What's on your storage checklist?

[1quick6]

I'm getting ready to put the cars away for the winter since this weekend might be the last good opportunity in good old Iowa. I'm just curious what the rest of you do to prepare your TR for storage. My plan is to clean it up inside and out, fill it up with gas, put Stabil in with the new gas, and then drive it to the storage facility. I'll take the battery home with me and then cover it for the winter. The storage facility is a really nice one and the 10x20bay seals up tight as a drum. My car doesn't even get dusty when I keep it there for periods of time in the summer.

Any other tricks? I have heard of people putting dryer sheets in the car, moth balls, etc.

 

[fitz3820]

Well you can do what you plan to do or you can go crazy

I usually put a bit of oil in each cylinder, you can get some plugs that absorb moisture that you put in the spark plug holes.

Some guys take the rocker arms off so the valve springs are not compressed. Same goes for brake calipers. I have never none either...

You can get a bucket of Damp-rid at Home Depot to keep the interior dry.

Rodents are probably the biggest problem, I have had them under the back seat and in the hood liner - they stink and make a mess.

One other thing, my car loses oil pump prime when parking it over the winter, it is a good idea to pull the cam sensor come springtime and prime the oil pump and crank the motor over by hand, more oil in the cylinders too.

A quality car cover is a good idea as well, even indoors.

Hope that helps ,

 

[1quick6]

How about using something like Amsoil Engine Fogging oil?

 

[6staged]

I change the engine oil and filter, and lube the front suspension. It's wise to use dry silica pellets, placed in open containers (1 cup ) on the front floor mats, and in the trunk, if it's carpeted. This is usually required if the car storage is outdoors, or when there's enough temperature change to cause humidity. I, also, lower the power windows, slightly below the seal, to promote a little air circulation and prevent the seals from setting.

A good wash, detail wax, vacuuming, and drying, followed by a quality car cover. Because my car is stored for 5 months, I haven't considered putting it on jack stands. I leave the battery in the car, with the positive cable disconnected. I want the car as mobile, as possible, in case there's a fire, or other reason, to quickly evacuate the car from the building.

This is in addition to the steps you've already taken. Don't forget to insure your car during the time it's being stored.

Take care,

Nando.

 

[1 in 2000]

Fill her up, park in the barn, pull battery, cover, close the barn door. Been doing it for two decades and it starts right up every spring.

 

[turbo nasty]

Afew off teh top of my head .


Stabil in gas tank, Lube front end, change all fluids, wash and wax, put car on jack stands, place several d con (poison) packets around the car, remove battery, perform a few theft detterent things, Moisture absorbing cans in side the car in plastic bowls. Cover car

 

[conn84gn]

Well It's parked in the garage anyway so..
I turn on the heat in the garage for the winter:smile:
2 Dehumidifers are always on
Disconnect the battery or 1.5 amp on/off charger hooked up
Windows up and locked
Cover the car with the waffle car cover
Than a cheap Tivek one to keep the expensive cover clean:tongue:
Cover it with the chair cushions from the summer deck furniture
In case I do something stupid like I did the first year the car was painted
Start the car every 2-3 months.
If the weather is good maybe take it for a spin
Electronic Rodent screamers ON and DECON replaced
So far I haven't found any signs on the little bastards in the garage
Also this year Draining the AKLY (Methanol) flush the pump using water and test button, drain the system.
Methanol killed the pump in 3 years

 

[bignikk]

Awesome call on the Methanol Drain. I wouldn't have thought of that. Thanks!
NK!!

 

[Roc87]

Also this year Draining the AKLY (Methanol) flush the pump using water and test button, drain the system.
Methanol killed the pump in 3 years

Beat me to it Was going to suggest the same thing, my pump made it over 4 years. Now with the rebuilt pump, If I don't plan to drive the GN for at least a few weeks, I'll replace the methanol with some some distilled water. Other than that, a battery tender Jr, and some stabil in the tank, & under a car cover.

 

[1quick6]

That's good to know about the methanol pump. I am putting one on the car in the spring, so I'll file that tip away for next fall. Thanks everyone.