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New to this forum. Picked up a 69 Convertible over the summer, a 2012 NCRS winner. Stoked to have this beautiful machine and looking forward to participating in this forum and getting some expert advise as I begin to settle it in for the upcoming winter. There seem to be lots of varying opinions regarding Flatstoppers so I figured I’d ask fellow C3 owners what your thoughts are about going on jacks or using Flatstoppers? Here are some pics!
You are MORE than welcome to bring that beauty down here to Georgia and store her, FREE of charge all winter!
We don’t have to worry about snow too much and you won’t have to bother with flatstoppers. 😂😂
All joking aside, ENJOY that gorgeous car and keep us posted with lots of pictures and updates.
If you got any questions, ask away. There are LOTS of very knowledgeable guys and gals on here.
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
NICE! '69 is my favorite year of C3. Welcome to the forum...
I've had mine since new so this will be winter storage year 46 for me. And I've never had a problem with flat spots.
I tried jacks a few times. Just seemed like more work than was necessary...
Welcome and congrats on a beautiful '69!! Concerning flatstoppers vs. jacks - I've lived in northern climates for over 30 years and always have 3 or more cars that I put to sleep for the winter. Of all the cars I've put to bed for the winter (we've owned more than 140 cars. I have chronic 'I really like cars' disease, and my wife supports it), I've never had an issue at all with flat spots. So I'm in the 'you don't need to worry about it' category. Others will suggest differently. Enjoy that car, and this forum! Best, Paul
Same here. when i first got my car back in 81 i put it on jack stands for the first few years. for the last 30-35 years i just leave it on the ground. i'm sure it can't be good to have the springs pushing the suspension down for 4-6 months while it's on jack stands. i've had nothing but BFG's on the car for the last 35 years and never had a problem with flat spots. nice looking car you have.
No doubt! Swapping out the white walls for some white letters every once in a while… that’s the extent of the mods I’ll be doing! Except for the ragtop she’s all original and I plan on keeping her that way!
Welcome and congrats on a beautiful '69!! Concerning flatstoppers vs. jacks - I've lived in northern climates for over 30 years and always have 3 or more cars that I put to sleep for the winter. Of all the cars I've put to bed for the winter (we've owned more than 140 cars. I have chronic 'I really like cars' disease, and my wife supports it), I've never had an issue at all with flat spots. So I'm in the 'you don't need to worry about it' category. Others will suggest differently. Enjoy that car, and this forum! Best, Paul
Thanks for the advice. This seems to be a religious topic depending on the forum. I’ll take the suggestion keep her on the the ground without props.
Beautiful car, don’t worry about flat spots on tires. Parking it for 4-6 months won’t have any negative effects on modern tires. More important to Protect the car from rodent infestation and subsequent damage. Moisture control is also key to preserving the cars condition. I can vouch for the efficacy of using a storage bag, like Omnibag and desiccant material. Above all else, do not start the car periodically over the winter. It has no benefit and may actually cause more wear and tear than it prevents. Finally, fill the tank before you park it to avoid condensation inside the tank. Add fuel stabilizer if you feel like it. It can’t hurt, but the fuel will not degrade enough in 4-6 months to matter. Disconnect the battery, and you’re done.
Beautiful car, don’t worry about flat spots on tires. Parking it for 4-6 months won’t have any negative effects on modern tires. More important to Protect the car from rodent infestation and subsequent damage. Moisture control is also key to preserving the cars condition. I can vouch for the efficacy of using a storage bag, like Omnibag and desiccant material. Above all else, do not start the car periodically over the winter. It has no benefit and may actually cause more wear and tear than it prevents. Finally, fill the tank before you park it to avoid condensation inside the tank. Add fuel stabilizer if you feel like it. It can’t hurt, but the fuel will not degrade enough in 4-6 months to matter. Disconnect the battery, and you’re done.
Good luck,
Ken
never put my car in a bag although it sounds like a good idea but everything else here is right on. especially about not starting it every now and then. unless you are going to take it on a 20-30 minute drive minimum.
Welcome Ron! Sorry couldn't resist given your forum tag. Beautiful car. You'll find these cars are very resilient to periods of storage especially if done with just a bit of care. I've never had an tire issue but run "modern" 225 70 radial rubber. Looks like your running vintage width rubber but I bet it holds up OK. I'm still amazed how long my battery will hold a charge with no parasitic draw from ECU's or digital systems. Plus not having it set up will allow you to exercise it on those high 40 degree days we get in the Northeast occasional through the winter months. Enjoy it.
Originally Posted by Burgundy69
New to this forum. Picked up a 69 Convertible over the summer, a 2012 NCRS winner. Stoked to have this beautiful machine and looking forward to participating in this forum and getting some expert advise as I begin to settle it in for the upcoming winter. There seem to be lots of varying opinions regarding Flatstoppers so I figured I’d ask fellow C3 owners what your thoughts are about going on jacks or using Flatstoppers? Here are some pics!
What about the brakes? Won't the cylinders in the calipers rust, and tear the lip seals later if they just sit idle?
they have likely been converted to stainless steel sleeved units by this time. I don’t believe NCRS checks this. It’s another argument for the bag and desiccant though. No moisture inside the sealed bag means no corrosion. I always enjoyed taking my cars out of the storage bag in the spring. It was like seeing an old friend after a long time and them looking just the same as you last saw them.
But that’s just me, the delayed gratification works wonders to keep the long term relationship with an old car healthy.
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