Chev winter option

[Stephen L.]

Rare 1969 Chevrolet option called Liquid Tire Chain. Available under UPC code V75, around 2,600 Chevrolets were ordered with this one-year only option. A control on the instrument panel activated a pair of aerosol canisters mounted above the rear tires that contained a chemical compound labeled Liquid Tire Chain Traction Improver. Inside the canisters was a space-age polymer ready to coat the rear tires and turn slip into grip. Press the button and an evaporating solvent left a traction-improving chemical compound on the tires that resulted in instant winter traction, even on ice.

Comments..........

[Mark F.]

Re: Chev winter option

Yikes, Stephen!

Never heard of that option, but not sure I'd want it anyhow!

What was the "space-age" polymer and solvent? If it was a chlorinated hydrocarbon (carbon tetrachloride, tetrachloroethylene, tetrachloroetane, etc.), it probably improved traction by melting some of the tread? and most (all?) halogens will not support combustion, so flammability would not be an issues - in fact some of them are fire extinguishing agents...

If it was NOT a chlorinated (or other halogenated) hydrocarbon solvent - you probably have to think in terms of flammability?

Either way, I'll betcha the lawyers "lost traction" with this idea when customers complained about odors in the car...empty two paint cans full on your tires and I'm sure some of it works its way inside, regardless...

I guess GM sold refills, too?

interesting post!

[Stephen L.]

Re: Chev winter option

Mark, Google the option number. Lots of info about this including replacement canisters.......

[Michael J.]

Re: Chev winter option

Apparently this stuff was pretty toxic, "May be fatal or cause blindness if swallowed, flammable, keep away from heat or flame" Of course in those days there was no requirement for chemical disclosures on the label. 222810-gm-accessory-can-liquid-tire-chain-ltc-400-1965-1970

Lots available on eBay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/32437847378...YAAOSwKP1ftHlm

And it seems some newer versions hint at what was in it....."Is your liquid snow chains spray just only pine resin dissolved in alcohol or toluene, like some other products?"

http://izzygrip.com/faq-liquid-snow-chains/

[Keith B.]

Re: Chev winter option

I am sure you could use that dispenser for bleach to help in your street racing

[Mark F.]

Re: Chev winter option

The only ingredient I see on the can is methanol - and it does cause blindness if enough is ingested.

[Terry D.]

Re: Chev winter option

Agree with Mark, I would not want it. What happens when the canister gets old and your tire throws up a sharp ubject and the canister explodes? That is was only offered one year on a small number of cars speaks volumes!

[Gary B.]