Question about storing

[Darbji280z]

Never stored a Z before. I assume it's jsut like storing the DeLorean (except that one will never rust) I have a car cover for it but I am scared to use it. My garage is not heated or insulated. My question is, if I use that cover when I'm not playing with her, is that going to trap moisture underneath and aid in rusting? Or am I being outrageously paranoid?

[dade280]

It depends on the car cover i think. They have some that have small porrous holes and "breathe" to leat the moisture out.

[Sailor Bob]

Hi Darb
I live in a place where the temp drops to -20c occasionally every winter with periods of +5c in between, average -10. Just saying temp varies and I have a shed with a wooden floor. I use a douvett cover split down the sides - covers her perfectly - no trouble yet - no moisture problems.

Good Luck

[ggarrard]

I just use regular high quality(?) car covers (LeBra brand?) and store my cars in an unheated barn with a concrete floor...in amongst 20+ cars, and probably 15 boats... Typical Ottawa temperatures vary from +5C to -15C. I haven't had any moisture problems either(touch wood).

Gordon Garrard

[Darbji280z]

The type of cover I chose does have the pores and breathes pretty well so I think I'll be okay. I expected to get a response along the lines of "You're a nut. It's just a car." That's what my friends told me anyway.

[mgood]

Darbji280z are you going to put the car on jack stands?

I just put new tires on me car this year after 25 years and was wondering if I should put it on jack stands.

[Darbji280z]

Darbji280z are you going to put the car on jack stands?

I just put new tires on me car this year after 25 years and was wondering if I should put it on jack stands.

I always do. Unless I have bad tires, then I don't care. The Delorean was left down last year with pretty nasty tires and they held up okay. But with the Z, I'd rather take the precaution.

[EScanlon]

Darbji:
Take the normal Mid-West winter storage precautions...anti-freeze clean and viable(i.e. not over a couple of years old), oil fresh or changed, gas filled and at least one bottle of Heet (or similar) and be sure to RUN the car for a bit after you've put the Heet in so that it gets through the fuel lines and not just in the tank.

If you do put it up on jackstands, lift it just enough to relieve the pressure on the tires but not such that they're off the ground...no need to over extend the struts for an extended period. Check your tire pressure, it will go down as the temp goes down so keep that in mind.

Hopefully you've had the car washed and underbody cleaned of any gunk/dirt/mud. Take a minute to see if you should touch up any undercoating. Some shops in the Mid-West used to offer an under body oil spray if I recall, that at least slows down the rust monster.

Washing the car ensures that you're not rubbing the dirt in with the car cover for the whole winter, but DO make sure she's dry....even if it means you need to take her out for a drive on a non-wet day.

There'll be others chiming in, but these are what I used to do when in Michigan.

By the way, the reason your friends say "You're a nut. It's just a car." is because what they drive is --JUST-- a car....you're driving a Z.

2¢
E

[76Datsun280z]

And also a trickle charger for the battery as well.

[Darbji280z]

She has fresh oil and antifreeze. Tank is full with gas and Stabil (I ran it to pull the treated gas through the lines) I even bought brand new jackstands. That battery is coming out entirely and probably never going back in. That battery is on it's way out anyway. The only thing she needs is to be gone over with some detailer to get the little bits of stuff off the paint from being on the road today. .

And you're right, EScanlon, my friends don't understand because they don't love their cars. Some one told me yesterday that I am an objectofile, insinuating that I am sexually attracted to objects. I said "no, I'm an automobilofile. There's a difference"

[Sailor Bob]

I do the other stuff as well, I was just speaking to the car cover issue.
In addition with the occasional extreme cold periods, I take the battery out and store it in the basement on a piece of wood.

[beandip]

Changing the oil and filter is important because you want to do away with any moisture and contaminants in the block and do warm up the engine completely. If in a damp environment or if he car is stored until spring . Pull the plugs and squirt some oil in the cylinders . About a Tsp. full in each hole then with the plugs still out, turn the engine over a few revolutions to spread the oil over the cylinder walls . Install the plugs and that will do it . Every time these engines are shut down there are always 2 valves that are left open. This will allow out side air to enter the cylinders , the oil will protect them from rust. A empty fuel tank or if nearly so, will sweat and condense moisture inside and this will rust the tank. Use a stabilizer and fill the tank to prevent that. I remove my battery and store in on my work bench and charge it about once a month . This saves the battery and it will last much longer. You can leave it in the car but disconnect the positive cable if this is more convenient, but charging never less is needed. Covering the car will help protect the finish, I don't recommend using plastic , because it cannot breathe and will promote rusting. Another good thing is to spray the vinyl interior with Lysol disinfectant this will greatly prevent mildew I used this on my boat with great success. Gary

[zbane]

Another good thing is to spray the vinyl interior with Lysol disinfectant this will greatly prevent mildew I used this on my boat with great success. Gary

In addition to this, I would recommend using a product called "Damp Rid" or something similar. This product is nothing more than small round pellets that sit in a special container (provided) and absorbs moisture out of the air. You would want to check it every month or so to see if it needs draining/refreshing. Here in the moldy south, I have found it to be very helpful in preventing (or at least slowing) mold in my closets (and on my Dr. Martins).

[EScanlon]

Darbji:
The person calling you an objectofile probably watched "Boston Legal" last Monday (11/5) where that was one of the story lines. With that being the case, remind him that one of the other story lines was about a woman who killed a guy for revenge....and got away with it ....so whom was he calling an objectofile?

E

[Walter Moore]

If I didn't completely winterize the car, but just started it about once a month would that suffice?

(Of course I would let the engine get completely hot before I shut it down.)

I only ask because I expect that I will need to move the car a couple of times this winter to make room for other things.

[mally002]

I have the perfect solution....just send your car to me and I'll drive it at least once a week. In Knoxville TN we usually stay around 30-38 degrees in the dead of winter, so it's always Z season here.........You guys need to move..........

[Ed]

If I didn't completely winterize the car, but just started it about once a month would that suffice?

(Of course I would let the engine get completely hot before I shut it down.)

I only ask because I expect that I will need to move the car a couple of times this winter to make room for other things.

I've heard this is not a good idea. If the car isn't run at full operating temperature at highway speeds for atleast 30 minutes, condensation in the fuel system, exhaust system, cooling system and oil system soes not fully burn off and will result in moisture contamination, corrosion and system failures.

[Darbji280z]

Yeah, that was another debate we had in the DeLorean club. Is it better to start the car up twice a month to, in other words, exercise the engine? Or is it best to leave it there all winter without starting it?

[bigoak]

A plethora of posts on storing:

http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/s...hlight=storing

http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/s...hlight=Storage

http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/s...hlight=Storage

Happy reading...

[76Datsun280z]

Is it better to start the car up twice a month to, in other words, exercise the engine? Or is it best to leave it there all winter without starting it?

I personally say it would be wiser to leave it with out starting it rather than starting it for 10 minutes, then shut it off. Unless you plan on fully warming up by driving it a while to circulate and warm up all the fluids like the others have said to burn off the moisture, it would be better to just let it sit.

[mriz]

I had to stop using the car cover due to those pesky mice. Or is that meeses? Lots of woodlands behind the house so it comes with the territory in winter. I have to plug the fender drain tubes, muffler and air cleaner also. They enjoyed the darkness and warmth the cover provided and caused a lot of damage. Never had that problem until the neighbors with the 4 cats moved. I should give they new neighbors a cat as a housewarming gift when they move in

[Bonzi Lon]

One other thing. You MUST visit and chat occasionaly, even with the battery out, She WILL remember.

Bonzi Lon

[Darbji280z]

One other thing. You MUST visit and chat occasionaly, even with the battery out, She WILL remember.

Bonzi Lon

Oh of course! Not a day will go by.

Darbji:
The person calling you an objectofile probably watched "Boston Legal" last Monday (11/5) where that was one of the story lines.

That's exactly what he said he watched!!! He explained it in great detail to me! Lol

[Stickerman]

Put a few dryer sheets in the car, mice can't stand them. I usually put one on each floorboard, one under the hood, and one in the tailpipe. No mice issues anymore, and mine are stored in the barn.

[beandip]

Dryer sheets ! EXCELLENT IDEA. I never have stored my cars on stands I have been told not to let the suspension just hang for that long a period that it puts a strain on the components. I just put some 1/2'' or 3/4'' plywood squares under the tires. Thicker is better. If you do use stands put them near the wheels on the suspension so the load is more like the tires were on the ground. My garage never goes lower than the 40s F. So freezing for me is not an Issue. However it rains for 6+ months over the winter. Gary

[1 Bravo 6]

One thing all these blokes have failed to mention, ..............

The new avatar is great girl, you're beautiful!!!!!

Rick.

[Bonzi Lon]

Spring Starting Insurance. Slip a fifty in her glovie and tell her it is all her's when the barn doors open in the spring.

Bonzi Lon

And yes, a very nice avitar.

[hd240z]

I have stored my 71 for 6-8 months every year for the last 20+ years and I do most of the storage things previously mentioned. I have also built 4 wood blocks that go under the suspension right next to each of the wheels. The height of the blocks is about a 1/4" less than the suspension so they will easily slide in place once the car is parked. The purpose of the blocks it to support the suspension if a tire should go flat during storage. This keeps the suspension level and prevents the tire bead from breaking loose which makes reinflation easier.

[Darbji280z]

Spring Starting Insurance. Slip a fifty in her glovie and tell her it is all her's when the barn doors open in the spring.

Bonzi Lon

And yes, a very nice avitar.

That's a great idea! My car LOVES money!!!! And she seems pretty bummed about going to sleep.

( thanks Rick)

[rdefabri]

Put a few dryer sheets in the car, mice can't stand them. I usually put one on each floorboard, one under the hood, and one in the tailpipe. No mice issues anymore, and mine are stored in the barn.

Holy crap! That's a killer idea - thanks for the tip!