Winter storage for the convertible C5
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 44
Likes: 2
From: Wheeling Illinois
Winter storage for the convertible C5
Hey all
So weird question: I know the basic corvette storage stuff and I'm all setup.
The one thing I can't seem to get consensus on relates the top and the Windows.
Last winter, it was top up, not latched, windows up.
All summer, I've had leaky seals.
So I see a few options:
Top up, latched, Windows up
Top up, latched windows cracked
Top up, latched, Windows down
Top up, unlatched, Windows up
Top up, unlatched, Windows cracked
Top up, unlatched, Windows down
Which do you guys do and why? Is there a "best"?
I'm thinking top up, latched, Windows down so the seals don't have any pressure and compression all winter but the top stays tight.
Thanks! Look forward to reading your replies.
So weird question: I know the basic corvette storage stuff and I'm all setup.
The one thing I can't seem to get consensus on relates the top and the Windows.
Last winter, it was top up, not latched, windows up.
All summer, I've had leaky seals.
So I see a few options:
Top up, latched, Windows up
Top up, latched windows cracked
Top up, latched, Windows down
Top up, unlatched, Windows up
Top up, unlatched, Windows cracked
Top up, unlatched, Windows down
Which do you guys do and why? Is there a "best"?
I'm thinking top up, latched, Windows down so the seals don't have any pressure and compression all winter but the top stays tight.
Thanks! Look forward to reading your replies.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 590
Likes: 57
From: Aurora Colorado
I have been buttoning everything down (up?) and have had no issues.
Top up,latched,windows up. Top seems to have less wrinkles in it come Spring. And having the windows up keeps dust and low life out.
Top up,latched,windows up. Top seems to have less wrinkles in it come Spring. And having the windows up keeps dust and low life out.
Last edited by phoneman91; Dec 19, 2015 at 02:55 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
I have the top up, unlatched and side windows just cracked a half inch. I just figure the weatherstrips will hold their shape longer if they are not compressed for 6 months a year. I keep it covered.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,399
Likes: 1,339
From: Havre de Grace Maryland
Every time I wax the car (3 times a year) I also apply either Teflon Silicone Lubricant or Dielectric Grease (alternating) to all the rubber seals on my vert. Never have had a leak. Seals are look brand new. 
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 44
Likes: 2
From: Wheeling Illinois
How do you store it?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,399
Likes: 1,339
From: Havre de Grace Maryland
I do not store the car. Unfortunately, the car sits outside all year round. I drive it throughout the winter as long as there is no salt or snow on the road. Even if I had a garage cover, I would still drive it when I can because I believe it is better to keep things in the car running, rather than setting. Just my .02 worth.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,146
Likes: 203
From: Edmonton Alberta, Canada
Bet to keep everything buttoned up..keep the rodents out! You don't want your C5 to last forever...what about the new C7 aching to be parked just where the C5 is???
Last edited by El original; Dec 19, 2015 at 05:20 PM.
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Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 44
Likes: 2
From: Wheeling Illinois
I do not store the car. Unfortunately, the car sits outside all year round. I drive it throughout the winter as long as there is no salt or snow on the road. Even if I had a garage cover, I would still drive it when I can because I believe it is better to keep things in the car running, rather than setting. Just my .02 worth.
Thanks.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 44
Likes: 2
From: Wheeling Illinois
I only got the c5 in 2014. Love it. A buddy has a C7 and my dad has a C6. Yes. I'm jealous. Mine is louder than both and can keep up with the C6.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
Nothing is harder on a car than Wisconsin winters. It's one reason why northern cars don't last very long. Proper winter storage will extend their lives.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,039
Likes: 2,592
From: Del Boca Vista FL
Provide transportation for me up to your place and I'll drive it down and keep it exercised for you in a better climate.
You know sitting is bad for any car.
You know sitting is bad for any car.
Last edited by BADBIRDCAGE; Dec 20, 2015 at 01:12 PM.
