Guest grisby Posted November 26, 2000 Share Posted November 26, 2000 <BR>Putting my GS "away" for winter in an unheated garage. Let me know if this is correct. I am inflating tires to about 40 pounds(so they dont get flat spots), disconecting battery, removing rubber mat from trunk so condensation doesnt build up and rust. filling gas tank, covering car. Is this enough??? I had heard where people change oil but why? I plan on doing that in the spring before startup. <BR>Thanks in advance for answers or advice. PS I was not planning on starting or driving the car at all until spring.<BR>thanks<BR>bill g Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 26, 2000 Share Posted November 26, 2000 The theory behind changing the oil BEFORE storage is that the acids and moisture in the existing "used" oil will be detrimental to the engine while it is dormant. Combustion acids and moisture can cause pitting of metallic parts, particulary bearings (rod/main, camshaft). <P>I can't say how bad the oil has to be to cause a problem, but I have seen "acid damage" in torn-down engines before and can attest that it is a real phenomena.<P>I think a good policy is to change the oil before storage, instead of in the spring after you get it out of storage.<P>You asked about other storage tips, so let me mention I've been using one of the "Car-Bags" for several years and recommend it strongly. You know, this is one of the giant zip-up bags you put the car in. With the proper amount of dessicant in the bag, it stays dry all winter! I've peeked inside the bag on those early spring days when everything in the garage is covered with moisture, and the car is dry as a bone!<P>Greg Cockerill<BR>BCA #36864<BR>1970 Electra convertible Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 26, 2000 Share Posted November 26, 2000 Where can I get info (or buy) those bags?<BR>Thanks.<BR>Eric. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest grisby Posted November 26, 2000 Share Posted November 26, 2000 Makes sense to me(about the oil), now, as posted above--where do you get one of those bags--heck that might even help keep the little rodents out and also where can you get the desicant in bulk?? I have only seen it in camera bags etc. Once again thanks in advance and thanks for the quick response.<BR>bill g Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 26, 2000 Share Posted November 26, 2000 The carbag company has a website at (amazingly enough!) carbag.com. Also, I think the phone number is 1800-5-CARBAG.<P>They're somewhere in western Michigan. It's a guy and his wife operating a mom and pop business, but they're very professional. I've got no connection with them other than being a satisfied customer.<P>A friend of mine recommended the product to me. He's got a concours level restoration and has used the bags successfully for about 10 damp humid Michigan winters.<P>They've got two designs. The cheaper one is a giant baggie. You drive in, and roll up the end and clip it--like a giant Dorito bag. I'd recommend the more expensive zip-up bag. It's heavier and more durable and MUCH easier to use.<P>They provide enough dessicant for one storage season. You can buy additional from them, or "recycle" it by drying it out (they give directions).<P>On the subject of dessicant, I also recommend a product called "Damp-Rid". It's a small tub of dessicant you can use in the interior of the car, year round. Keeps humidity and musty smells away. It's marketed for closets, and RV's and anywhere an electric dehumidifier isn't practical. You can get it at any hardware or home improvement store. I leave it in all year, and just take it out when I drive the cars.<P>Good luck!<P>Greg Cockerill<BR>BCA #36864<BR>1970 Electra convertible Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DugsSin Posted November 26, 2000 Share Posted November 26, 2000 Grisby, I agree with the car bag as a great way for storage. I've seen types that have a small fan included to inflate the bag and keep the air moving inside.<BR> I would also change the coolant for the same reason as the oil. Your taking the battery out of the car into a warm place right? Might consider using jack stands to help with the flat spotting. Doug Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 26, 2000 Share Posted November 26, 2000 Thanks<P> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest grisby Posted November 29, 2000 Share Posted November 29, 2000 Thanks for all the info guys,sorry I didnt get back to you sooner--took my boy to Norfolk for his 6 month deployment overseas. Anyway, I am going to give the carbag people a call tomorrow AM and also, I was told to just overinflate them, I have jackstands so I will jack her up. As for the battery, I was just going to disconnect, Guess I will remove and put in my basement. Thanks again for all the help.<BR>bill g Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 29, 2000 Share Posted November 29, 2000 I GUESS THAT IS WHY I LIVE IN CALIF WHERE WE CAN TAKE OUR CONVT. OUT LOOKING AT XMAS LIGHTS ON CHRISTMAS EVE . I DO SYMPATHIZE WITH YOU GUYS ON THE STORAGE PROBLEMS THOUGH<BR>AND THE USE OF THE DISECANT FOR CONTROLING MOISTURE IS A GREAT IDEA. <P>------------------<BR><p>[This message has been edited by 64wildcatconv (edited 11-28-2000).] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 29, 2000 Share Posted November 29, 2000 hmm! Would the baggie work well if the car were not garaged? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 29, 2000 Share Posted November 29, 2000 Jody,<BR>The Carbag people specifically recommend the bag for indoor use only, although their website has some testimonials of guys that have used it outdoors overnight (like at a car show).<P>Greg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest John Chapman Posted November 29, 2000 Share Posted November 29, 2000 Bill Grisby,<P>It's really great that you could take the time to see your sailor/son off to sea. Hope the kid's doing well... can't recall... first depolyment? Be a hero, send homemade cookies (5# box is about right), new paperbacks (if he likes to read), newpapers from home... and about half way thru depolyment, new underwear. No joke, ship's laundry has a secret method of destroying underwear and the ship's store never has the right size in stock, VCRs of favorite TV shows are great, too. I've never been to sea with email/TVDTS (Television Direct to Sailor) or the other nice things satellites and huge bandwidth provide) but mail is always a great hit.<P>Cheers,<BR>John<BR>USN, Ret ('73-'93)... nine, yep nine deployments for over 13 years at sea...<P>------------------<BR>John Chapman<BR>BCA 35894<BR>1965 Skylark Convertible (Some Assembly Required)<BR> jmchapman@aol.com <p>[This message has been edited by John Chapman (edited 11-28-2000).] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest grisby Posted November 29, 2000 Share Posted November 29, 2000 John C - I sent you email.<BR>thanks for the kind words Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
65Catvert Posted November 30, 2000 Share Posted November 30, 2000 Re the battery in your basement--it should not be sitting on a concrete floor...put on some kind of shelf or box. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest elk93001 Posted November 30, 2000 Share Posted November 30, 2000 For the battery. Put on a shelf (not concrete) and get a trickle charger or battery tender. This will prolong the life of the battery. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest grisby Posted November 30, 2000 Share Posted November 30, 2000 battery already taken out and handled in that manner.<BR>thanks<BR>bill g Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Caithness Posted November 30, 2000 Share Posted November 30, 2000 Hi Bill,<BR>Another alternative to the bag is to install what is called a Humidex system in your garage. It basically removes the cold, damp air off the floor and expells it outside.You set the control to the desired level of humidity and walk away and forget about it. They are available from places like the Home Depot and work equally as well in the summer especially if you keep your garage closed up for any period of time. Not only will your car stay dry and rust free but also your tools and everything else you keep in the garage.I installed one 5 years ago in my shop. Best investment I ever made.<BR>Good luck with whatever you choose.<P>------------------<BR>Don Caithness<BR>Technical Advisor<BR>1967&1974 "A" Body<P> <A HREF="http://appraisals.webjump.com" TARGET=_blank>http://appraisals.webjump.com</A> <BR> collectorcarappraisalservices@attcanada.net Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted December 3, 2000 Share Posted December 3, 2000 Bill, you mentioned about storing your car with a full tank of gas over the winter, and not starting it again until spring. I have done the same, although living on the west coast of Canada, we do get some good driving days before spring. When I store the car with gas in it, I put in some gas stablizer,<BR>which prevents it from breaking down and turning into non flamable varnish! Anyone who has tried to cut the grass with a gas lawnmower that has sat all winter knows what I am talking about. This prevents the gas from breaking down, and assures a good running car after 3 months of sleep. As I mentioned, I live in Canada, and we still have 94 octane gas here, but I still use the stablizer, as this too turns to varnish after<BR>a few months. Hope this helps. AL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest grisby Posted December 3, 2000 Share Posted December 3, 2000 Yep, got the sta-bil for the gas. Since it was sunny today(only 30 degrees) I put the battery back in and took it for a 40 mile drive-. O well back in the garage.<BR>thanks for all the advice guys.<BR>bill g Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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