Winter Storage
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 416
Likes: 4
From: Iron Mountain,Michigan
Winter Storage
In a couple of months I will be putting the Vette away and here is my question. Does it hurt the car to put it up on blocks a couple of inches off the ground or should I leave it on the tires??? :confused:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,183
Likes: 2
From: Des Moines Iowa
Re: Winter Storage (Bond007)
If just normal winter storage (for only a few months), I'd just let it set on the tires after making sure they are inflated to something like 35 lbs. psi., no need to put on blocks for that short a time period. I'd be more concerned with supporting entire weight of car on blocks at points on the frame not intended to carry this much weight for a long period of time.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,411
Likes: 2
From: St. Louis, Missouri
Re: Winter Storage (Bond007)
I've heard that modern tires don't flat bottom, but I wouldn't use my tires to guinea pig that theory.
I have a driver, so I probably won't do anything drastic this winter. I'll probably just start it up a couple of times a month and take it around the block, weather permitting. If I get snowed in, I could just pull the car backward or forward a foot or two inside the garage, to keep the tires from becoming square :rolleyes:
I have a driver, so I probably won't do anything drastic this winter. I'll probably just start it up a couple of times a month and take it around the block, weather permitting. If I get snowed in, I could just pull the car backward or forward a foot or two inside the garage, to keep the tires from becoming square :rolleyes:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 951
Likes: 0
From: NW Burbs IL
Re: Winter Storage (Bond007)
I didn't do anything special to my '81 for storage last year and had no problems, but if you're concerned, I know that Ecklers and a few other Vette parts specialists sell these foam matts for your tires that you just drive up onto and it's supposed to prevent flat spots by evenly distributing the weight of the car to the entire bottom part of the tire. I'm not sure what they cost, but I don't think it was too expensive.
Also, you could always the jack the car up a little and put supports under it, but I wouldn't jack it where the tires are not touching the ground. Just jack it high enough to take some of the burden of the weight off the tires.
Also, you could always the jack the car up a little and put supports under it, but I wouldn't jack it where the tires are not touching the ground. Just jack it high enough to take some of the burden of the weight off the tires.
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Winter Storage (Leos 81)
You could jack up each side of the car enough to rotate the tires 1/4 turn and then set them back down. I plan on working on my rims over the winter so I'll have each off at least once. Anyone have a good way of cleaning the aluminum rims? Any buffing type tools available?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,160
Likes: 0
From: Ajax Ontario
Re: Winter Storage (Koz)
I inflate tires to 40 psi....start car regularly, move out into driveway, let warm up (if no salt/roads dry, take for a short "spin"), pull back into garage. Had to remember to adjust tire pressure down to 32 in spring. Other than that, no special preparations at all. Oh yes, I use 20W50 oil normally. I change to 10W30 late fall so engine will start with less effort/wear in cold weather.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,218
Likes: 2
From: Plainfield IL
Re: Winter Storage (68shark)
Blocking up the car for long periods stresses the frame. All you need to do is stabilize the gas, trickle charge the battery once or twice a month. While a cover is optional, they do help keep the car clean.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,080
Likes: 1
From: Frankfurt, Taunus Hills
Re: Winter Storage (Biker)
I disagree!
I have my car on the hoist since I guess November last year - no sagging, no gaps on the body - nothing!!!
You must use the correct points to put the hoist under - then there is no problem.
I even have a Big Block in the car! So there is more weight in the front!
My car is still perfect in all gaps even after 10 month "on air"..... :jester
Reason for this is not only storage, but a major overhaul of suspension and other components.
I´m currently thinking of lifting the body from the frame.......
But because I´m limited in time I guess it is not a good idea at the moment.
....we will see as time goes by......
I have my car on the hoist since I guess November last year - no sagging, no gaps on the body - nothing!!!
You must use the correct points to put the hoist under - then there is no problem.
I even have a Big Block in the car! So there is more weight in the front!
My car is still perfect in all gaps even after 10 month "on air"..... :jester
Reason for this is not only storage, but a major overhaul of suspension and other components.
I´m currently thinking of lifting the body from the frame.......
But because I´m limited in time I guess it is not a good idea at the moment.
....we will see as time goes by......
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Safety Car
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 4,891
Likes: 695
From: grand rapids, lowell mi. area
Re: Winter Storage (Bond007)
Hey go to the home improvement store ,and buy a sheet of styrophome and break it in 4 pieces ,back the car up 2ft. lay the styrophome down and drive the car on top of it , and that will keep your tires soft.Sorry for the goofy spelling!
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 17,672
Likes: 199
From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
Re: Winter Storage (Bond007)
I have stored my car every winter for 6 years, I drive it into the garage and lock the doors.
I have seen no ill effects on my car I just take the battery inside and bring it back out to start
it once a month and if it's nice and dry I'll take it around the block.
I have seen no ill effects on my car I just take the battery inside and bring it back out to start
it once a month and if it's nice and dry I'll take it around the block.
