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Winterize ques.

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Old Sep 27, 2002 | 11:58 PM
  #1  
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Default Winterize ques.

What kind of steps do you go through if you have to put your car away for awhile. Have heard that it's best to store it with a full
tank of gas with stabilizer added. Also heard to apply a heavy coat of wax and not wipe it off especially on the chrome parts.
Thanks Jimbo64 :seeya :cheers:
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Old Sep 28, 2002 | 02:42 AM
  #2  
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Default Re: Winterize ques. (Jimbo64)

Assuming you have a dry place to store it, fill the tires to the maximum placarded on the sidewall or 40 psi, whichever is less, change the oil and filter, and fill the fuel tank. I've been storing cars for up to a year for over ten years and have never used a stabilizer and have never had any fuel system problems.

Wash and detail the car and cover it. After having rodent problems once, I also place traps and or bait under the car in the engine compartment and interior. Close the heater air valve and saddle vents.

Either charge the battery at least once a month or leave a battery tender on it.

If the brake fluid and coolant will reach their two year expiration prior to the end or storage, change it before storage.

You don't need to go to extaordinary measures like waxing the car and not buffing it off. Winter storage in a dry environment will not result in any significant corrosion.

Duke
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Old Sep 28, 2002 | 11:48 PM
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Default Re: Winterize ques. (SWCDuke)

duke, As always thanks for your timely advice. You are always extremely helpful and it is appreciated. Thanks again
Jimbo64 :cheers:
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Old Sep 29, 2002 | 05:45 PM
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Default Re: Winterize ques. (SWCDuke)

Rodents....funny you should mention that as that what ran across my lap today as I fired up the '60.

I pulled all seats (bottoms & backs) and found no trace of anything. Checked trunk, convertible top storage area, nothing.

I parked the car and poceeded to replace the front shocks in my backyard.

Guess what I was greeted by again when I went to drive my '60 back into the garage. This time it ran from the front seat area across the trans tunnel and ran somewhere behind the passenger seat area. The passenger seat was still out from the earlier incident. Again pulled the driver seats & checked everywhere.....found nothing.

I'm depressed.....
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Old Sep 29, 2002 | 06:48 PM
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Default Re: Winterize ques. (Jimbo64)

KENMO, would definately take Duke's advice today and set a couple traps inside that beautiful car. I have a friend that
had stored a hardtop and when he took it out of storage all the padding and insulation from under the seats had been
chewed out. Also did a number on the wiring insulation. They like to build nests out of that stuff. Time for you to attack,
and open hunting season on them thar critters. Good luck and happy hunting. :cheers: Jimbo 64
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Old Sep 30, 2002 | 12:56 AM
  #6  
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Default Re: Winterize ques. (Jimbo64)

It must have felt right at home with the "Mouse Motor" under the hood :lol:
I would threaten to replace that Small Block with a RAT, That should chase him off..

If that doesn't work buy a Cat..

Don't do what I did as a kid,,,
I went after one in my dads garage with a high powered "BB" gun.. :smash:

Bottom line,
The mouse still had a home...

I was out looking for one :cry

Get rid of him fast... They make friends quick..

Tony


[Modified by pittsaj, 8:57 PM 9/29/2002]
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Old Sep 30, 2002 | 04:00 PM
  #7  
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Default Re: Winterize ques. (Jimbo64)

I have Winterize mine in the past but it seems that every few weeks there is a nice enough day to take them out for a short drive (10 - 15 miles). The last two years I just put them in warm storage area with a full tank of fuel with a few moth ***** inside.
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Old Oct 9, 2002 | 09:14 PM
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Default Re: Winterize ques. (58Vette65)

What do the regulars here in the northern climates do about their chrome during the winter ?

Should I take my air cleaner and spinners off or coat 'em with vaseline or unploished wax ? How about other chrome ( bumpers, grille, etc ) ?

Cheers
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Old Oct 10, 2002 | 07:38 PM
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Default Re: Winterize ques. (Jimbo64)

I would only add to the former posts the following:
If you do add gas stabilizer, run your engine for a few minutes to make sure it is in the entire system & carb.
Also, if it's going to sit for a long period of timew, I have heard that some people actually place the car on jacks, to keep the tires off the ground & from deforming - though I don;t know if that's necessary or not.
:seeya
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Old Oct 10, 2002 | 08:04 PM
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Default Re: Winterize ques. (Silver65)

Placing a car on jack stands for extended periods can damage the suspension bushings by straining them in torsion. That's why the AIM and service manuals tell you to tighten them with the car at normal ride height.

Storing a car in cool weather is very unlikely to damage the tires. Nylon belted tires tend to develop flat spots, but they round out again when the tire warms up from driving.

Duke
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Old Oct 11, 2002 | 10:23 AM
  #11  
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Default Re: Winterize ques. (Jimbo64)

some good info there i think i will place some mouse traps in my garage now :eek:
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Old Oct 11, 2002 | 10:58 AM
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Default Re: Winterize ques. (zeus337)

I don't do anything for winter storage. I like to take them out if there is a nice day during winter. About once a month I go and visit them and inspect them bumper to bumper top to bottom. I look for any early signs of rust, mold, rodents, dry rubber, etc than take action. If the bare metal parts like fuel line look like they may begin to rust I spray with WD40 or I spread on wheel bearing grease. I pretend I am putting tanning lotion on a bikini model. :D
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Old Oct 11, 2002 | 11:31 AM
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Default Re: Winterize ques. (joe58)

I recommend filling the gas tank with AMOCO Ultimate. No problems with either fuel injected car doing this. When the gas evaporates, it does not leave deposits behind.
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Old Oct 13, 2002 | 01:12 AM
  #14  
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Default Re: Winterize ques. (Jimbo64)

Again my thanks for all of you gals/guys who posted replys to the winter ques.

a lot of good advice is shared on this forum. Thanks again :cheers: :seeya
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