Long Term Storage
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3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2004
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Long Term Storage
I have orders to Naples Italy and will be leaving my 2000 coupe in a relative's garage (possibly as long as 3 years). Looking for some suggestions/lessons learned about long term storage. Disconnect/remove battery?; put up on jack stands and remove tires?; dehumidifiers?; gas stabilizer?; tank full or empty?; etc. I'm sure that there are bunch of other things that I'm missing. HELP!!!
Racer
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 439
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From: Framingham MA
Originally Posted by miley
I have orders to Naples Italy and will be leaving my 2000 coupe in a relative's garage (possibly as long as 3 years). Looking for some suggestions/lessons learned about long term storage. Disconnect/remove battery?; put up on jack stands and remove tires?; dehumidifiers?; gas stabilizer?; tank full or empty?; etc. I'm sure that there are bunch of other things that I'm missing. HELP!!!
YIKES!!! 
Doesn't say where this garage is located, how it is attended and whether or not it is climate controlled... but...Definitely change the oil, remove the battery and do the jack stand thang to avoid the "mother of all tire flat spot" problems. Fill the gas tank (to avoid rust) and use a high quality gas stabilizer, but I would still expect to pump it out and fill with fresh fuel upon your return. I would think your biggest threats are creatures, intruders, moisture and accidental damage, so the most important aspect is to have a human being check the car routinely.
For more tips, go to some of the boat websites and research how boats are routinely set up for long-term storage, especially if this is an unheated garage in a cold climate.
Monk
