First winter of owning a vette. What are the recommended storage procedures for chassis, fuel system, battery etc..

Storage will be in an unheated garage. Will put new oil and filter in just before storage.

2003 Quicksilver Coupe. 6mn. No mods yet. Under warranty.

 

I usually wax ,do the interior with leather conditioner ,change the oil which you have done Fill it with Gas and the required amount of sta-bul put on the battery tender and car cover
I don't jack it up .
Some moth ***** in Nylon stockings tied up in the engine compartment and under the car,if you have rodents.Remember where they were and remove before driving
Drive it on the nice days
Good Luck
John

 

Thanks blktie8
My plate expires mid Oct, road salt can start first of Nov. I hope I have time to wax. Turtle Platinum works for me.

You have no concerns about the PCM being cold and damp for 5 months. Do you know if the battery tender keeps the PCM "warm" or just the BCM. I would prefer to keep the modules powered so the dampness does not get into the modules.????

 

I've never done anything to mine when storing it. The first winter I started up the car every few weeks and let it run for a little while (that also prevented the battery from needing a charge).

Subsequent years all I did was charge the battery come spring. Car runs like a champ.

Mark

 

I'm across the Lake from you in Rochester, NY. I basically do what blktie8 does, too. I clean it all up good, do the interior including treating the leather, wipe down all the rubber weather stripping with silicone, put some silicone dry packs inside, fill the gas tank, add Stabil, change the oil, pump the tires up to around 40 PSI, hook up the battery tender, cover it and leave it. I put it away around Nov 1 and don't start it or move it until April 1 and have never had any trouble with anything. I've done it this way the past 2 Winters with this C5 and two other Winters with another C5 and it's worked great. I uncover it in the Spring, start it up, reduce the air pressure to normal and drive away!

 

Flexvette, I am a fellow Canadian currently living in the US

Follow this link to a check list as a starting point

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...rage_form.html


In addition to the checklist....
I also ensure the antifreeze in the rad is good for - 40, the winshield washer fluid is good for - 40

I pump up the tires to their maximum.

I put a heavy duty tarp on the garage floor to keep humidity away from the car.

I either back the car onto 2 inch ( 5cm) blue styrofoam squares to minimize flat spotting or jack the car up and rest the tires on tire dollies.

All weatherstrip and seals are coated with a light coating of silicone grease.

I put a dessicant inside the car to ensure there is not enough moisture to casue mould.

The gas tank is filled to the absolute brim and treated with Stabil to ensure there is no condensation or deterioration of the gas.

The battery is left connected and connected to a battery float charger.

I double cover the car. The under cover is a light dust cover, the second cover is a wolf outdoor cover that is breathable but cushioned. this protects the car in the event that as I move around the garage in the winter something contacts the car.

 

Great info. Forgot about the rubber. Will get silicone grease for all seals.
Did not plan to pump up tires but it makes sense with the cold reducing pressure. Will do as well.
where can you normally get desicant? Don't have good outlets like in the States. Pain to go to NF NY with the hold ups at the border, both ways.

 

Walmart carreis damp rid.
gun shops ( yes there still are some in Canada) carry dessicants ( silica gel) for gun safes. ( Canadian Tire might carry it)

 

I use Zaino and the leather conditioner is great
www.zainostore.com

 

There is an item out there called a car bag that I use. It is basically a zip up sleeping bag you put the car in with dessicant. All moisture is absorbed and the car remains dry. You have to remove the battery though so I put the battery elsewhere on the battery tender for the winter. While not a total deterent, it also helps with rodents.

Carbag Web Site

 

Most marine supply stores will have dessicant. They do require that you periodically empty out the moisture collected (minor pain with car cover in place) see http://www.overtons.com/modperl/over...26666&fcat=2Y4

There are also electric air drying systems, but I have no personal experience with them.

 

Hi Flex !

This is the end of the 3rd summer for my Vette & here is what I do. Last week & washed, waxed, treated leather, wiped down the body panels under the car, (i'm super fussy) & set the tires to 40psi. Parked the car in her carpeted spot & covered. I only put 480 miles on the car this summer so, NO oil change for me..I will do it right away in the spring. About 1-2 times per month in the winter I hook up the battery tender for a day or 2 & then cover the car back up. No problems for me since buying the car new & storing each winter.

 

you could ship it to me here in Florida- winter is the best time to drive them here! I will take good care of it for you! my 97 needs a friend!