Vette Storage Question
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Racer
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 475
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Vette Storage Question
Is it ok to keep the vette resting on its lift points on jack stands for the winter (Ohio 4.5-5 Months) and will this cause any suspension or other problems? I read you should not let it set static on the tires all winter (warping I quess).
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Wesley Chapel, FL Las Vegas, NV
You can buy some tire cradles that will keep your tire from flat spotting.
I think at Ecklers or WCC
Racer
Joined: Mar 2006
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St. Jude Donor '08
I overinflated my tires (to about 40psi or so) and my vette sat all winter last year (about 4 months) with no problems, the tires werent even flat spotted and the suspension is fine...
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Lake Havasu City, AZ
flatspotting is not the issue with modern tires that it was with nylon cords.
If you are concerned; pump up your tires to the maximum on the sidewall ( ONLY for storage)
IF you are really concerned; by a sheet of extruded styrofoam insulation from Lowes or Home Depot. Cut it into 4 and rest the car with one tire on top of each piece. The styrofoam with partially deform and conform to the shape of the tire, distributing the load over a larger area. That is basically what tire cradles do. The styrofoam is exempt from Corvette tax and can be re-used year after year.
If you are concerned; pump up your tires to the maximum on the sidewall ( ONLY for storage)
IF you are really concerned; by a sheet of extruded styrofoam insulation from Lowes or Home Depot. Cut it into 4 and rest the car with one tire on top of each piece. The styrofoam with partially deform and conform to the shape of the tire, distributing the load over a larger area. That is basically what tire cradles do. The styrofoam is exempt from Corvette tax and can be re-used year after year.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: San Antonio Texas
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'08
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Pro
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: SW of Chicago Illinois
From past experience on storing other vehicles in the winter(don't have a Vette...yet), I usually overinflate tires by 15 psi and have had no problems. Of course I'm usually too eager for that first drive and forget to let air out, a little note on the seat cured that. I wouldn't leave the tires on bare concrete though. I usually put a sheet of plastic under the whole car, including tires to prevent moisture. Or at least put a sheet of wood under each tire.
I always use a battery tender. On cars in the past I always removed the battery for the winter and kept it on a tender. For future knowledge though are you able to do that with a C5 or will it mess anything up disconnecting the battery?
I always use a battery tender. On cars in the past I always removed the battery for the winter and kept it on a tender. For future knowledge though are you able to do that with a C5 or will it mess anything up disconnecting the battery?
Pro
Joined: Nov 2002
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From: Toronto Ontario
storage? surely ye jest. no way, can't imagin being without it fer two days much less all winter
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It is the middle of August - the temperatures here in Arizona are hovering around 110 degrees. I heard today on the radio that we have experienced 25 days of 110+ this summer, and there is over a month to go for the all time record of 28 days......and you are asking for tips on winter storage?
Anyway - here's a very thorough article that should answer all of your questions - click here!
Anyway - here's a very thorough article that should answer all of your questions - click here!
All Men Die, but Few LIVE
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From: Arlington Texas
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St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Buck...not all of them live here in Texas with us and they don't get to drive theirs year 'round like we do...some only drive theirs like 3-4 months out of the WHOLE year. Actually, it's OK...we'll go buy their C6's a few years from now with less than 10k miles on them, it's a secret 'beat the depreciation' trick.
Burrrrrr...it's going to be a cold winter, I can already feel it in my bones...'whoever' has my future C6 Z-06, treat it nice and keep it warm, I'll come get her in a few years...oh yeah, don't be driving her either!! 
~Maverick
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When I put mine away for winter, I put down carpet squares under the tires, inflate them a little higher than normal, put some Sta-Bil in the gas and hook up a Battery Tender Plus to the battery.
I then put a cover on it and there it sits. Haven't had any problems using that procedure.
I then put a cover on it and there it sits. Haven't had any problems using that procedure.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: LaPine Oregon
I either put the vettes up on the pads and remove the rim/tires ( as per GM recomendation). Bag the tires with a dessicant bag and vertically stack ( dry location/ inside).
If not I will inflate the tires to the max side wall pressure ( 44psi) and position the car tires on 18"x18" flat 1/2" nylon plates ( to keep the moisture from the concrete from the tire contact patch).
Fill my fuel tank, add fuel stabilizer.
Fill my windshield washer with a winter formula ( didn't do that one year,oooppps)
Check the coolant for temperature protect.
Add dessicant bags to the interior for absorbing moisture.
R&R oil and filter
Disconnect the battery and connect a 1 amp battery tender.
Finally I cover the cars.
Here in the mountains of central Oregon at 4000ft it gets -20 below.
Besides half the nights a year are below freezing to boot.
If not I will inflate the tires to the max side wall pressure ( 44psi) and position the car tires on 18"x18" flat 1/2" nylon plates ( to keep the moisture from the concrete from the tire contact patch).
Fill my fuel tank, add fuel stabilizer.
Fill my windshield washer with a winter formula ( didn't do that one year,oooppps)
Check the coolant for temperature protect.
Add dessicant bags to the interior for absorbing moisture.
R&R oil and filter
Disconnect the battery and connect a 1 amp battery tender.
Finally I cover the cars.
Here in the mountains of central Oregon at 4000ft it gets -20 below.
Besides half the nights a year are below freezing to boot.