Storing for the winter?

[DaveA]

There certainly are a lot of mixed opinions. I just finished putting mine away this past weekend. Here's what I do:

1) Fresh oil change; agreed that it is good to get the old, contaminated oil out of the vehicle. Synthetic lasts 1 year/~10,000 miles. I may change it early in the Spring; maybe after it gets down to 50%. I don't put a lot of miles so I may do it even before that.

2) Tarps on portions of the concrete to get the tires onto.

3) Fuel tank filled / 93 octane. Mixed sea foam into it.

4) Steal wool in the exhaust. I put the wool into plastic baggies so there are no rusting issues. Obviously the exhaust is cool when I do this.

5) Wash / shine the vehicle. I don't do a full on wax. I do that in the Spring.

6) Car cover.

7) Dryer sheets around the vehicle; some in trunk.

8) Mouse traps placed around the vehicle. I actually have to go back and put them down; haven't done this yet.

7 and 8 are first time for me this year. I have had no issues with mice or other critters but can't hurt to be extra cautious.

I can't do a battery tender as there is no electricity available. Bummer but last year it started no problems. If my battery dies prematurely, I'll live with that.

I think there's a legitimate argument to be had about storing the car in the winter. I get the argument to just drive it (with proper snow tires, of course). But mine is a convertible and I plan to keep it a good 10+ years, so no winter for my baby. I have a good history of keeping cars, so this isn't just talk on my part. This is my toy for 10+ years. Now, I did tell my wife when we buy a house in a year or two that I plan to add a '65 Mustang Fastback to my collection, but that will be in addition to the Camaro, not a replacement.

[rickyrocket]

So what about outside storage, I only have indoor covers for the camaro and challenger , I think they will be better off without a cover, got no choice but to leave them out, on the plus side I scored a dodge crew cab hemi to get thru the winter, on loan from the father in law who don't use it much

[DaveA]

My argument is: If you can afford 25-50k for a car, you can afford $600-$800 to store it for the season. Go from 12/1 to 2/28 like I do. That gets you through the worst of winter and you only pay 3 months. Drop the insurance to bare minimum to help offset some of the storage costs.

[TRC-SS]

Everybody has mixed opinions on best thing to do for your car over the winter. Its on every forum about every type of car.

Personally I clear the car all up completely, add stable to the fuel before filling with 93. I pump the tires up to about 55lbs of air. Car is parked on carpet in the garage and covered. I change the oil prior to storing. I only change it once a year due to low low mileage (1500-2500 a year). So i dont want 1 year old oil sitting all winter. I throw it on the trickle charger and let it sit until spring.

Ive been told many different opinions about starting it a few times vs letting it sit. Both sides had good arguments. I've tried both.

[chevy 3]

I've parked mine in the same place as the last few years. Budys AWSOME heated garage with a nice mix of hotrods. 108 days 22hr 50 min till spring.

[rickyrocket]

you can jump start the car under hood,just hooking up cables will allow you to pop the trunk

[BTRSS]

This year I only put on about 500 miles so the wax was still good enough. I did do a full wash and detail, polished up the supercharger, changed the oil, put stabilizer in a full tank of Shell's best, attached the trickle charger to the battery , placed her on carpeted pads and the covered till the spring .

[rickyrocket]

btrss Does she snore?

[Happy_Dan]

I haven't given in just yet. Looks like the snow falling now will change to rain. Should help clear the streets. Hope to be able to drive it again soon!

[BTRSS]

Originally Posted by rickyrocket

btrss Does she snore?

LOL! Quit as a mouse

[myold88]

Originally Posted by Happy_Dan

I haven't given in just yet. Looks like the snow falling now will change to rain. Should help clear the streets. Hope to be able to drive it again soon!

I stored my SS for the first 2 years but no more. It's pouring rain today so the car is high & dry in the garage.
All next week the roads here will be clean and dry so my Camaro will be driven every day. I just can't imagine
not enjoying this car when the weather is nice.

[Happy_Dan]

I think my car may come out for some fun this week! What a great winter so far.

[myold88]

Originally Posted by Happy_Dan

I think my car may come out for some fun this week! What a great winter so far.

Beautiful sunny day here. Near 40. Roads are clean and dry and the same is expected for the rest of the week.
I just drove 30 miles to my buddies body shop to hang out. Not another Camaro in sight which is kinda sad.

[v6sonoma]

Leaving mine nice and safe till spring. The snow will eventually come. If I had a garage like some of you it might be a different story in seasons like this but since the process of packing it away is a lot more complicated I'll just have to live without it for a few more weeks and use that time to shop for things to bolt to it! lol