Long term storage
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 16
Likes: 1
Long term storage
Hello!
I love this forum, but the search feature is worthless, so sorry to ask something that’s prolly been covered hundreds of times.
I need to put my C7 GS in storage for six long, painful, no good months. I was ready to put it up on floor jacks but then watched a video saying it may not be the best option for the suspension for long term storage. Should I just put it on flat spot preventers instead?
I’m not worried about the cost or the effort (of putting it on floor jacks or flat spot stoppers)...just need to know what the best option is for six months.
I love this forum, but the search feature is worthless, so sorry to ask something that’s prolly been covered hundreds of times.
I need to put my C7 GS in storage for six long, painful, no good months. I was ready to put it up on floor jacks but then watched a video saying it may not be the best option for the suspension for long term storage. Should I just put it on flat spot preventers instead?
I’m not worried about the cost or the effort (of putting it on floor jacks or flat spot stoppers)...just need to know what the best option is for six months.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 10,709
Likes: 7,099
From: Fulshear, TX
No need for either option; modern radials don't flat-spot. Get a battery tender if possible and consider some fuel stabilizer in a full tank of gas. Change the oil before or after storage, no need for both. Add an extra 5 psi to the tires. Unfortunately, winter storage is a reality for a lot of us. These cars are great though and fire right back up without a hiccup!
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 16
Likes: 1
No need for either option; modern radials don't flat-spot. Get a battery tender if possible and consider some fuel stabilizer in a full tank of gas. Change the oil before or after storage, no need for both. Add an extra 5 psi to the tires. Unfortunately, winter storage is a reality for a lot of us. These cars are great though and fire right back up without a hiccup!
The tires on the GS are pretty soft and more prone to flat spotting than normal, all season tires. Based on everything I’ve read so far, it is better to avoid potential flat spots.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 2,769
Likes: 1,116
From: Howell N.J
No need for either option; modern radials don't flat-spot. Get a battery tender if possible and consider some fuel stabilizer in a full tank of gas. Change the oil before or after storage, no need for both. Add an extra 5 psi to the tires. Unfortunately, winter storage is a reality for a lot of us. These cars are great though and fire right back up without a hiccup!
Rich
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 1,866
Likes: 1,152
From: Keswick, Virginia
Trickle charger, tires lifted off the ground and fuel stabilizer added to the fuel tank to fight moisture & the ethanol. Do NOT store it with a full tank, though. There is some kind of sensor that can be damaged........at least from what I have read on this forum.
I would suggest a good coat of wax or sealant being applied before parking it - and a lightweight car cover suitable for indoor storage. This will help keep dust and debris off of the paint.
Good luck!!
I would suggest a good coat of wax or sealant being applied before parking it - and a lightweight car cover suitable for indoor storage. This will help keep dust and debris off of the paint.
Good luck!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 6,648
Likes: 808
From: FORT LAUDERDALE FL
I have not driven my car for 17 months. Over the years I have "stored" many vehicles for up to eight years without issue. Full tank of stabilized fuel, 40 psi tires, pump the brakes every few months and a tender. This is what I've done and do...what ever makes you comfortable.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 13,599
Likes: 12,854
From: Virginia
Hello!
I love this forum, but the search feature is worthless, so sorry to ask something that’s prolly been covered hundreds of times.
I need to put my C7 GS in storage for six long, painful, no good months. I was ready to put it up on floor jacks but then watched a video saying it may not be the best option for the suspension for long term storage. Should I just put it on flat spot preventers instead?
I’m not worried about the cost or the effort (of putting it on floor jacks or flat spot stoppers)...just need to know what the best option is for six months.
I love this forum, but the search feature is worthless, so sorry to ask something that’s prolly been covered hundreds of times.
I need to put my C7 GS in storage for six long, painful, no good months. I was ready to put it up on floor jacks but then watched a video saying it may not be the best option for the suspension for long term storage. Should I just put it on flat spot preventers instead?
I’m not worried about the cost or the effort (of putting it on floor jacks or flat spot stoppers)...just need to know what the best option is for six months.
You definitely need to connect your battery to a battery tender as C7s will de-charge over time. Many will recommend conditioning the fuel, however I don't unless being stored over 9 months to a year. I've never encountered a fuel issue after storing my cars.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 844
Likes: 382
aBe forewarned. The advice about a full tank is 100% wrong. You must leave the tank with no more than a 1/4 full tank. With a full tank and the car sitting for an extended period the sulfur in gasoline will corrode the fuel system control module located in the tank. You will be risking damage to the module and replacement (including much of the car that has to come apart), much of it labor, is a few thousand dollars for the complete repair.
Easy to confirm on the internet. See articles by Paul Koerner at Jackson (now Key) Chevrolet. Paul is one of the highest rated Corvette Dealer Specialists in the US and always has packed seminars at Corvettes at Carlisle.
Easy to confirm on the internet. See articles by Paul Koerner at Jackson (now Key) Chevrolet. Paul is one of the highest rated Corvette Dealer Specialists in the US and always has packed seminars at Corvettes at Carlisle.
Last edited by tobaccokid; Jul 20, 2019 at 03:19 PM.
Formula 1
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 591
Likes: 236
From: Washington
6 months is not a long time. I often store for 6 months or longer.
If oil and brake fluid hasn’t been changed in one year, I would change it. For the fuel stabilizer, I use Star Tron. I don’t trust ethanol fuel for several months. That said, if cannot get non ethanol fuel, using stabilizer should be ok. I come from camp of 1/2 tank. Mainly cause it may take many weeks to burn a nearly fuel tank after storage. Btw, I either store on a lift, or inflate tire 10 pounds and park then under thick carpets.
That said, I would be mostly concerned with rodents. There are many threads about how to avoid them, and seal up / protect your car.
If oil and brake fluid hasn’t been changed in one year, I would change it. For the fuel stabilizer, I use Star Tron. I don’t trust ethanol fuel for several months. That said, if cannot get non ethanol fuel, using stabilizer should be ok. I come from camp of 1/2 tank. Mainly cause it may take many weeks to burn a nearly fuel tank after storage. Btw, I either store on a lift, or inflate tire 10 pounds and park then under thick carpets.
That said, I would be mostly concerned with rodents. There are many threads about how to avoid them, and seal up / protect your car.
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No real need to jack the car up to keep the tires off the ground. Just add a few PSI of pressure and you'll be fine.
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first of all....lots of good info here...
flat spotting a non issue as said add 5psi and hook up a battery tender maybe crack the windows 1/8 inch and throw a cover on it
fuel I have stored a car for 6 months or more with varying levels of fuel and never an issue
my question is where do you live / plan on storing it? that info may help with more specific issues related to your specific weather
flat spotting a non issue as said add 5psi and hook up a battery tender maybe crack the windows 1/8 inch and throw a cover on it
fuel I have stored a car for 6 months or more with varying levels of fuel and never an issue
my question is where do you live / plan on storing it? that info may help with more specific issues related to your specific weather