Topic: Winter Storage
in Forum: C3 General Discussion
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Lifetime MemberIndianapolis, IN - USA
Joined: 9/3/2006
Posts: 2431
Vette(s): Silver 1974 Convertible - L82 4 speed
Low miles (was only 8,900 when I bought it in March 2006) - Now 54K miles. Original owner bought it as an investment for son's college expenses.
2008 Jetstream Blue Convertible
Sadly enough, it looks like we're getting to that time of year where the car is going to be "put up" for the winter
. Since this is my first year with it, I need some help sorting out the extremes from the reasonable measures.
manget1 2006-10-24 18:20:32
. Since this is my first year with it, I need some help sorting out the extremes from the reasonable measures.
I did a good wash job last weekend, and I probably still should get a fresh oil change and wax it (any issues with a mid-winter wax, as long as the garage is warm enough?). As a reference point, the car is a 74 convertible. I bought it in March of this year. It had only 8900 miles (I have fairly good documentation on this) then, but I've almost doubled that and have it up to around 16,500.
I'm in the midwest, so I'm guessing I won't have the car on the road too much between now and say, April? However, I thought that I would try to get out and start it at least once every few weeks (at least), and hopefully take it for a spin around the block when I can find a clear, dry day. The garage is well insulated, but not heated (I have a good sized electric heater the wife bought for the garage that I may use when it gets particularly chilly). The other side of the garage will be used by a daily driver, so the door will open often and cold and elements will get inside. So...?
Top Up? This seems like a given (it is up now), but I just thought I'd see if anyone had any unconventional wisdom on this topic
Keep it covered? I've heard that critters will try to nest inside, under the hood etc, and I'm not sure if this would make it easier for them, or if I'd be better off being able to see it at all times (ok, other than staring at the pictures in my wallet
). I don't have a cover, but have seriously considered getting one.
). I don't have a cover, but have seriously considered getting one.Trickle Charger / Disconnect the battery / Remove the battery / None of the above / All of the above?
Gas Stabilizer? Is that really needed if I plan (but can't guarantee) I'll get it out of the garage once a month? Is there any down side to it (I've never used it)? Do I need to do anything special in the spring if I do put it in? Either way, how much gas should I keep in the tank? Full tank, or try to run it down?
Put it up in the air? This one seemed on the extreme side to me. Will the tires really be damaged by having the car sit on them for a few months in the same spot?
When the oil is changed in the spring, do I need to chage the filter too? Ok, that's a cheapskate question, but what the 
, I asked it anyway. Ok, since I'm being cheap, do I really need to change the oil again in the spring if no miles are put on the engine?
, I asked it anyway. Ok, since I'm being cheap, do I really need to change the oil again in the spring if no miles are put on the engine?Radiator - do I need to do anything special? I had it replaced earlier this year, so the fluid is fresh. I've heard of draining, but again, that sounds extreme - as well as a pain if I want to start it occasionally and drive as well.
Anything I'm missing?
Any good spring rituals any of you can recommend? I had the carb rebuilt earlier this year, along with a tune up, but it has been running rough lately, so I figured I'd get a mini-tune when I bring it out, but I didn't know what other things I might want to look at at the same time.
The advice on the forum has been great so far. I don't have any real projects planned for the winter (out of $$$), but maybe Santa will bring some cash to help out for early spring changes/additions/etc!!
Thanks everyone!!
I wanted a Corvette my whole life, but I never dreamed of all the wonderful people I would meet because of it!
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Lifetime MemberModerator
Moses Lake, WA - USA
Joined: 4/16/2005
Posts: 2134
Vette(s): 1976 L48 4-spd, Mahogany Metalic exterior, Buckskin interior 350ci/350hp, 3rd owner, fiberglass spring, 255/50-16's Torq-Thrust II
As long as she is clean and under cover no need for more wax. I all ways polish and wax first thing in the spring.
I disconnect my battery and give it a charge once a month
Change the oil and filter and run the engine for a couple of minutes before hibernation. Old oil becomes acidic and will etch the crank bearings if the engine is not run on a regular basis. I was shown examples from MGB crank bearings. I run my vette for a couple of months in the spring before make an oil change.
If you are going to start the engine, take it for a drive and run it at temp for a little bit.
If you store like me put fuel stabilizer in and fill the tank to prevent condensation and run the engine for a little bit to make sure it finds its way into the carb.
Make sure your anti-freeze can take the cold even though its in the garage. If your home looses power, you don't want the block to freeze and crack. I don't drain mine for the winter.
I cover mine to keep the dust off.
Bleeding the brakes with fresh brake fluid (new can) to try and move the moisture out of the calipers.
I do have bonding sessions with the vette during the winter though.
That's about it except dream of next spring when I can be cruising in the vette
I recommend putting a sheet of plastic or an old carpet under the car to keep moisture at bay. I always fill the tank and put in sta-bil. Then I use fogging oil in the carb per the instructions the same as I do my boat. If you are worried about critters then I have been told to place drier fabric sheets around the engine and corkpit. They say the smell is enough to keep them away. I disconnect the battery and give it a full charge before and after storing it. I place my car on wheel dollies also.
Brian - NCM Lifetime Member
73 coupe L48, Flat-top pistons, Performer RPM Heads, Crane Cam and roller rockers, Holley 650 vac sec. Performer intake,
3.55 gear BTO 200-4R trans,
Leather seats, Seatbelt Plus 3point seatbelts, Pioneer CD player
Magnaflow Exhuast System
Dewitt radiator and dual electric fans
Borgeson Steering box
I usually wait until the first forecast of snow, then I go a little overboard. Besides the fluid changes and the waxing etc. I treat the weather strips with silicone, I over inflate the tires (supposed to help against flat spots)? I bug bomb the garage 24 hours before the car goes in (I rent a single car garage) I have a car bag which I lay out on the floor, I place a piece of thick carpet down for each tire to lay on (also supposed to help against flat spots) drive the onto the bag, place some fabric softener under the car (Inside the bag) as well as 4 one pound bags of desiccant. I also put 2 more bags inside the car, I cover it with a car cover and zip the bag closed. I then place a few additional fabric softeners around the garage, and go home to cry.
when I open it up around late March (as long as the snow is over) the car looks like I just put it away the day before. Then I'm happy again.
We're all in the same boat.. First day of snow in Anchorage today, they are calling for heavy snow starting at noon Wednesday and then 3 days solid..Going for a record first snow fall.. 
Maybe if we get it all at once that will be it for the rest of winter?? NOT, After work I walked into the garage and there she was, all warm and inviting, I dropped the bag with the battery tender and the fuel stabilizer next to her and wished that I could take her for one more spin around the block!!..But it's over, not until April 1 2007 before she's legal for the road..Well boys, were in this all together..Time only time will fix our desires
Maybe if we get it all at once that will be it for the rest of winter?? NOT, After work I walked into the garage and there she was, all warm and inviting, I dropped the bag with the battery tender and the fuel stabilizer next to her and wished that I could take her for one more spin around the block!!..But it's over, not until April 1 2007 before she's legal for the road..Well boys, were in this all together..Time only time will fix our desires
"I Love all Corvettes! LifeTime Member #60..Terry" 
I'm sure it is nice up there in the north but I'm glad to be here in the south(sort of) in Oklahoma. I don't really winterize mine because she can come out every couple of weeks on nice days. It will get into at least the 50's for a day or so every month during the winter.
in Forum: C3 General Discussion
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