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Winter storage

271 views 9 replies 8 participants last post by  Smithisretired  
#1 ·
It's not winter yet here in Cheyenne (shocker) but we're leaving for a two week cruise shortly and I figure winter will be here when I get back. Today I washed it and put the dust cover on it in my attached garage (not directly heated but much warmer than outside).

Question: I expect it to be parked for the next 6 months... recommendations? I tried to remove the battery this summer when I replaced the ignition switch and couldn't so I figure I'll put my charger on it next spring. Should I put the car on jack stands or will it be OK on the rubber (Concrete floor).

Crazy thought...would any harm come to the car if I parked it outside during the Cheyenne winter (I'd like to keep my daily driver inside so I don't have to constantly remove snow/ice from it))? I have a concrete RV pad inside my fence where it could be parked out of sight from the neighbors. Never had a fiberglass car before, not sure if it would be damaged with a cold-soak. Tires? rest of the car? Should I be worried about critters?
 
#2 ·
I'll disconnect my ground cable from the battery, put a cover on it and put it on my lift.
You can add some PSI to the tires to avoid flat spots or put it up on jack stands.
I don't think parking it outside would matter as long as it's covered.
I've seen dryer sheets or bars of soap placed in the cockpit to ward off critters.
Maybe consider a canopy over the car even if it is covered as snow/ice may settle in the cockpit despite a cover.
Make sure your antifreeze is mixed appropriately for the anticipated temps.
 
#3 ·
My winter storage procedure with mine:
1) Pull into the garage
2) Shut off the engine and remove the key
3) Close the door and turn off the light

In the spring reverse the process. Worked flawlessly for 17 winters.

Jeff
 
#8 ·
I'm with Jeff. I bought an inclosed 20 ft car trailer to keep mine in. Its ready to go any time at the drop of a hat. Conn isnt known for its warm winter weather but I've taken it for a ride on an odd warmish dry winter day occasionally over the years.
 
#10 ·
I have three "toys" (FFR Type 65, Triumph Spitfire and Opel GT). They are all garaged and I try to start them up and let them run to temperature at least once per month through the winter. I'm do not always meet this schedule, but so far (20+ years) I have not had any difficulties. I do put rhodent repellent packs into the dark places -- under hood, under seata, in the trunk -- emphasis on "repellent" and not poison that might attract them,