sorry!! lol.