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Old Oct 1, 2018 | 05:32 PM
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Default Winterizing a C3

I'm a new C3 owner and this will be my first winter with my C3 in storage. I would appreciate any tips for storing the car in the winter. I live in Ohio and this car will be kept in a garage attached to my house. Wasnt sure If i should be using a fuel treatment and battery charger. I just have it a full synthetic Mobil one oil change.
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Old Oct 1, 2018 | 09:01 PM
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Fuel stabilizer is an important step when storing a car for extended periods. A battery charger is not necessary, just disconnect the battery. Mice can be a real problem, unless you have cats or some way to discourage the little buggers. Several good threads on the forum about keeping the mice away.
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Old Oct 1, 2018 | 09:12 PM
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pull the battery and put it inside the house,make sure the eng anti-freeze goes low enough,,try putting moth-ball around the car too

Last edited by dmaxx3500; Oct 1, 2018 at 09:13 PM.
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Old Oct 1, 2018 | 09:19 PM
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I usually remove the keys and then in the spring put them back in and go for a drive, that's all.
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Old Oct 1, 2018 | 09:34 PM
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Top off the tank, add stabilizer. Remove the battery. Pump the tires up to max. Cover it and set traps all around or the mouse-proofing of your choice.
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Old Oct 1, 2018 | 11:12 PM
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go get four bars of irish spring soap ,cut them up in little pieces and spread them around each tire!
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Old Oct 1, 2018 | 11:21 PM
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Winter here means the temps drop down to the upper 70's so I can finally put the windows down and take the tops off!
OK, flame suit on......

Last edited by Greg; Oct 1, 2018 at 11:28 PM.
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Old Oct 2, 2018 | 12:08 AM
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Originally Posted by Bills72n84
go get four bars of irish spring soap ,cut them up in little pieces and spread them around each tire!
A cheese grater works good for shredding the bars of soap.

I also keep the battery in the car with a disconnect switch and put a Battery Tender on it during its winter nap.

Last edited by JETS C3-C4; Oct 2, 2018 at 12:11 AM.
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Old Oct 2, 2018 | 12:33 AM
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Originally Posted by Greg
Winter here means the temps drop down to the upper 70's so I can finally put the windows down and take the tops off!
OK, flame suit on......
California has no winter.........warm winter temperatures here are in the mid 20's.
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Old Oct 2, 2018 | 08:13 AM
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Originally Posted by '75
I usually remove the keys and then in the spring put them back in and go for a drive, that's all.
This is what I do as well Although I have been known to put the key back in on a winter day if the roads are dry and head out for a short drive!
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Old Oct 2, 2018 | 08:19 AM
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I put a car cover on my 65 for winter.
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Old Oct 2, 2018 | 08:25 AM
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Originally Posted by '75
I usually remove the keys and then in the spring put them back in and go for a drive, that's all.
well that was the initial plan
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Old Oct 2, 2018 | 08:51 AM
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Originally Posted by Jjohnston1010
well that was the initial plan
That's the plan I use too. Don't over think storage. It's only for a few months.
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Old Oct 2, 2018 | 08:57 AM
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Originally Posted by Gold Dragon
Fuel stabilizer is an important step when storing a car for extended periods. A battery charger is not necessary, just disconnect the battery. Mice can be a real problem, unless you have cats or some way to discourage the little buggers. Several good threads on the forum about keeping the mice away.
Lars rebuilt my carburetor and he told me that fuel stabilizers should not be used as they are harmful to carburetor parts.
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Old Oct 2, 2018 | 10:31 AM
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My car goes into storage for 5 months during the winter. I fill the fuel tank and add Sta-bil. I also connect the battery to a tender.

YMMV
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Old Oct 2, 2018 | 11:29 AM
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Ive had to store my cars in excess of 10 months before. My Corvette spends at least 5 months a year under wraps. Heres my procedure:

1) Wash and wax
2) Fill tank, add stabilizer. (My carb was also rebuilt by Lars, never heard of not using stabilizer. I can tell you that Ive been using it every season for 17 years on my Harley and Ive never had a problem)
3) Run the car around the block to be sure stabil is circulated
4) Park car, disconnect battery.

5) DO NOT start the car periodically during the winter. It does more harm than good. I do give the carb linkage a quick jiggle every 3 months to keep the accel pump from sticking
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Old Oct 2, 2018 | 05:35 PM
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Originally Posted by Greg
Winter here means the temps drop down to the upper 70's so I can finally put the windows down and take the tops off!
OK, flame suit on......

I leave the battery in and use Stabil fuel stabilizer. If i had access to non ethanol fuel I would put that in. I start mine every week or every other week to keep it happy and everything moving. We have really humid weather and I dont want the oil gathering too much water or getting any rust in the cylinders. The boat owners here "fog" their motors to keep the cylinders oiled. I never have a problem and the car stays happy. As for mice I put moth ***** in clean cat food tins and leave them around the tires and in the car

Last edited by Rescue Rogers; Oct 2, 2018 at 05:43 PM.
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Old Oct 2, 2018 | 06:04 PM
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Originally Posted by Greg
Winter here means the temps drop down to the upper 70's so I can finally put the windows down and take the tops off!
OK, flame suit on......
HA- and you get like 7days of rain a year!!!


Here in the South-

I make sure to loosen the lugnuts so they don't get frozen to the wheels...

Norwegian rats EAT Irish spring down here !!!
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Old Oct 2, 2018 | 06:42 PM
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Originally Posted by Richard454
HA- and you get like 7days of rain a year!!!


Here in the South-

I make sure to loosen the lugnuts so they don't get frozen to the wheels...

Norwegian rats EAT Irish spring down here !!!
OOOHH fresh breathe

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Old Oct 2, 2018 | 10:37 PM
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Make sure the fuel tank has nothing but ethanol-free fuel in it. Top it off before shutting down. Change oil and filter and let it set. It'll be fine.
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