C1 cold storage

[Michael Jones]

I'll be storing my vette for about 3-4 months this winter in an unheated garage in Colorado. I've looked at the Archives and there's alot of conflicting advice about whether this short storage requires any special prep. Other than covering the car, disconnecting the battery and running the carbs dry are there any other steps that should be taken? Stabil in the gas tank?

Thx,

Michael

[Duke W.]

Re: C1 cold storage

Good storage practice required preparation. It's a matter of degree and
the length of storage.

For short term storge - change the oil and filter and coolant and brake
fluid if it will reach its two year expiration prior to the end of storage. Pump the tires up to their maximum placarded cold pressure or 40 psi whichever is less and preferably remove the battery and charge it one a month or leave a battery tender on it.

The fuel tank should be filled with fresh fuel prior to storage, I have never used fuel stabilizer for storage up to a year and have never had fuel system problems. The colder the storage temperature the less likely the fuel is to react to form gum and varnish.

The biggest risk in storage is rodent damage, so take all precautions by placing traps/bait around the car and inside the interior, engine compartment, and trunk.

Duke

[Ed Jennings]

also be sure

the coolant antifreeze strength is sufficient for the conditions. I had a friend years back who lost the engine in a C3 in a heatede garage when the power failed for a few days in freezing weather. He had straight water in the block and it got cold enough in his usually warm garage to destroy the engine.

[Robert Willis]

Re: C1 cold storage

I just park my 57 in the garage thats attached to my house and cover it up. Ive never had a problem leaving it for four of five months.

[Joe C.]

Rodent Damage

As DW said, I would be mostly concerned about rodent damage. It is probably the most costly, because mice like the soft and fuzzy stuff, like carpeting, seat padding, etc. Use COPIOUS amounts of camphor oil, or moth balls as a repellant.

Joe

[Rob Loszewski]

Re: C1 cold storage

Michael,

Check out our Long Term / Winter Corvette Storage article at:

http://corvetteactioncenter.com/tech/care/storage.html

-Rob Loszewski, Site Administrator
Corvette Action Center

http://CorvetteActionCenter.com

[Theodore K.]

Re: C1 cold storage

I have stored my 57 in unheated & attached garages for 20 years and never had a problem. I just fill the tank with premium unleaded and add about 25% of 100 octane Low-lead Av gas and have also added stabil. Besure you run the engine a little before putting away. If dual carbs be sure that you gun it enough to flush the fuel in the extra carb. Change the oil and filter just prior to storage. The comment on antifreeze protection is very good. Make sure it is adequate. If the battery is in good shape it will probably start in the spring. I get about 5-7 years on a battery. I am in Western Nebraska so it gets cold here although currently the garage stays above freezing. I never start up anymore during the winter. I think you do more damage (if any) than help.
Good luck.