I know a few of you all run your vette's all year round as I try to do.Lets face it life gets in the way and you can't always get to go out on the nice weekend that is coming up,or plans get changed due to unforseen happening with the family.So due to my marine experience,I'd like to give a few pointers to make the start up for the month or two your vette might sit a little more enjoyable(if there is such a thing!!)First things first,Fuel protection. todays fuel can go bad in as little as 30 days, (yes 30 days) alcohol plays a big part in this problem. I have personally found from past experience that topping the tank off is not the way to go. I've heard all the reasons and supposed facts and they just don't cut it in the real world. I highly recommened addind fuel stablizer and water absorping additives such as Startron (a marine fuel aditive) they do work.Also only keeping 4-5 gallons of fuel in the tank.Reason being if it does go bad, you don't have a lot to get rid of. I find it is also easier to get to the gas station to get fresh fuel to mix with the older fuel. Make sure you car has a good coat of wax befor you put the cover on it .the pores in the paint will atract dirt and smog from the air and make spring clean up that much more of a task.Engine oil should be changed too.  The acid in the oil can start rust inside the oil pan and from pin hole leaks.Also running the engine at 1500 RPM and running some marval mystry oil down the carb will give valves and piston a good fogging for a quick start up in the spring as well as losing ring carbon deposits Fan belts will also benifit from a little candel wax rubbed on them with the engine running to keep them dry rotting (keeps the noisey one quiet too) But cars are made to be driven and if you can get a nice day for a ride I say go for it. but most of all, keep the fuel fresh as possible, it will always be your biggest storage problem.

                                                                                Later all,

                                                                                        Bill

Larry

 

I agree with everything you say...except the fuel tank. I prefer to store my Corvette with the tank full with fuel with no ethanol added plus a bottle of fuel stabilizer. The Minnesota street rod association is kind enough to provide a list of stations that sell this grade of fuel. You pay a premium price for it, but I think it is worth it. Keeping the tank full prevents moisture condensation in the tank which can corrode the inside of the fuel tank. I also bump the tire pressure up about 5 psi higher than normal. One last point, my baby is stored in an unheated pole barn with a dirt floor. Even though is can get really colod here in Minnesota, the humidity in the winter is really pretty low. Humidity is the real enemy here. I prefer dirt to concrete because moisture leaches out of concrete and I would bet that the pH of the water vapor is acidic. I also remove the battery and store it in my garage at home. Cold weather storage will help preserve the battery. There have been many threads posted here over the years regarding car storage and there are many opinions about storing cars. These have always worked for me. If I lived in texas, I could drive my Corvette year 'round.....That would be sweet!

 

Wally