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Topic: Corvette Winter Storage

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Corvette Winter Storage (1/31)
 10/2/05 1:11pm
cilrahLifetime Member
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Port Orchard, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1978 Indy Pace Car 4851 of 6502, Auto, L-48


Joined: 6/20/2005
Posts: 4066

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.



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Corvette Winter Storage (2/31)
 10/2/05 1:43pm
Lynne73
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Easton, PA - USA

Vette(s):
1973 Coupe 350 Auto.T-Tops L48,65450 miles.


Joined: 11/6/2003
Posts: 232

 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

Corvette Winter Storage (3/31)
 10/2/05 2:28pm
suncountryLifetime Member
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Moses Lake, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1976 L48 4-spd, Mahogany Metalic exterior, Buckskin interior 350ci/350hp, 3rd owner, fiberglass spring, 255/50-16's Torq-Thrust II


Joined: 4/16/2005
Posts: 2134

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.

Corvette Winter Storage (4/31)
 10/2/05 10:03pm
Big Fish
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Joined: 12/16/2003
Posts: 630

It's also a good idea to "critter proof" your garage. Make sure there is no dog food or bird seed stored in there, and thoroughly clean your car to remove any food scraps, etc. Change the oil just before you park it for the winter, and refrain from starting it occasionally as this only adds moisture (and acid) to the inside of the engine. Check the tire pressure and consider over inflating the tires by 4 or 5 pounds to help reduce flat spotting. Be sure to reduce to normal pressure before that first drive next spring.
Corvette Winter Storage (5/31)
 10/3/05 1:12am
cilrahLifetime Member
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Port Orchard, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1978 Indy Pace Car 4851 of 6502, Auto, L-48


Joined: 6/20/2005
Posts: 4066

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



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Corvette Winter Storage (6/31)
 10/3/05 1:19am
cilrahLifetime Member
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Port Orchard, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1978 Indy Pace Car 4851 of 6502, Auto, L-48


Joined: 6/20/2005
Posts: 4066

Corvette Winter Storage (7/31)
 10/3/05 8:36am
anips
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sonoma, CA - USA

Vette(s):
72 LT-1 AC coupe,69 l-36 coupe


Joined: 8/9/2002
Posts: 784

When you run the motor or take it for a ride, don't forget to cycle the AC compressor so that the seal doesn't dry up.
Corvette Winter Storage (8/31)
 10/3/05 8:59am
chesh
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Edgewood, KY - USA

Vette(s):
1981, Black/Black, Engine bumped to about 400HP.Ext/int mostly stock.


Joined: 10/26/2003
Posts: 339

I think the hard starting is typical, although I have no way of knowing how much/long your cranking before it fires.  Mine always starts right up if it has been driven within the last few hours.  However, it it sits for 2 - 3 days, I have to crank maybe 5 seconds before it fires.  From posts I've read, it is because we are spoiled by modern fuel injection and forget that our carbs are vented to the atmosphere, so the fuel in the carb evaporates within a few days and must be replenished before it will fire.  Also, just to make sure you remember the method to start a carb'd car  -  get in, press the accelerator all the way to the floor and let up, then crank.  It sets the choke, and also squirts some gas into the intake (provided the gas sitting in the accelerator pump has not also evaporated).  May cut a little off your cranking time, if you're not already doing this...  
Corvette Winter Storage (9/31)
 10/3/05 9:47am
knotacare
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Newark, DE - USA

Vette(s):
1968 Conv, 454HO,500HP-600TQ, TKO-600,3:70 HD rear,hotrod air, custom paint & suspension,1973 Ruby Red,T-top, 383 Stroker, TK)-500,frame off restro, 1967 Dodge Coronet, 340 stroker to 406, Dana 60


Joined: 7/26/2004
Posts: 463

I also add fuel stabilizer to the gas..keeps the gas from going bad. Use it in lawn mower etc.

Alan



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Corvette Winter Storage (10/31)
 10/3/05 10:35am
Ron 78Lifetime Member
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BINGHAMTON, NY - USA

Vette(s):


Joined: 7/19/2003
Posts: 3808

I put Snuggle dryer sheets inside the car,the critters hate the smell of that cute little bear,never had any critter damage,and the car smells good .also use STABIL in the tank

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Corvette Winter Storage (11/31)
 10/3/05 1:30pm
NorskyLifetime Member
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West Burke, VT - USA

Vette(s):
SOLD - "The Toy" - '70 Convertible
SOLD - "The Beast" - '90 ZR-1 (#682)
SOLD - "Betty" - '28 Ford Model A Tudor
Still have - "BLKBRRD" - '78 Pontiac Trans Am


Joined: 1/23/2002
Posts: 7189

Also consider putting a full sheet of poly down on the floor to park the car on.  This helps to isolate the car from any moisture that may come up through the floor.

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Jim Olson 

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Where I've been in a Corvette...!!!

Corvette Winter Storage (12/31)
 10/3/05 3:20pm
SportivoGold Member
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San Pedro, CA - USA

Vette(s):
1971, LT-1, T-top, 4-speed (M21), Mulsanne Blue, 3.70 rear, mostly original (sidepipes). 2006, Daytona Sunset Orange Coupe.


Joined: 5/26/2005
Posts: 239

Winter storage? What's that?



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Corvette Winter Storage (13/31)
 10/3/05 7:07pm
longhorn294Lifetime Member
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DeBerry, TX - USA

Vette(s):
1971 383 Stroker- mille miglia red...5 speed


Joined: 2/27/2002
Posts: 1006

Forget that $40 battery tender and go to Habor Freight and get one of their floating trickle chargers. They sell for about $13-$14 and if you watch their flyers, you can catch them on sell for about $8.95. Just hook it up and forget it. Won't overcharge. I use them on my lawnmower and motorcycle. Don't need it for the '71. I drive it more in the winter than summer. I can actually go more than 20 miles without frying! Anyway, Harbor Freight's charger works great, and cheap.

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Corvette Winter Storage (14/31)
 10/3/05 7:34pm
Bob GriffithsLifetime Member
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Frederick, MD - USA

Vette(s):
Frederick County Corvette Club (Maryland) Tan 64 365 Hp Conv 4 sp Red 72 4 sp Conv ..running a '68 327 Blue 76 Coupe L 48 4 sp White 79 Coupe L 82 auto Silver 98 Conv, 6 sp 35th Anniv '88 vette


Joined: 2/20/2003
Posts: 548


I have 3-4 of those Harbour Freight things....and to be honest I have 5 regular 40 dollar Battery tenders that I trust 100 times as much as the harbour frient things...and mine blink all winter long....

Me new routine for the last few years has been to mouse proof the
garage and the car itself...
Car gets  both traps and Bounce Laundry strips inside (Mickey
or Minnie paid me a visit a year or so ago and it took a year to get everything working again...)
Garage gets cleaned up especially rags .. every single rag gets stored inside a sealed storage tub... discovered that the mice were camped out in my exposed pile of rags and towels  to keep warm  the winter I had Mickey over for dinner...

Besides that I change the oil... but not the filter...fill the tank up
with gasoline...I do not use any additives from November to April).
every other year I flush and change the antifreeze...Even years flush
(have it written on the wall of the garage)...

Thats it....

In the spring I do change the oil again (zero miles) and change the filter...toss the mouse traps in a bag ...lube the suspension and fire them up for another year...

I really should prelub the engines with oil  before starting in the spring but to be honest I really do not know how too...

Bob G.
     79 is down and not starting... SOB!
 



Corvette Winter Storage (15/31)
 10/3/05 10:31pm
cilrahLifetime Member
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Port Orchard, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1978 Indy Pace Car 4851 of 6502, Auto, L-48


Joined: 6/20/2005
Posts: 4066

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

cilrah38628.8143287037

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MARK
LIFETIME MEMBER #117

Click here to see my new friend P-Racer
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Corvette Winter Storage (16/31)
 10/3/05 11:09pm
suncountryLifetime Member
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Moses Lake, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1976 L48 4-spd, Mahogany Metalic exterior, Buckskin interior 350ci/350hp, 3rd owner, fiberglass spring, 255/50-16's Torq-Thrust II


Joined: 4/16/2005
Posts: 2134

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

Corvette Winter Storage (17/31)
 10/3/05 11:21pm
kstyerLifetime Member
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CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH - USA

Vette(s):
1975 C3 Red, T-Tops, Black Interior. All I need is time and money! Getting there!


Joined: 12/2/2003
Posts: 6424

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.

Corvette Winter Storage (18/31)
 10/4/05 12:13pm
anips
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sonoma, CA - USA

Vette(s):
72 LT-1 AC coupe,69 l-36 coupe


Joined: 8/9/2002
Posts: 784

I think Ken will agree that the hard way is the best way.
Corvette Winter Storage (19/31)
 10/4/05 2:13pm
Iron82Lifetime Member
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Vette(s):
1982 Collector Edition #3413


Joined: 7/24/2003
Posts: 2150

Mine will be driving through the winter season.  Hope that it doesn't snow too much where I can't drive to work.    Don't want to get stuck!   
Corvette Winter Storage (20/31)
 10/4/05 2:49pm
Willis76Lifetime Member
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Rockland, MA - USA

Vette(s):
76, L48, 4spd & 09, LS3, 6spd


Joined: 1/30/2003
Posts: 584

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?



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Corvette Winter Storage (21/31)
 10/4/05 7:51pm
longhorn294Lifetime Member
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DeBerry, TX - USA

Vette(s):
1971 383 Stroker- mille miglia red...5 speed


Joined: 2/27/2002
Posts: 1006

Putting yours up for the winter Anips? Weather must of changed since I lived in Petaluma.

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Corvette Winter Storage (22/31)
 10/4/05 10:55pm
cilrahLifetime Member
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Port Orchard, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1978 Indy Pace Car 4851 of 6502, Auto, L-48


Joined: 6/20/2005
Posts: 4066

I wish driving my Vette year round was an option here  Once it starts raining in the Puget Sound region like November, it probably won't seriously stop until like April or May.  There will be a few days I may take it out for a good ride but for the most part it will be in hibernation

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MARK
LIFETIME MEMBER #117

Click here to see my new friend P-Racer
"Keep up the Pace"

Corvette Winter Storage (23/31)
 10/4/05 10:55pm
kstyerLifetime Member
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CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH - USA

Vette(s):
1975 C3 Red, T-Tops, Black Interior. All I need is time and money! Getting there!


Joined: 12/2/2003
Posts: 6424

Yep, Joe is right, the hard way is the best way.  At least in this case.  And that is in fact what I have done with mine when it sat long enough, and when I assemble the engine.   But with it sitting outside, I tend to just start it up and get it warmed up every couple of weeks during the winter.
Corvette Winter Storage (24/31)
 10/5/05 12:38am
anips
Former Member

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sonoma, CA - USA

Vette(s):
72 LT-1 AC coupe,69 l-36 coupe


Joined: 8/9/2002
Posts: 784

Yo Longhorn, you know better than that, what ever made you decide to leave the beautiful little town of Petaluma, The wrist wrestling, chicken and egg, capital of the world, where they filmed American Grafietti, back then I was racing "skinny cars" at the fair grounds and a fellow racer named Henery Travers who also lived in Sonoma was in charge of the taking care of and storing the real stars of the movie, the Duce, 58, and the two 55's, the one they rolled at the end of the movie was the nicer of the two, up close the Duce was trash, when he sold them he didn't get much for them, to get back to your question, as you know the really cold winters on average of 40-60 degrees and the heavy rain of 30-50 ins. during does keep me in at times.      anips38629.9075
Corvette Winter Storage (25/31)
 10/5/05 4:43am
longhorn294Lifetime Member
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DeBerry, TX - USA

Vette(s):
1971 383 Stroker- mille miglia red...5 speed


Joined: 2/27/2002
Posts: 1006

Yeah, I miss it. Been gone since '85. We lived within walking distance of the fairgrounds, rairly missed the races. The cruise nights were fun in my '70, headers, loud sidepipes and loping cam. Shoulda kept that beast. There comes a time you know you need to get the hell out of the fast lane. Probably doesn't even look the same. Maybe we'll get a chance to get out that way. We're heading up to WV this weekend to pick up an RV and visit Frank (vettebeige81) while we're there. Then we'll have something to travel in, if we can afford the gas. longhorn29438630.0734143518

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Corvette Winter Storage (26/31)
 10/5/05 9:02am
stevep316
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jersey city, NJ - USA

Vette(s):
1979 corvette metallic silver/red leather interior


Joined: 11/30/2003
Posts: 372

ive found that taking the battery out, putting poly plastic on the floor, some of those stay-dry sacs from home depot, some drygas in a full tank and changing the oil should all you need to do to put it away for a few months. dont forget the tires- put a good armour-all on them and put a few extra psi in them to avoid the flat spot. a light weight car cover will keep her nice and clean for the first spring outing.

this winter i plan to take out any nice day when theres no snow or salt on the road, so ill probably not do all the above. i average about twice a month regularly.



Corvette Winter Storage (27/31)
 10/16/05 1:29pm
huk_finn
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northern, IL - USA

Vette(s):
1973 t top, 454, manual trans.


Joined: 9/9/2005
Posts: 135

[QUOTE=cilrah]

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?

Corvette Winter Storage (28/31)
 10/16/05 4:31pm
Bob GriffithsLifetime Member
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Frederick, MD - USA

Vette(s):
Frederick County Corvette Club (Maryland) Tan 64 365 Hp Conv 4 sp Red 72 4 sp Conv ..running a '68 327 Blue 76 Coupe L 48 4 sp White 79 Coupe L 82 auto Silver 98 Conv, 6 sp 35th Anniv '88 vette


Joined: 2/20/2003
Posts: 548


Do not put it up on jackstands....UNLESS you really want to waste the energy .... lol....

Seriously not really needed even if you have bias ply tires on the car....
which mayl flat spot over a long (4 mo ? ) winter
Almost bet that the springs are the original ones...which means they have lasted 32 years now....I do not think jack stands are needed at this point...
When I used to (pre lift days) need jack stands I usually inserted the stands directly under the shock mounts never did use the frame.. and even so I still never opened the car doors etc..

Shame But I just returned an hour ago from the Corvettes at Ocean City Weekend.. 497 Corvettes paraded down the boardwalk..and on the way back got bummed out a little since I know all my cars will be preped for winter storage within the next month... PLEASE LORD LET APRIL FOOLS DAY GET HERE FAST...so this old fool can open the garage doors and pull them out of the garage ....

Bob G.
Corvette Winter Storage (29/31)
 10/20/05 5:32am
CeeDee
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, - New Zealand

Vette(s):
Silver '81 mostly original C3. Silver interior, bilstiens, big sway bars, headers.


Joined: 3/26/2005
Posts: 232

[QUOTE=chesh] I think the hard starting is typical, although I have no way of knowing how much/long your cranking before it fires.  Mine always starts right up if it has been driven within the last few hours.  However, it it sits for 2 - 3 days, I have to crank maybe 5 seconds before it fires.  From posts I've read, it is because we are spoiled by modern fuel injection and forget that our carbs are vented to the atmosphere, so the fuel in the carb evaporates within a few days and must be replenished before it will fire.  Also, just to make sure you remember the method to start a carb'd car  -  get in, press the accelerator all the way to the floor and let up, then crank.  It sets the choke, and also squirts some gas into the intake (provided the gas sitting in the accelerator pump has not also evaporated).  May cut a little off your cranking time, if you're not already doing this...  [/QUOTE]

Ditto '81
Ditto starting routine, although more like 2-3 seconds for me.
I also came to the conclusion that after 4-5 hours or so
the fuel in the carb must just disappear somewhere, 'cos
the 2-3 second crank is oh so typical of the time
required for the fuel pump to get some fuel back where
its needed. At least the 2-3 second crank when cold syndrome is 100% reliable.... so far. Always starts.

______________
Kiwi Chris

Corvette Winter Storage (30/31)
 10/20/05 10:07pm
tuxblacrayLifetime Member
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Greensburg, IN - USA

Vette(s):
Previous: 1984 Silver / Charcoal Coupe, 1988 Maroon Coupe / 1989 Artic White Coupe / 2001 Speedway White Roadster / Present:1976 Stingray Black / Black, Auto, 350 slightly modified (355 hp) Luxor Wires Redline Tires. / 1989 Roadster Bright Red...


Joined: 9/24/2003
Posts: 5188

I do all of the routine maintenace and body cleaning as well. Then up she goes on a lift for winter underbody fun. Fire up the heat turn on some tunes and spend some time underneath checking, repairing and cleaning. After this is complete down she comes for admiration. When the snow gets deep the car becomes a beauty scene for all to see during the garage card game on Saturday afternoon. Like Bob April fools day comes and 2 people are happy. Me because out comes the car and my wife because I shave off my winter beard and the Saturday card games are over.

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Corvette Winter Storage (31/31)
 10/21/05 12:18am
ammo6
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PLATTSBURGH, NY - USA

Vette(s):
1978 Silver Coupe (Andy)L48 with leather Oyster interior.(Born March 22, 1978) 2003 50th Anniversary Edition (Annie) Born January 14, 2003


Joined: 11/21/2001
Posts: 54

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.

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