Hi guys,

It's been 10 days or so since my C4 has seen daylight ( ), and with December coming, and me in North NJ, I don't anticipate many quality driving opportunities coming up. I'm still tossed up: should I store the 'Vette or not?

As is, I garage the car daily. The cover I want to order for it is backordered, and I don't want to buy a cover used, so I'll have to make some decisions there. The thing is, though, I'd like to drive it when the weather permits. We've had January days where it's close to 50 degrees and the rain has cleared all of the salt away.

My question[s] is (are):

- Should I get a battery tender for it, even if I don't store it?
- Should I just bite the bullet and store it?
- How long would you garage your C4 without a tender without starting it?


This is my first winter as an owner, and I've already considered some options, but I'd appreciate any feedback!

 

TCO, I live down south where we don't have to store them, but I still have a tender. It just good insurance. Just leave it in the garage, ready to go, just incase you get a nice day for a little mid-winter drive.

 

I'm originally from Pa. and faced the same situation as you. I got a thin indoor cover and a battery tender. Not a charger but a tender. I leave the short wire with connector hooked up to the battery all year. I feed the other end though the side gill and keep the hood closed. I also get clear silicon grease and lightly hit all the weather stripping. Fill the tank. When ever they salt the roads the car is parked until two good solid rains wash it off. Then the car comes out for a good half hour drive. Do not just start it in the garage and let it idle because moister builds up in the mufflers and low pipes. The car loves the cold dense air so whenever I can I take it for short (1/2 hour) rides. Next time they salt the car sets. These winter rides help stop seal breakdown in the engine, trans, and power steering. The cover is off until it snows and then I put it on because I know it could be awhile till its hits the roads again. The tender is on almost all the time including summer. Its cool to be out riding around with a pristine clean car and every other car is a mess.

 

my 94 and 86 are tucked away, with Stabil in the tank run through the engine for about 15 mins, cars are both on tenders, I have a half cup of black pepper on the rear deck carpet, in and one under the hood in a flat area..and one on the center console, in the cup holders.
I have never had a problem with the cars being stored this way..over the last three years, I have the tires pumped to max pressure, mice hate the scent of black pepper, so i put two dixie cups full at each end of the car below them, so I keep them away in this manner. I also use bounce dryer sheets on each floor ..I have never found a mouse or rodent in the car..or droppings. or evidence of them chewing on my interiors. both cars have flannel lined covers. (I leave them popped, so i can just open the clamshells, so the cables for the tenders are in no danger of being pinched.) I uncover the hoods and lift the side of the covers enough to get in..and start them every three weeks, let them run until the fans cycle on...and let the fans shut down...then shut em down, let em cool down a bit, and re-connect the tenders and cover em up..if the weather is great i will back em out of the garage down the drive..and roll em back in..to change the set on the tires.
come spring roll out, I go to the nearest station, and have the oil in both cars drained and changed...and the transmission pressure drained and re-filled. then take em both on low and slow rides, getting the tires nice and warm for a good twenty miles, I have never had any trouble with brake fluid, although I know i should probably flush every year, but I have always had a good pedal in the springtime, so I just have the fluid changed as normal maintenance, when I can schedule it. my cars only really go away for 4.5 months..not like six to eight..I think they are stored in this method with good results. Best, Derek

 

........ Man , I am SO glad I live in Florida ...... .........

 

I live in Pennsylvania, drove mine yesterday. I never store it, sometimes the car sits for a few weeks. Usually is driven at least once every month.

 

C409...I grew up in Pompano Beach..so yeah...I wish I still lived there too. but now..school, home, work..in New England...oh well...I used to wash my black 69 coupe about once a month in Pompano..those were the days.
well..in a few years I will retire and ..perhaps find my way back to the days of wine and roses and waxes...lol. Best, Derek

 

Battery Tender,
Sta-Bil fuel stabilizer,
Dryer sheets scattered throughout the interior,
car cover,

see her again in the spring

 

I've heard that's good at keeping mice away, as are moth ***** in/near the exhaust (just better not forget to take them out in the spring!).

 

 

BTW, It was sunny and mid 50's today. The 95 saw another 103 miles!

 

I got about 5 in, all I had time for, but it felt good!