Ken Z,
Make sure your cables are #2 gauge or heavier ("O" or "2/0") and that your battery is in good shape.
My '54 would start at temps down to Zero F...I didn't get many chances if I screwed-up the routine: Pump gas pedal twice, and set choke to full, switch-on, clutch-in, hit the starter. It usually fired-up after about three grunts.
My 6-volt bugaboo was always trying to get it started when it was hot, in warm weather...would spin VERY slowly and was MUCH more difficult to start than winter starting. I'm told this was a common problem with the "new" 235 in '54 and '55-first series...
Colin - Looks like you've got a lot to chew-on here...if you really have to run your old bolt in the snow and slop, get some good lug-type snow tires on the rear (we call 'em "mud-grips", where I come from), and a couple bags of "tube sand" from the local home center to throw in the back for weight.
Make sure your battery and cables etc are in top shape, use isopropyl-based gas-line anti-freeze with each fill-up, and keep her washed-down if they use salt where you are...
If she's a four-speed learn to start in 2nd or even 3rd on slick stuff, so there's less chance of spinning the rear wheels...
Take your time...watch out for the knuckle-heads in SUVs...
As I said before, I hate to expose old-iron to road salt...it just tears the hell out of 'em...I know they're beasts of burden, but that's what newer junk is for...
Just my thoughts !
Good luck !
