Windows up or down in storage ?
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Windows up or down in storage ?
My 88 Vette is stored in my cold garage with a breathable cover on it. It is connected to float charger. The windows are up with an air freshener inside the car. Should the windows be up or partially open to let the car breathe?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,376
Likes: 111
From: Cherokee National Forest TN
I always park my rides with the windows up, mice can be a MAJOR headache & expense.
If long term storage suggest mothballs in the engine bay & under the car + plug the exhaust pipes.
I am currently trying to repair the electronically controlled shifting on the wife's Jag. Mice ate through 13 of the 21 wires @ the rotary switch (neutral switch) under the car. I have repaired the wiring but the trans is now in "limp" mode = forward is 3rd gear only, no shifting. Next is replacement of the speed sensor inside the ZF auto trans + it may also need a new computer. The current mouse problem occurred last summer when the car was not used for several weeks.
If long term storage suggest mothballs in the engine bay & under the car + plug the exhaust pipes.
I am currently trying to repair the electronically controlled shifting on the wife's Jag. Mice ate through 13 of the 21 wires @ the rotary switch (neutral switch) under the car. I have repaired the wiring but the trans is now in "limp" mode = forward is 3rd gear only, no shifting. Next is replacement of the speed sensor inside the ZF auto trans + it may also need a new computer. The current mouse problem occurred last summer when the car was not used for several weeks.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 702
Likes: 259
From: Middletown Delaware
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,770
Likes: 33
From: Cohasset MN
2017 Corvette of the Year Finalist
2016 C1 of Year Finalist
I store my '86 Coupe with the windows open just an inch. I also do not close the doors all the way, just enough to catch (easier on the weatherstripping during storage). I also store my two C1s the same way.
I hang Damp Rid bags inside and put small bowls of Irish Spring soap chips inside, in the engine compartment and under the car. I put steel wool in the exhaust pipes.
This is probably overkill but I have never had a rodent problem or mildew. I live in a rural area.
I hang Damp Rid bags inside and put small bowls of Irish Spring soap chips inside, in the engine compartment and under the car. I put steel wool in the exhaust pipes.
This is probably overkill but I have never had a rodent problem or mildew. I live in a rural area.
Pro
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 580
Likes: 58
From: new york 11040
i store my vetted indoors and leave the windows 98% up just enough room to slide a envelope thru.
my theory is not to crush the top weather strip and cause a memory. so i would have a tighter fit when driving down the road
my theory is not to crush the top weather strip and cause a memory. so i would have a tighter fit when driving down the road
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 14,948
Likes: 3,351
From: NYC NY
I leave the windows up but "cracked" could be beneficial for the weather striping.
As the others have said rodents can be a major problem. Bounce dryer sheets and moth ***** are a good idea. Overkill is better than the alternative.
As the others have said rodents can be a major problem. Bounce dryer sheets and moth ***** are a good idea. Overkill is better than the alternative.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,005
Likes: 29
From: Bergen County, New Jersey
I leave the windows up with the cover on - I don't see much benefit to leaving windows down if the cover is on in the garage anyway. I've started it and let it run once this winter and I left the windows down for about an hour to air it out.
For the record, I also leave it in neutral if I'm storing it for more than a week or two and I try to rotate the tires in an attempt to prevent flat-spotting them.
For the record, I also leave it in neutral if I'm storing it for more than a week or two and I try to rotate the tires in an attempt to prevent flat-spotting them.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 911
Likes: 5
From: TN
tire pressue
I leave the windows up with the cover on - I don't see much benefit to leaving windows down if the cover is on in the garage anyway. I've started it and let it run once this winter and I left the windows down for about an hour to air it out.
For the record, I also leave it in neutral if I'm storing it for more than a week or two and I try to rotate the tires in an attempt to prevent flat-spotting them.
For the record, I also leave it in neutral if I'm storing it for more than a week or two and I try to rotate the tires in an attempt to prevent flat-spotting them.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 544
Likes: 33
From: SW of Chicago Illinois
I have always added 15 psi to my tires when stored and never had a problem with any flat spotting either.