Storage question
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 641
Likes: 28
From: South Eastern MI Michigan
Storage question
1. Has anyone heard of placing rubber matts under the tires to reduce possible flat spots?
Is it necessary and, if so, where can you get the matts?
2. Anyone have a favorite battery tender?
(A) 0.75 A ?
(B) 1.0 A ?
(C) Brand ?
Is it necessary and, if so, where can you get the matts?
2. Anyone have a favorite battery tender?
(A) 0.75 A ?
(B) 1.0 A ?
(C) Brand ?
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 6,522
Likes: 1,310
From: Windermere FL
If you drive the car like it was meant to, then you don't have to worry about this.
Deltran Battery tender - connect up to a male cig lighter fitting and just plug it in your lighter. Makes it easy! Had mine for decades. Last battery I had lasted almost 10 years.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,205
Likes: 40
From: Tucson AZ
I stored my Corvettes for six months at a time, while living in Michigan.(
)
Just put the air in the tires to 40 psi, and forget them. Flay spots were never a problem doing this. I have used a Deltran Battery Tender for many years with great success.
)Just put the air in the tires to 40 psi, and forget them. Flay spots were never a problem doing this. I have used a Deltran Battery Tender for many years with great success.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,034
Likes: 2,722
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
I've seen some pretty peruasive arguments why we should not leave the car up on stands in storage.
Tire flats spotting seems to go away within a few miles, but I'd be sure the tires were fully inflated before storage and check occasionally.
Some people leave their engine shut down for several months during winter, others start it occasionally and warm up to 180'F or higher on the oil. Each group is adamant that the other is ruining the engines, but I've never seen any actual damage either way. A GM engineer said he prefers to start the engine every month (or was it 2 months, I can't recall).
Tire flats spotting seems to go away within a few miles, but I'd be sure the tires were fully inflated before storage and check occasionally.
Some people leave their engine shut down for several months during winter, others start it occasionally and warm up to 180'F or higher on the oil. Each group is adamant that the other is ruining the engines, but I've never seen any actual damage either way. A GM engineer said he prefers to start the engine every month (or was it 2 months, I can't recall).
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,579
Likes: 87
From: Chester County PA
I've stored cars for winter & not had flat spot issues or any other problems & the cars sat without being started all winter. I disconnected the battery before I put the car away. Now for the Vette I have a battery tender so I'll leave that on.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 12,641
Likes: 464
From: Houston TX
similar experiences...
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 859
Likes: 1
From: Fairfield County Connecticut
I've stored Vettes during the winter months for 25 years (that's a little scary).
I use a 1 amp trickle charger / float (turns on and off so it does not overcharge).
I don't do anything special with the tires except make sure they are inflated before storing. Newer tires don't get flat like old tires....if they do flatten it goes back to normal quickly. I've heard enough evidence not to put the car on stands, it's not good for the suspension. Some say that leaving your tires on the cement floor is not good...turns to dry rot. I have mixed feelings and the plastic tire holders could not hurt. However, I'll continue to inflate and forget about it until spring.
The above is OK for winter storage. If you store the Vette longer, you may need to consider other measures (i.e. put a plastic barrior between the floor and the car to keep moisture out and prevent rust...).
I use a 1 amp trickle charger / float (turns on and off so it does not overcharge).
I don't do anything special with the tires except make sure they are inflated before storing. Newer tires don't get flat like old tires....if they do flatten it goes back to normal quickly. I've heard enough evidence not to put the car on stands, it's not good for the suspension. Some say that leaving your tires on the cement floor is not good...turns to dry rot. I have mixed feelings and the plastic tire holders could not hurt. However, I'll continue to inflate and forget about it until spring.
The above is OK for winter storage. If you store the Vette longer, you may need to consider other measures (i.e. put a plastic barrior between the floor and the car to keep moisture out and prevent rust...).
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 11,973
Likes: 463
From: Tonawanda New York
Black Beauty sleeps on heavy 3/4" "horse stall" mats from Tractor supply,it keeps the humidity and moisture from the concrete floor off the undercarriage,I use a 1.5 amp Shumacher maintainer.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 859
Likes: 1
From: Fairfield County Connecticut
Your floor barrier is a great idea. I assume you put cardboard at the rear of the car because you open and close that garage door during the winter. Is this correct?
Last edited by 6893Vette; Aug 9, 2012 at 12:17 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 11,973
Likes: 463
From: Tonawanda New York