Well since this is going to be the first winter storing my Vette in the garage, I was looking for some tip on what to do, how to prep it for storage, or anything in general that I need to know.
Its been sitting for about a month now and I've been starting it and driving it around the block every Thursday. Its really hard to get it started after sitting for just a week, almost felt like I was going to run down the battery on starting. Any ideas guys, thanks.
MARK
LIFETIME MEMBER #117
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"Keep up the Pace"
One thing you must have is a Battery Tender. They sell around $40. They are great hook it up your battery it's allways fully charged,and it's fully automatic charges only when battery voltage drops.Fill your tank add some dry gas,if your like me I take rides all winter long if there is no snow on the roads....
Dave
Hi Mark,
When I put mine away for the winter I pull the battery and if it needs it, clean the battery case up along with the posts and cable ends. I then set the battery on the work bench and through the winter trickle charger it once a month. I fill the tank up and put fuel stabelizer in it. With a full tank I don't worry about condensation in the tank. I change the engine oil and filter then run it for a few minutes. I also flush the brake system. I like to pump a little grease into the front suspension parts to flush out any mostiure and contaminates. That's about it. I am sure others may do things a little different but so far it has worked for me. I may be going through this here in another week or two.
Thanks guys, its got a full tank, and I think I'll look into the battery tender, and a good oil change is do anyways
Any other good ideas are still welcome
MARK
LIFETIME MEMBER #117
Click here to see my new friend P-Racer
"Keep up the Pace"
Think this will work
MARK
LIFETIME MEMBER #117
Click here to see my new friend P-Racer
"Keep up the Pace"
I also add fuel stabilizer to the gas..keeps the gas from going bad. Use it in lawn mower etc.
Alan
I know the voices aren't real, but they have some pretty cool ideas...
Thanks everyone, I've never seen a critter in my garage and the house is fairly new. My dogs go out in the garge with me and I think they would know if anythings been crawling around in their, but I'm still gonna try the snuggle
I'll also try the cheap Harbor Freight trickle charger for this winter to see how it does, if it doesn't work I'll get something better for next year.
Thanks again guys, as I said keep the suggestions coming. this may turn out to be a good link for people to check out
MARK
LIFETIME MEMBER #117
Click here to see my new friend P-Racer
"Keep up the Pace"
Hey Sportivo,
I see your from Torrance. I grew up there but moved in 73 when my dad sold his radiator shop in Inglewood and bought a farm in Oregon. We use to live off of 182 and Van Ness. Must be nice to be able to drive the Vette year round. The only problem I see with that is you have no time to work on the Vette during the winter like us up north.
Take Care
The hard way to do a prelube is to remove the distributor, and use a pre lube tool on a drill to operate the oil pump until it builds some pressure, and circulates through the motor. The easy way is to just disconnect the ignition so it won't start and crank the motor until oil is circulating, then reconnect the ignition and start the engine.
Other than put the tops back on, roll up the windows and use the cover a lot more - I usually try to give it a good cleaning and wax before it's too cold. I have never really thought of "putting it up for the winter".
To be honest, unless there is a ton of slop, sand, etc on the roads, I try to get it out on the road for a 20-30 mile ride once or twice a month throughout the winter. I avoid letting it just idle in the garage or driveway and do my best to get it out, go through the gears, use the brakes and run at a normal operating temp for an hour or so.
I'm not sure who it helps more - me or the Vette?
I know the voices aren't real, but they have some pretty cool ideas...
MARK
LIFETIME MEMBER #117
Click here to see my new friend P-Racer
"Keep up the Pace"
I know the voices aren't real, but they have some pretty cool ideas...
Well since this is going to be the first winter storing my Vette in the garage, I was looking for some tip on what to do, how to prep it for storage, or anything in general that I need to know.
same here (about first yr storage). I'm wondering about putting it up on jack stands to save springs and tires. Thinking it might flex the frame and put body panels out of alignment. Anyone know if jackstands will do this?
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I've been string my 78 for a lot of years now, and have come up with a personal check list and some beliefs along the way. Its like anything else, do what works for you and were you live.
items on my list
1. Stabilizer in tanks (double the recommended quantity on the bottle)
2. Fill the tank with premium (I use this anyways so it doesn't matter)
3. Service the engine. This is oil change/filter. All liquid levels, ie. power steering, brakes, Transmission, Differential, A/C, Windshield washer, ect.. Air in the tires, anti freeze reading.
4. grease all items.
5. Go for a 15 to 30 minute drive (This gets the stabilizer mixed throughout your fule system)
6. wash and wax
7. My garage floor is sealed and painted so I just back her into her winter resting place. I then pull the battery and clean the tray. Then reinstall the battery and connect it up to a battery maintainer. I don't like trickle chargers for this, they never shut off and I've had them kill batteries over the winter.
8. Even though she is in the garage with the our other toys in storage, I do cover her with good quality car cover.
9. I do not start her at all during the winter. In my experience this just does more harm than good, it causes condensation within the engin and exhaust system.
When I pull her out of storage in the spring, she is pretty much ready and to go, and normally starts right up without any fuss at all. Just like my daily driver does.
But remember that we store our cars in a heated garage over the winter (garage temp is kept at 40 degrees) This helps with moisture elemination. Up here it gets down to -0 degrees F. in the winter for long stretches during the winter.
I don't know if this helps you, the one thing that I do recommend though is to develop your own checklist for your needs. This way we won't miss anything each winter. It makes for a more enjoyable spring when you pull her out of storage.