What are some things i need to do for storing my corvette this winter. with school coming up pretty soon i think i will park the vette for about 7 months and take the insurance off.

I am going to get a car cover so a good brand for garage use is needed(and i am a cheapo so the cheapest wins).

I don't know if i need to crack a window or leave them both shut.

I'm not going to worry about the tires flat spots because the second i get it out i need to get new ones anyway.

If the battery dies then i will just recharge it so i don't think i need a tender.

Should i use up almost all the gas or is it not going to go bad in that short of time?

Anything i NEED to get or that might help?

 

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what do i need to look for in a car cover? it is still going to be in my garage and not exposed to the weather except for the cold temps. in there which can't be too bad. I just don't want things to scratch it or all the dust to collect since it is black.

The full tank and stabilizer seems fair and hopefully more think the same.

i read something about moisture containers that help get ride of it. is that something i need to look into?

 

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now i know that a lot of people store their cars in the winter . are they just hinding their secrets from me?

 

If you are not going to drive the car at all, I would disconnect the battery. Add Sta-Bil to a full tank of gas; if there is empty space in the tank, it's possible that some condensation can form in there.

Wash the car and apply a good coat of your favorite wax to the finish. Get a good car cover made for garage (inside) storage. It should have a flannel backing to keep from scratching the finish. Clean the interior and vacuum the carpets.

I would not leave a window open as any moisture in the air could enter the car and leave the car with a musty smell. There are dessicant bags available from the accessory catalogs that you can leave on the floor to absorb moisture.

I would change the oil just before storage. On the day you put the car into storage, run the car long enough to get the oil up to operating temp and get the exhaust system hot enough to remove any moisture in the pipes. Go fill the tank, add the Sta-Bil and then drive for about 15 minutes.

Then put the car in the garage after washing and completely drying off (use a leaf blower to get all the water off the car)and you can wax it and clean the inside. Pull the begative battery cable and put the cover on it.

 

I store my car every winter with a full tank of gas and keep the tire pressure high to help avoid the flat spots. I don't use stabilizer.

I need to use a charger to start it in the spring since I don't disconnect the battery.

When I left it in the garage for 10 years, I had to tow it to a garage and have a major servicing done, but for a 5 month rest every year, I don't do anything other than the above.

 

My first year of storing a Vette showed evidence of mice getting up on top of the engine to live. The next year we filled an old leg of a panty hose with mothballs (boater's trick) and put it on top. No problem for three years now. Just make it as flat as you can so it doesn't hit the inside of your hood when you close it.

 

MidAmer. sells a four pack of large drying crystals; use inside your car. Close windows.

Per others, you don't want thing eating your car. Apparently, both moth ***** and those really flowery/smelly dryer sheets work to keep the ughs away. I drape them over my car cover on a string so that it touches the floor on either side---doesn't move because the string doesn't slide on the cover; makes the whole garage smell --- some would say good. It's just ok. I also slide a thick piece of cardboard under the car; on it, is 2 pieces of mice food/sickener. That way, if I want to use the car I just slide the carboard out from underneath.

I don't know the exact process, but I thought it was put Stabil in first, then fill up the car so that it mixes with the gasoline in your tank. Maybe, maybe not. Read the can/bottle.

Do apply the wax thing. Don't forget to wax the wheels and antenna, too.

I'd suggest disconnecting the battery, but you can do whatever you like.

As to the car cover, look through Mid America and others. Tyvek might work on an indoor car but it is very light. You might also try some of the generic fits all cars type at Target, Pep, Advance Auto, for $39 -$? but obviously it won't fit tight to your car.

My take is: thicker is better if only because it IS in a garage and things do go bump. Like people, lawn mowers, blowers, rakes, shovels, bags of stuff, garbage cans, snow blowers, etc. It only takes one..... In my garage, when I don't use the car cover during the good weather, I still drape a thick towel over the exposed mirror. And I have bumped into it!!!

While you may like el cheapo route-o, don't forget that at some point you are going to have to change ALLL your fluids, depending on year, time and mileage in your car. That means ps, pb, trans, diff, rad, oil, and clutch if you've got one. You can omit one or all, but eventually, you'll pay for it. Sooner.

Hope this helps.

 

I change the oil, fill the gas tank, put fuel stabilizer in, take out the battery and cover it up. I do clean it really well before I put the cover on also.
Its still summer time, enjoy it while you can!!

 

thanks guys. i know it is still summer but not for much longer. school starts in 3-4 weeks and with 2 speeding tickets on my record in 8 months i don't know how much driving i will be doing in it. i love the car and i just wish i could drive the car like i want FAST and HARD . not in traffic but when no one but cops are around. anyway. i will plan on what all of you said and see how it all works out next spring. i will still drive just the normal boring kind....

 

Best solution would be to transfer to UGA (University of Georgia) where vettes are driven year round.

Otherwise looks like you got some really good advice already.

 

i always try to start my car once month while its in storage and let it run for a half hour. just something i've read and always been told to do.