Can anyone give me some helpful hints for storing my 1958 for winter in cold in-door storage with below zero temps for extended periods of time? My interest is in protecting paint, chrome, stainless, interior etc. I use gasoline treatment, take out to battery and cover the car now. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.
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Re: Cold Weather Storage
sub-zero indoor storage? i'd take the vet an my sorry butt about 800 miles south for the winter if i was you. seriously, sounds like you've done all humanly possible to protect your c-1 for the inclement winters you two are about to experience. mike -
Re: Cold Weather Storage
I would make VERY sure the antifreeze mixture is suitable for the temps expected, or else drain the entire system, including the heater core.Comment
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Re: Cold Weather Storage
Ditto on what Mike said on moving south. You're more than welcome to store it in my Texas garage. My winter rates are very reasonable. I'll even take her out for some exercise now and then, you know, just to keep the seals wet and all....Comment
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Re: Cold Weather Storage and More
Darn Bob, you beat me to the punch. I usually offer storage in Florida, which adds the advantage of having the car available so they can go to the Winter Regional in Orlando and have it here to cruise in the sun.
Storage is terrible on cars, especially COLD storage. They should be in the warm weather and driven at least once a week. I have a very competitively priced storage plan.Comment
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Re: Cold Weather Storage - seriously now
David,
back in my insanity period of living in the frozen north, I found that washing the car, waxing it, and putting a cover on was about all you could do or needed. If you aren't parking inside the house, then it is going to get cold, and cars have gotten cold as long as they have been made. There is no magic paint protectant.
The concern is more over the engine and radiator.
I was never a believer in long storage. I believe cars were built to run, and if the weather is at all permitting, you are better off to take it out and drive it every few weeks than to leave it sit for 6 months. Of course, that means driving it enough to get hot all the way out past the mufflers, or you rust out the mufflers.
If it gets dirty, then bring it home, wash it, dry it, cover it, and close the door. Do it again on the first nice dry day, even if it is zero degrees.Comment
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Re: Cold Weather Storage
Actually very cold storage temperatures are not a problem. In fact, they may be preferable to milder temperatures. Chemical reaction rates decrease exponentially with temperature and very cold air holds little moisture, so renting a garage in Grand Forks to store your car over Florida winters may be beneficial.
Problems can arise in the spring when a warm moist air mass is followed by winter's last cold air mass that can cause condensation. In these conditions the garage should be aired out to reduce condensation to minimal levels and evaporate condensation as fast as possible
Change the oil and filter just prior to storage.
Be sure antifreeze concentration is 50 percent, which will provide freeze protection to -34F. If colder temps are possible increase anti-freeze concentration to 70 percent.
Pump the tires up to the maximum cold pressure placarded on the side wall up to about 40 psi or at least 32 psi. You absolutely do not want to have it on jackstands. Leave it on the tires.
Fill the fuel tank with fresh fuel. Stablilizer for winter storage is not necessary. In cold temps there will be no adverse fuel reactions.
As you stated, remove the battery and store it in a warmer location. Charge it once a month.
Last and most important is to set rodent traps and bait under the car, in the engine compartment, trunk, and interior. Leave this out and you may well regret it. Inspect for rodent activity at once a month and more often if activity is evident.
It's also a good idea to wash the car and cover it. Come spring, install a freshly charged battery, check tire pressure and do a general vehicle inspection for fluid levels and leaks, remove the traps/bait and conduct the normal cold start procedure. It might take longer than normal cranking to fill the fuel bowls.
The oil is good for the rest of the season. The clock does not run on fresh oil during storage, but it does run on antifreeze and brake fluid,which should be renewed every two years.
DukeComment
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Re: Cold Weather Storage
In addition to what others have said, put heavy duty plastic on the floor under your Corvette. It really cuts down on any condensation due to a cold floor and warm air, the combination of which will cause rust.
PatrickVice-Chairman (West), Michigan Chapter NCRS
71 "deer modified" coupe
72 5-Star Bowtie / Duntov coupe. https://www.flickr.com/photos/124695...57649252735124
2008 coupe
Available stickers: Engine suffix code, exhaust tips & mufflers, shocks, AIR diverter valve broadcast code.Comment
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Re: Cold Weather Storage
Good tips so far. My two cents worth.
Disconnect the coil wire and take off the air cleaner. Then have someone crank the engine over while spraying a very HEAVY dose of Fogging Oil into the carb. This will theoretically coat your cylinder walls with a heavy oil that will protect them.
GaryComment
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Cold Weather Storage
Thanks for all the great tips. I should have stated that I have owned the car for 22 years and have put it in cold storage for all of those years. I just completed a body-on and thought there might be some tips on taking the car out of storage in the spring in about the same condition as when it goes in in November. Guess I've been doing it somewhat correctly except for the carburator part. I did lose a top to rodents one winter and now put mothballs in paper bowels in all areas of the car. No problem since. Will add the bait killer this winter. Thanks for the storage offers. Will be permanently moving south in a couple of years, so I guess the "58 will have to survive two more winters just like me. Again, thanks for all the responses. DavidComment
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Re: Cold Weather Storage
*GROUND* the coil wire...Comment
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Re: Cold Weather Storage
If you're worried about the chrome pitting, coat it with oil, furniture polish or Armour All.
GeorgeComment
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Re: Cold Weather Storage
I do that and assumed that others would. I should have mentioned it specifically. Thanks.
GaryComment
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Re: Cold Weather Storage
Put it in the living room. Then keep your living room at 72 degrees with 25% humidity!! You'll be amazed at the positive comments you get at dinner parties!!!!Comment
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Re: Cold Weather Storage
David I bought and omni bag years ago and now have up dated to the the car jacket. I have and old shed for my 62 and the car jacket works great. I lay card board under neath the front half. The car is a Blomington gold with 11,000 miles on it now. With the bag it stay very clean. It is well worth the money for winter storage's in Indiana. johnComment
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