Outdoor Storage-Your Thoughts, Please!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 145
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From: Chicago IL
Outdoor Storage-Your Thoughts, Please!
Hi Folks:
I'm faced with the prospect of having to store my Vert outside this winter on my concrete pad (yes, I'm planning well in advance). Assuming I can't find reasonably-priced indoor storage, what kind of covering recommendations (i.e. tarp over outdoor cover, etc.) might you suggest to protect from Chicago winters (e.g. extreme cold, heavy snow, repeated thawing, etc.)?
Any thoughtful advice would be greatly appreciated!
I'm faced with the prospect of having to store my Vert outside this winter on my concrete pad (yes, I'm planning well in advance). Assuming I can't find reasonably-priced indoor storage, what kind of covering recommendations (i.e. tarp over outdoor cover, etc.) might you suggest to protect from Chicago winters (e.g. extreme cold, heavy snow, repeated thawing, etc.)?
Any thoughtful advice would be greatly appreciated!
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I stored my Camaro outside for 4 months when I was TDY (in Italy). I didn't clean it properly before the cover went on. The movement of the cover caused swirls that never buffed out.
It's almost better to brave the elements.
It's almost better to brave the elements.
Last edited by DeeGee; Aug 3, 2011 at 03:31 PM.
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Chicago gets some really nasty weather in the winter. Hopefully you can find a nice indoor storage or a garage for rent to keep the car in.
Do you live in an apartment complex or some place where you can't install one of those covered carport things?
Do you live in an apartment complex or some place where you can't install one of those covered carport things?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2011
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From: casa conejo california: my casa sue's casa
I use a 10x20 steel frame canopy that was purchased from Costco($200). It has 2" tubular framing that is baked enamel coated. Comes with top canopy, sides with operable vent/windows, and front/back with zippered accesses. It all comes with a 3yr warranty. I also use a very nice outdoor car cover to boot.
But note this. I do live in So Cal. Never snows and the coldest it gets here is about in the mid 30s on maybe a handful of winter mornings. So keep this in mind. You probably would want to somehow re-inforce the upper frame to support heavy snow. But even at this I'm not sure what those, close to if not at, sub-zero temps would do to the materials.
You may just want to build a semi-permanent structure due to your harsh conditions(relentless winds from what I've heard). Wood is not all that expensive and/if you can build it yourself. Either that or check out sites online for pre-fabbed storage units.
mik
But note this. I do live in So Cal. Never snows and the coldest it gets here is about in the mid 30s on maybe a handful of winter mornings. So keep this in mind. You probably would want to somehow re-inforce the upper frame to support heavy snow. But even at this I'm not sure what those, close to if not at, sub-zero temps would do to the materials.
You may just want to build a semi-permanent structure due to your harsh conditions(relentless winds from what I've heard). Wood is not all that expensive and/if you can build it yourself. Either that or check out sites online for pre-fabbed storage units.
mik
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Palm Harbor not far from Sebring Florida
St. Jude Donor '11
Oldtimer
I would not want to use a popup canopy because it would never withstand the snow load. If you cannot find an indoor storage space and want to cover it, make sure that you do a complete detail and have a real good quality coat of wax on it before you cover it. Also make sure you by a top of the line outdoor car cover.
P.S. I do feel for all of you guys in the great white north. I know what you will be dealing with as I grew up in Chicago. Glad I am in Florida.
P.S. I do feel for all of you guys in the great white north. I know what you will be dealing with as I grew up in Chicago. Glad I am in Florida.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Southeast, Tennessee
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '26
i agree that any type of frame canopy or shelter would probably not withstand the weight of a good snowstorm. if you are able to employ some type of shelter, i suggest you check some of the farm supply type catalogs as they usually have a better type of temporary shelter designed to withstand really inclement weather conditions. if you are in a situation that prohibits you constructing some type of shelter, the first thing i would be sure of is to get the tires off the concrete (even a couple of layers of old carpet will be better than leaving them on the concrete). if you choose to "suspend" the car in some way (jack stands, etc) make certain that you support all for wheels and don't let the suspension just hang down without support.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 272
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From: Colorado
Mine's a daily driver and will be driven in the winter. Granted we don't get a lot of snow here but it is cold (about freezing) during Jan/Feb. I plan on just covering it before snow comes and letting it brave the elements the rest the time. Maybe I'm brave.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 308
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From: Greenville SC
I had a similar problem when I was living in Indiana (Indianapolis). It wasn't with the vet (was a trailer) but same circumstances. I drove out into the country (farm land) and stopped at some nice farms to see if the owner would rent me the space in his barn for my trailer. Found one that would work for me and the price was about half of the going rent for a covered shed. Worked well for me..
JCR_INDY (now relocated to upper SC)
JCR_INDY (now relocated to upper SC)
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: www.Z16.org North/West Pennsylvania
Well living in the great white north myself, I would recommend you find indoor storage, even if it costs a little more that you want to pay. Storing out side, I would recommend, NO cover, tent or canopy type structures. Winter wind and snow will just tear them up and a cover WILL cause paint damage in the winter wind. Good luck.
Race Director
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 16,574
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From: Winfield IN
IMO, you are better off taking the money that you would spend on a car cover or a car port and simply renting a storage unit for 3-4 months. I realize prices are going to be higher in Chicago, but a 10x20 storage unit that I rented last winter was $65/mo in Valparaiso. If that is still out of the question, I would just leave it outside without a cover. I wouldn't want hundreds of pounds of snow sitting on the cover and moving it around against the paint.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 922
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From: North New Jersey
I would just let it sit outside without a cover. Cars are meant to be outside. If the cover moves around with the wind, there is a great chance that it will leave scratches. I would remove the snow from the top, I don't know how much weight the convertible can support. I'm saying this in case you don't get a storage unit, that would be idea, in my opinion.
If you do get the storage unit make sure it doesn't wind up on one those storage war shows. I would hate to see someone pay a couple hundred dollars for a delinquent unit and get a Vette out of it. Unless that's me.
If you do get the storage unit make sure it doesn't wind up on one those storage war shows. I would hate to see someone pay a couple hundred dollars for a delinquent unit and get a Vette out of it. Unless that's me.
Race Director
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 16,574
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From: Winfield IN
Obviously, one would choose a garage every time when given the chance, but if the option isn't available, the car will fare alright outdoors in the elements. Think of all the cars sitting outside on dealer lots (even new Corvettes. 
) Just get a good coat of wax on it, and I would try to keep it cleaned off regularly so that snow and ice isn't sitting on it for weeks at a time.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Kelso Washington
St. Jude Donor '09, '13, '15
It might help to know your complete circumstances.
Do you have room for a real shed?
Is it parked on the street?
What are the storage prices near there?
etc. etc.
But I'd have to agree, any sort of cover will either be bad for the finish and some makeshift "garage" won't hold up under a potential snow load....unless, of course, you are able to keep the snow shoved off it regularly.
How many feet do you get there on the average?
If you rent a commercial space or someone's barn, make sure your insurance or a contract clause will cover possible damages.
Regarding a cover, I would think if you layer a couple of soft blankets under a real car cover, and tie it up tight, you wouldn't have any movement against the actual finish. Moisture could be a problem then but.....hmmm....
Good luck....let us know what you do.
Do you have room for a real shed?
Is it parked on the street?
What are the storage prices near there?
etc. etc.
But I'd have to agree, any sort of cover will either be bad for the finish and some makeshift "garage" won't hold up under a potential snow load....unless, of course, you are able to keep the snow shoved off it regularly.
How many feet do you get there on the average?
If you rent a commercial space or someone's barn, make sure your insurance or a contract clause will cover possible damages.
Regarding a cover, I would think if you layer a couple of soft blankets under a real car cover, and tie it up tight, you wouldn't have any movement against the actual finish. Moisture could be a problem then but.....hmmm....
Good luck....let us know what you do.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2009
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From: ALL governments are legalized mobsters, so doesn't matter where I live :(
I stored my beloved mustang outdoors for at least a few winters. My process was meticulous in every detail and I never had any issues. I had a water proof cover that in no way, shape or form would harm the paint even if moved around. It was made for the car so it was nice and snug. Then I had a tarp about the same dimensions as the car that I laid on the ground, and that I drove the car on...this was my base (keep reading.) Then I bought a premium tarp, not the crap kind, the nice thick style that can handle the most brutal elements. It was quite large and once on the car I still had at least to feet all around. Since the tarp that was under the car had loops, and so did the one on top of the car, I took nylon rope and basically tied the bottom to the top. No moisture, or at least very little ever got under the car since it was wrapped up in a neat little cocoon...it was like unwrapping a gift every spring! No paint damage, and no issues. Obviously indoor is better if you can get it but this will work with NO issues.
Cheers.
Cheers.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 145
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From: Chicago IL
Thank you all for your opinions. I have a house with only a (newer) one car garage. Since I didn't want to blow almost $10K for a new garage, I built a concrete pad next to the garage and modified the back fence to swing open-much more economical for $1500. Storing the Vette in the garage during the winter isn't an option. After all consideration, I think I'll put some more effort into finding indoor storage! Thanks again.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,146
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From: Edmonton Alberta, Canada
Thank you all for your opinions. I have a house with only a (newer) one car garage. Since I didn't want to blow almost $10K for a new garage, I built a concrete pad next to the garage and modified the back fence to swing open-much more economical for $1500. Storing the Vette in the garage during the winter isn't an option. After all consideration, I think I'll put some more effort into finding indoor storage! Thanks again.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: It's true money can't buy happiness, but it is more comfortable crying in a Corvette than on a bicyc
St. Jude Donor '13
My Vette lives outside under a well fitting cover. I wax it often. The car has survived a hurricane and a tropical storm. I do add some extra tie downs though. I had a boat once that I got tired of buying covers for. I bought one of those free standing shelters that had a strong frame. I got rid of the tarp cover and bought some inexpensive steel siding from Home Depot and covered the top of the frame. Firmed the thing up nicely and lasted years.
