Storage & After Storage Questions and Tips

Joseph2097 · 08-31-2008

OK car collectors - here is a problem I am STILL concerned about.
How do you keep those little rodents - mostly MICE - from attacking
your classic vehicle over the winter. YES, I do store my vehicle in a garage,
but it is unheated. So far I have been lucky, and not had
any mice set-up home in my 1967 coupe, but want to KEEP IT
THAT WAY.
I have heard that "BOUNCE" fabric softner sheets will work if
placed in the motor compartment and in the interrior. I don't know
this for sure, but have been told this.
ANY IDEAS ON HOW TO KEEP THE MICE OUT of my classic
car??
Thank you.
Joseph2097

stah99 · 09-01-2008

Anyone know of any good outdoor car covers for a 69 coupe? I live in Montana and its gonna have to be stored outside for the next few months...

Not looking to spend hundreds of dollars but I need something that will be good enough for what I need.

suggestions??

bobo · 10-11-2008

I guess I am turning out to be a puny Mustang owner although I love to drive the convertible with the top down on sunny days. My wife and I plan a small trip from there Reading area to the Trenton area on Sunday.
But on Nov. 12, an insurance due date, I will garage her until the end of March. Remember, this 2000 V6 is from Fla. with only 20,000 and has never seen snow. The family seems to think this is a good idea.
Replacing the summer tires was a $500-plus investment, my daughter, who drives it 98 percent of the time, is scared to tackle the winter weather.
Quite frankly, after talking to several Mustang owners whom I happened across, there wasn't much encouragement. The consensus was not to bother.
So we bought a front-wheel drive 1999 Bonneville SSE for the winter. (It cost three grand for those who must know). Guess this makes me a traitor or something.
But for you members who have Ford blood in your veins, I will put snow tires on my Mark VII which will remain the second car.
I will be able to run Mustang's the engine and move it in and out of the garage as needed.
Is there anything I should know about caring for a car which is in this semi-"storage" state?
thanks

bobo
bobobozo@verizon.net

smokeshow · 10-11-2008

Good choice... Keep that pony out of the snow!

I usually put fuel stabilizer in the gas tank, and I plan on puttting a battery trickle charger on it this year. I haven't in past years, but I've made up my mind to this year!

As far as running it, my understanding is the best thing to do is to take it out for a spin on a nice sunny day, although you may not be able to because of the insurance situation. I think it's actually worse to start it up, let it idle, and then switch it off, because of moisture in the engine, or something.

**jim293** · 10-11-2008

I really not not drive mine in the winter I just keep the fuel tank full of fuel and keep the trickle charger on it.

raddad51 · 10-19-2008

About to park 99svt , for winter,in a garage. My question is batt. dissconect or not ? on blocks /tires on.

mikekimc · 10-19-2008

I wash it ... fill my fuel tank right up ... add stabil ... back it in the garage *HEATED* and cover it. That's it

Mike

TorchRedGT02 · 10-19-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikekimc

I wash it ... fill my fuel tank right up ... add stabil ... back it in the garage *HEATED* and cover it. That's it

Mike

That's exactly what I do, minus the "heated" garage

I go out there a few times to start it up, but thats it. Been doing that for four years without any problems.

**JudisStang** · 10-20-2008

There's a pinned thread at the top - it might help, as well!

mikekimc · 10-20-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by TorchRedGT02

That's exactly what I do, minus the "heated" garage

I go out there a few times to start it up, but thats it. Been doing that for four years without any problems.

Starting it is fine as long as you allow it to get up to operating temperature to burn off all the moisture build up.

Mike

**jim293** · 10-20-2008

I would buy a battery tender then the battery stays topped off and you do not lose them memory in any of your radio stations or any thing like that.

SVT1995 · 10-20-2008

Another thing to add. Make sure your tires are inflated to the right psi. Having them under that will make more of a flat spot in the tires that's if you dont put it on blocks.

+1) on the filling up on the gas. Less gas in the tank you'll get more water in it.

DetroitCrow · 10-21-2008

Hi Guys,

I have a question about storing my 2008 Mustang here in Michigan in my 2 car garage. I've never owned a car worth storing for the winter, but this year I do. I just bought a CoverCraft Deluxe Custom-Fit Mustang Car Cover (2005+ V6/GT) : CoverCraft Deluxe Custom-Fit Mustang Car Cover (2005+ V6/GT) at AmericanMuscle.com - Free Shipping! From American Muscle.Com

What other steps will be needed this winter? Some have told me that I should put the car on four jack stands under the axles so to keep weight on the springs but get the car off the ground to stop a flat spot from forming on the tires, also a battery tender and gas stablizer.

Is that all about right? do you have anything to offer me? Tips/Tricks/Etc. are welcome! Thanks.

racin366 · 10-21-2008

Yeah, that's pretty much it, just check it every once in a while to make sure no moisture is getting trapped under the cover, and drive it till its almost out of gas, just enough to get you back to a station when you take her out of storage so the gas won't go bad.

jabsnap · 10-21-2008

I fill my tank and put fuel stabalizer in. I also change my oil. you can take the battery out, the cold weather kills it, depending on how cold it is in your garage. I have owned 2 mustangs and these steps have always been reliable for me.
it would also be a good idea to start it up every couple of weeks and let it run for about five minutes, this will get fluids running through the system which keeps it lubed.