The Great Storage Debate.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,027
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From: mahopac ny
The Great Storage Debate.
To store or not to store, that is the question. Living in the Northeast we have to put up with some crappy winter weather, the thought of not driving the vette for an extended period of time is unacceptable. So I drive it year around, not as much in the winter, only when the roads are dry. Yes it gets covered with that dreaded salt dust, but that means a little extra clean up, my car is going on 8 years and nothing has rotted or fallen off, when up on a lift the undercarriage still looks pretty good. So to me the benefits of non-storage far outweigh the idea of sticking it in the garage for months.
The positives.
Always gives you something to look forward to.
Keeps everything happy, fluids, battery.
You become an expert weatherman, looking for that fair weather window.
In the middle of February when everyone is riding around in pale gray salt stained cars yours will always get a second look.
After sitting for a couple of weeks the drive is that much more special.
And come on guys what are our cars worth now.
The negatives.
None that I can think of.
See you out there
.
The positives.
Always gives you something to look forward to.
Keeps everything happy, fluids, battery.
You become an expert weatherman, looking for that fair weather window.
In the middle of February when everyone is riding around in pale gray salt stained cars yours will always get a second look.
After sitting for a couple of weeks the drive is that much more special.
And come on guys what are our cars worth now.
The negatives.
None that I can think of.
See you out there
.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,833
Likes: 4
From: Calgary, Alberta
I also "sort of store" my car for the winter.
We get chinooks during the winter, nice enough that the roads are dry and I can get a small drive in. Some days we could almost walk around in shorts.
So mine is never really "stored". The Car is plugged in and covered just waiting for nice weather. The Car still can sit for a month or even longer till the conditions are right.
We get chinooks during the winter, nice enough that the roads are dry and I can get a small drive in. Some days we could almost walk around in shorts.
So mine is never really "stored". The Car is plugged in and covered just waiting for nice weather. The Car still can sit for a month or even longer till the conditions are right.
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Joined: Jul 2008
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From: The Sunshine State
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When I lived in Chicago, my Vette was also in a "temporary" storage state - i.e. cover and battery tender. It took me 5 minutes to get it ready to drive.
I remember we had a mid-winter warm up in February to about 60 degrees. I took out the verte/top down. It was still fresh from the late fall wash/polish/wax and jumped out from the other salt-stained tanks on the road. I got a lot of looks and
that day! 
I remember we had a mid-winter warm up in February to about 60 degrees. I took out the verte/top down. It was still fresh from the late fall wash/polish/wax and jumped out from the other salt-stained tanks on the road. I got a lot of looks and
that day!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2009
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From: Chester County Pennsylvania
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I am in Monument, Co, elevation 7,600 feet, we get a lot of snow, had 18 inches two weeks ago. Once the snow hits and the mag-chloride goes down mine is done until springtime. I usually store it from mid October until late April early May. It's a drag, but it keeps it looking great and the miles down.
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Joined: Mar 2001
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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As long as the roads are free of salt/cinders and no snow on them, no reason not to drive the car in the winter. I'm like you, I'll get it out every now and then as the weather permits.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 23,682
Likes: 9
From: Flagstaff Az.
We are at 7,000 feet here in Flagstaff and the car is not driven when the chemicals come out for the snow. We have some clear days and when the roads are not wet the car gets driven. All that has to be done is to disconnect the float charger. The car washes here have the under the car wash so the chemical dust gets cleaned off when the drive is over. Longest is has sat is about 6 weeks and we have been here over 5 years.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,438
Likes: 30
From: Fairfax Virginia
Our winters are mild enough in Virginia that I basically am able to drive the vette year round. However, occasionally we'll get a nasty stretch of weather that will keep the vette in the garage for a couple of weeks. Once the salt and sand go down, it takes a while for the traffic and maybe some rain to clear the roads back up. Cold weather traction will keep you on your toes at times.
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