Winterizing/outdoor storage tips?
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Instructor
Joined: Sep 2011
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OH Events Coordinator
Winterizing/outdoor storage tips?
Any tips on winterizing these Vettes and for storing them outside all winter? I know some of you will get upset at the thought that I'm just going to leave it outside to take a beating, but it is what it is. As much as I love the vette, my more fragile vehicles get the garage (a few bikes and a classic camaro). I was denied permission by the city to build a new garage and I'm waiting to see if I have to move for work before I buy a new house.
Car is mint without a scratch on it. A little nervous about putting a cover on it. Read some advice online about just parking it in the shade and leave it naked. smart move? If I do buy a cover, what kind should I go with?
I'll run a battery tender to it.
Is it worth putting these on blocks or will that warp the frame over time? should I just roll it forwards and backwards every few weeks to keep flat spots away?
Is parking it on Dirt or concrete better?
Put in some of that red-fuel-saver stuff I always put in my other cars when I winterize them, oil change before I store it, be good to go?
Any other thoughts? It will be stored outdoors with 4 other winterized outdoor-stored vehicles.
Thanks!
Car is mint without a scratch on it. A little nervous about putting a cover on it. Read some advice online about just parking it in the shade and leave it naked. smart move? If I do buy a cover, what kind should I go with?
I'll run a battery tender to it.
Is it worth putting these on blocks or will that warp the frame over time? should I just roll it forwards and backwards every few weeks to keep flat spots away?
Is parking it on Dirt or concrete better?
Put in some of that red-fuel-saver stuff I always put in my other cars when I winterize them, oil change before I store it, be good to go?
Any other thoughts? It will be stored outdoors with 4 other winterized outdoor-stored vehicles.
Thanks!
Last edited by Arachnyd; Nov 28, 2012 at 08:57 PM.
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Here's some files that might give you some ideas on storing the car:
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,341
Likes: 8
From: Hopatcong New Jersey
This is my winter storage procedure:
Thoroughly wash and wax car.
Fill up tank with gas.
Park car in driveway. Put car cover on.
Walk away until spring.
That's how it sits all winter and never had a problem.
In the spring the first thing I do is change the oil.
Thoroughly wash and wax car.
Fill up tank with gas.
Park car in driveway. Put car cover on.
Walk away until spring.
That's how it sits all winter and never had a problem.
In the spring the first thing I do is change the oil.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,341
Likes: 8
From: Hopatcong New Jersey
Oh, I also remove the battery from the car..Forgot to add that.
You're probably going to get a lot of responses from different people on different way to store a car for winter. But IMHO a lot of people over-think things and go to unnecessary extremes.
You're probably going to get a lot of responses from different people on different way to store a car for winter. But IMHO a lot of people over-think things and go to unnecessary extremes.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,270
Likes: 29
From: Chilliwack B.C.
The only thing I did different to my C4 vert is I did clear any snow off that we got. Not sure if the weight would have caused any sagging in the top material but just takes a minute to clear it.
Never used any Stabil and never had any problems.
Peter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,490
Likes: 257
From: Lake Tapps WA.
Put it in a storage garage. It's not that expensive and setting out wet for that long can't be good. Think about all the damp air inside and out and what it does to the soft surfaces (interior) and electricals. It would be better to drive it rather than leave it set, at least everything gets moved and the air circulated.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,393
Likes: 17
From: Belleville Mich.
Put it in a storage garage. It's not that expensive and setting out wet for that long can't be good. Think about all the damp air inside and out and what it does to the soft surfaces (interior) and electricals. It would be better to drive it rather than leave it set, at least everything gets moved and the air circulated.
I agree , find & rent an enclosed winter storage.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,669
Likes: 3
From: Kingston Ontario
Even my barbeque gets put indoors for the winter! 
Seriously, at least put it in a carport. My preference would be to find a garage.
Also I would never leave it on dirt or grass. I once saw a car that sat on a lawn for two years that had the under-body rotted out. So yes, concrete wins over dirt.
My $ 0.02
Good Luck
Dan
Seriously, at least put it in a carport. My preference would be to find a garage.
Also I would never leave it on dirt or grass. I once saw a car that sat on a lawn for two years that had the under-body rotted out. So yes, concrete wins over dirt.
My $ 0.02
Good Luck
Dan
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 130
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OH Events Coordinator
Even my barbeque gets put indoors for the winter!
Seriously, at least put it in a carport. My preference would be to find a garage.
Also I would never leave it on dirt or grass. I once saw a car that sat on a lawn for two years that had the under-body rotted out. So yes, concrete wins over dirt.
My $ 0.02
Good Luck
Dan
Seriously, at least put it in a carport. My preference would be to find a garage.
Also I would never leave it on dirt or grass. I once saw a car that sat on a lawn for two years that had the under-body rotted out. So yes, concrete wins over dirt.
My $ 0.02
Good Luck
Dan
I considered renting a garage but its like $400 for the season. I guess thats not too expensive so maybe I should consider it. I'm just such a cheap
and other people do it... I mean I know we all love our vettes but is it really worth babying it? I mean all I do is run it into cones and try to blow it up on a race track, and I've never owned a car more than 24 months. I mean I want it to SURVIVE winter in the best shape as possible but you got to balance the effort and cost in there too
haha.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 130
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OH Events Coordinator
You must be confused!
