Can anyone tell me how I can properly store my 1993 coupe for the winter? Is there a good reputable website I can go to that will tell me what to do and what not to do? Also... where are the jack points for the car? I DON'T wnat to jack the car up and then break some fiberglass!!!
Thanks to all who respond!

 

I got in on a post either here or on some other Vette forum last month and they said NOT to put the Vette on jack stands all winter--because it was bad for the suspension. There really isn't much you have to do except to inflate your tires to max pressure listed on the sidewall, unhook the battery, and do an oil change prior to putting it away. Someone said something about putting the battery on a trickle charger too. I think that was about it. Oh--I think starting it once a week or so was recommended too. I thought there was a bit more you had to do--maybe the other stuff was for the earlier generations.

 

Here is a link to a detailed winter storage article:

http://corvetteactioncenter.com/tech/care/storage.html

 

Best way to store it is to not store it. But that's me. If you are worried about flat spots on the tires, go buy some junky wheels and tires and take the good ones off and store them and put the crappy ones on.

 

I read this in the article below. Good idea.

I also put thick rubber mats under the tires.

Thank for the info guys. :thumbs:

 

I posted this before I hope this helps:
1. Keep in the garage (heated if you could).
2. Change oil and filter (Mobile 1).
3. Wash and clean car, detail including rubber, and wheel wells.
4. Check anti-freeze protection.
5. Clean garage where it's stored and put down plastic as a moisture barrier under the entire car including the tires.
6. Put on a good car cover on. (I use Max Tech), but whatever you like. Don't put anything on top of the car!
7. Disconnect the negative side of the battery. Charge up the battery. (I do this for my boat batteries I charge them half way through the winter again and then right before you start it!
8. Don't start the car until spring, it will be fine! I do not recommend running the engine because a warm engine creates water condensation when it cools down. But if you do start the car make sure it is at normal operating temperature before shutting it off. :sleep:
9. I always put Stabil in to a full tank of gas run it to get through the fuel system. I do this for all my stored engines. Last up to 15 months.
10. Inflate tires to 5 lbs. over proper pressue.
11. I cover the exhaust pipes so nothing gets in there.
You can put in some moth ***** or Irish Spring or cedar for those little guys and some moisture protection bags in there.

If you remove the battery, put it on some wood. Don't put it on concrete!


**How about the insurance? Just need fire and theft? Why pay for more than what you need? Save yourself a bundle for next year!**


:thumbs:

 

Thanks DarkRed,
Very good suggestions--it seems I just started to enjoy mine.
I looking forward to many cruises next year.
Mark-44

 

WOW!

I just make sure it's covered......

It stinks being able to drive it all year round..... :cool: :lol: ;) :rofl: :thumbs: :lolg:

 

our winters are rather mild here in Memphis...sooo....you could let me have your vette for the winter and avoid all the hassles and that salt stuff..!!! :lolg: :lolg: :lolg:

 

I disagree with this one, way way too many post come in around spring about leaks because people didn't run their engines a few times over winter. Best thing to do is run the engine at operating temperatures for about 30 minutes to burn condenstation out of the exhuast, oil, while letting things relubricate back up.

 

Thanks everyone! I really enjoy the support that a "first-timer" like me has access to on this forum! Our winters can get a little ugly in Michigan... how many of you start your engine once a week during storage... and how long do you let it run for? Do you run it under load, or just let it idle? Is gas stabilizer a consideration?

Thanks to all who reply!

 

DarkRed95, et. al.

Also, as a Michigan resident, I'm prepping my 89 vette & motorcycles for hibernation.

I like your tips that you posted, and am following them.

Question #1: I have a question re:

7. Disconnect the negative side of the battery. Charge up the battery. (I do this for my boat batteries I charge them half way through the winter again and then right before you start it!

Why not leave the battery connected, and just connect a BatteryTender (R) ? I do this with my bikes, and they make it through the winter fine. I'm asking here if there are specific benefits of disconnecting the battery...

In any case, the car is in the detail shop, the cover's on order, and the 4WD is beginning to get some respect.

Question #2 - Some sources say change the oil before storing, and then again before use, to get rid of any built up moisure... Is this something you folks do? I was thinking an oil and antifreeze cahnge in the fall would be fine. I can't see dropping another $50.00 for mobil1 in the spring is really necessary... Thoughts?

VincentZ
89 white 'vette 'vert
89 honda pc800
00 bmw r1200c

PS... Hey eschoendorff -- I was just in Manchester/Chelsea/Dexter with motorcycles this weekend. I have been visiting Manchester for years. Some people talk about 0-60, but you could post the same times from town limit to town limit. :lolg:

 

[QUOTE]DarkRed95, et. al.

Also, as a Michigan resident, I'm prepping my 89 vette & motorcycles for hibernation.

I like your tips that you posted, and am following them.

Question #1: I have a question re:

7. Disconnect the negative side of the battery. Charge up the battery. (I do this for my boat batteries I charge them half way through the winter again and then right before you start it!

Why not leave the battery connected, and just connect a BatteryTender (R) ? I do this with my bikes, and they make it through the winter fine. I'm asking here if there are specific benefits of disconnecting the battery...

In any case, the car is in the detail shop, the cover's on order, and the 4WD is beginning to get some respect.

Question #2 - Some sources say change the oil before storing, and then again before use, to get rid of any built up moisure... Is this something you folks do? I was thinking an oil and antifreeze cahnge in the fall would be fine. I can't see dropping another $50.00 for mobil1 in the spring is really necessary... Thoughts?

VincentZ
89 white 'vette 'vert[QUOTE]


The car will drain the battery in about 30-45 days if you don't diconnect. If you want to put a trickle charger on that's ok. On the boat batteries they are deep cycle and I just charge them up and at the same time I do the Corvette! I'll check them a couple of times and determine when they need it.
Changing the oil I only do it when I put it away. I don't see any need with Mobile 1 to do after! That stuff is so good. Recently someone had on here about 100k or so teardown and the engine looked new! I also checked with our local Corvette place they had an open house and the people answered questions and passed out info on the winter staorage and this is what they also say. I'll be glad to send a copy to you if you like just contact me or send me an e-mail!



[Modified by DarkRed95, 2:06 PM 10/20/2003]