Storage

[Bob Lanham #32271]

I don't have a way to store a Vette inside. Is it very hard on them to keep them outside with a car cover? Are there any tips for minimizing the effect of the elements on it? Will it cause noticeable deterioation?

[Patrick Hulst (16386)]

Re: Storage

Bob,

I'll keep it simple.

A good friend of mine bought a basket case 4 years ago. The paint was peeling, the interior filled with water and everything metal had rust on it. The owner of the Vette was very rich, but just didn't want to build onto the garage to store the Vette or find indoor storage for it, even though it had a lot of sentimental meaning to him. So, it was stored outside, rather than inside for a few years. And yes, it had a "good" cover on. Now, after a new paint job, interior and replacement of everything attached to the frame (but not the frame itself), it isn't such a bad car...

A little extreme, possibly, but food for thought.

While at the risk of putting some one off and sounding possibly elitist (?)(and I'm sure someone will say that there car has "never" been affected by outdoor storage) I have always thought that if you don't have an indoor location to put your Corvette, then maybe you shouldn't have one yet.

Good Luck

Patrick

[Patrick Hulst (16386)]

Re: Storage

Bob,

I'll keep it simple.

A good friend of mine bought a basket case 4 years ago. The paint was peeling, the interior filled with water and everything metal had rust on it. The owner of the Vette was very rich, but just didn't want to build onto the garage to store the Vette or find indoor storage for it, even though it had a lot of sentimental meaning to him. So, it was stored outside, rather than inside for a few years. And yes, it had a "good" cover on. Now, after a new paint job, interior and replacement of everything attached to the frame (but not the frame itself), it isn't such a bad car...

A little extreme, possibly, but food for thought.

While at the risk of putting some one off and sounding possibly elitist (?)(and I'm sure someone will say that there car has "never" been affected by outdoor storage) I have always thought that if you don't have an indoor location to put your Corvette, then maybe you shouldn't have one yet.

Good Luck

Patrick

[Tom Barr (24014)]

Re: Storage

Bob,

This won't be the complete information you were looking for, but unless you live in the middle of "No-Where" I would try to find another option. The biggest benefit to keeping a Corvette inside is security. You didn't mention it but how much "outside" are you talking about? On the street? under a carport? a tree? behind the house? etc.

Car covers are good for rain, dust, sun, but what about "heavy weather" (snow, hail, objects flying in the wind). You might try to consider the portable or canvas "garages" I've seen advertised. Constant use of car covers outside need to be tied securely to prevent rubbing/wear.

It's not impossible to keep outside, but I would suggest you do all that you can to find a place to rent. Unless you're at home all the time, you may spend a fortune replacing parts the scavengers have broken or made off with. Just a suggestion. Tom #24014

[Tom Barr (24014)]

Re: Storage

Bob,

This won't be the complete information you were looking for, but unless you live in the middle of "No-Where" I would try to find another option. The biggest benefit to keeping a Corvette inside is security. You didn't mention it but how much "outside" are you talking about? On the street? under a carport? a tree? behind the house? etc.

Car covers are good for rain, dust, sun, but what about "heavy weather" (snow, hail, objects flying in the wind). You might try to consider the portable or canvas "garages" I've seen advertised. Constant use of car covers outside need to be tied securely to prevent rubbing/wear.

It's not impossible to keep outside, but I would suggest you do all that you can to find a place to rent. Unless you're at home all the time, you may spend a fortune replacing parts the scavengers have broken or made off with. Just a suggestion. Tom #24014

[Bill Clupper]

Re: Storage

The first question is where are you contemplating this storage, geographically? I've seen a very nice 58 restored in a carport in Florida, a feat that would be impossible here in Ohio. Are we talking literally outdoors exposed to the lelments, or in a carport or other shelter. The other posters have some good points, but in some parts of the country cars are able to be more exposed without ill effect than others. What is your specific situation?

[Bill Clupper]

Re: Storage

The first question is where are you contemplating this storage, geographically? I've seen a very nice 58 restored in a carport in Florida, a feat that would be impossible here in Ohio. Are we talking literally outdoors exposed to the lelments, or in a carport or other shelter. The other posters have some good points, but in some parts of the country cars are able to be more exposed without ill effect than others. What is your specific situation?

[Bob Lanham #32271]

Re: Storage

I was thinking of a car cover. I live in the same type of weather you have. I live in West Virginia.

[Bob Lanham #32271]

Re: Storage

I was thinking of a car cover. I live in the same type of weather you have. I live in West Virginia.

[Bill Clupper]

Re: Storage

I probably wouldn't recommend it without protection in our winters. The other thing you have to contend with is the moisture coming up out of the ground. That can destroy an undercarriage in no time.

[Bill Clupper]

Re: Storage

I probably wouldn't recommend it without protection in our winters. The other thing you have to contend with is the moisture coming up out of the ground. That can destroy an undercarriage in no time.

[Dennis Moore (12799)]

Re: Storage

Bob, For outdoor storage, I saw a heavy vinyl bag, which is inflated with a pump. This bag totaly encloses the car with the stay-dry bag (which are rechargable) at a car show/flea market last fall. I later saw the same product in front of a business near me with a Corvette stored inside. I do not know whether anyone in the NCRS has tried this product or the success for storage. If after any comments from this formun, you want me to get more information from that company, please Email me at savethewave@juno.com

Dennis (Maryland) #12799

[Dennis Moore (12799)]

Re: Storage

Bob, For outdoor storage, I saw a heavy vinyl bag, which is inflated with a pump. This bag totaly encloses the car with the stay-dry bag (which are rechargable) at a car show/flea market last fall. I later saw the same product in front of a business near me with a Corvette stored inside. I do not know whether anyone in the NCRS has tried this product or the success for storage. If after any comments from this formun, you want me to get more information from that company, please Email me at savethewave@juno.com

Dennis (Maryland) #12799