luftweg Posted December 21, 2005 Share Posted December 21, 2005 Hi:I took my 89 red/tan off the road for the winter (driving a 97 Dodge Ram 4x4 now -- talk about a difference in road-handling!).Anyway, what are specific tips for those of you who take these cars off the road in winter months?K(btw, I have found out that the mileage WAS correct (a different person working at the seller's place listed it without having the car present to check mileage -- hence listing error); all CarFax and service documents have checked out with mileage -- and condition is also more than commensurate with it).) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest F14CRAZY Posted December 21, 2005 Share Posted December 21, 2005 Set mouse traps inside, outside, under, on, and under the hood Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manikmekanik Posted December 21, 2005 Share Posted December 21, 2005 Blocks, or stands which keep the car's weight on it's own suspension, yet keep the tires off the ground.Battery maintainer charging system, or remove the battery to a place protected from freezing.MOTH BALLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!In the trunk, in the cockpit, under the hood, on the engine, etc., etc., etc.STA-BIL fuel stabilizer in the tank.THE KEYS - locked in the safe!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest tomt Posted December 21, 2005 Share Posted December 21, 2005 Most important: Contact your insurance agent and tell him/her that the car is in storage. Collect a refund, and buy a New Years dinner.I do not put mine on jacks, but rather move it weekly by a few feet. After conversations with others on the forum, I have decided this year to move it by pushing or pulling, as opposed to starting for the move on warmer days. If stored this way, I suggest increasing tire pressure to 5# over recommended pressure for driving.If you do decide to start it during the winter, do it on a nice day, and let it run long enough to get heat out of the heater.When using Stabil, run for awhile to get it into the lines as well as the tank.A charger maintainer is a great thing as mentioned, as I think the Reatta has too many electronic parts that are not helped by taking the battery out.Manik: I forgot about the moth balls, but it's just too cold to catch the little winged things now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest imported_barra Posted December 21, 2005 Share Posted December 21, 2005 I ran mine for about 25 minutes the other day until the temperature got to 195 degrees then put the heater on. It lost 30 degrees fairly quickly. I shut it down and wonder what would be a reasonable interval between start ups. I have an in/outdoor cat that likes to hang out in the garage. He has been known to catch things. Will he replace traps and moth crystals? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonlabree Posted December 21, 2005 Share Posted December 21, 2005 I did all of the above + I put a can of STP in the oil and ran the engine for about 29 minutes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coop Posted December 21, 2005 Share Posted December 21, 2005 Plastic beer cups (solo cups) in the exhaust tips to keep critters out of there too. Best easiest solution I've found for that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luftweg Posted December 22, 2005 Author Share Posted December 22, 2005 Isn't it better to run it periodically rather than remove battery (letting it sit for several months) and let the upper engine and gaskets risk drying, as well as not allowing precipitates to form in the fluids?I do realize the need for warming it to a fair operating temp, if it IS started.But, wha? Every 2 weeks, every week, monthly? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest F14CRAZY Posted December 22, 2005 Share Posted December 22, 2005 My dad always said it's better to NOT run a vehicle for short periods (like starting it in storage to maintain the battery). He made the point that moisture builds up in the exhaust system, and it isn't "blown out" because it's not being driven Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest EDBS0 Posted December 22, 2005 Share Posted December 22, 2005 A common question on other automotive forums is "How do I get rid of the smell (stink) of moth balls and moth crystals?" I wouldn't do it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Old Guy Posted December 22, 2005 Share Posted December 22, 2005 Using "Bounce " drier sheets acomplishes the same thing as moth balls, but leaves no after odor Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tjenkins Posted December 22, 2005 Share Posted December 22, 2005 Mothballing...--Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Machiner 55 Posted December 22, 2005 Share Posted December 22, 2005 <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Manik: I forgot about the moth balls, but it's just too cold to catch the little winged things now. </div></div> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Machiner 55 Posted December 22, 2005 Share Posted December 22, 2005 <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> I did all of the above + I put a can of STP in the oil and ran the engine for about 29 minutes. </div></div> OK.... really..... was it 29 minutes or not 29 minutes? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Machiner 55 Posted December 22, 2005 Share Posted December 22, 2005 <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Mothballing... </div></div> I wouldn't (couldn't) either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonlabree Posted December 22, 2005 Share Posted December 22, 2005 No, it was 29.333 minutes exactly......... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Machiner 55 Posted December 22, 2005 Share Posted December 22, 2005 Thank you. One can never be too careful about these things. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2seater Posted December 22, 2005 Share Posted December 22, 2005 My personal experience has been it is better to leave it sit rather than start it once in a while. I do pull the battery, no harm to the electronics that I have found. The battery is washed with baking soda and trickle charged once a month. I have stored it for six months every year since 1993, with no ill effects I can detect. It does get a fresh oil change, tires pumped to their maximum rating, Stabil in fuel, wipers propped off the windshield, leather conditioner on the seats and such. Generally just a good wash and detail before going to sleep. Mine is stored in a storage facility, unheated, but the floor is insulated below the concrete so it doesn't sweat when the weather warms. The storage is fifteen miles away (less $$$) so it is put away with everything hot and dry and the Stabil is circulated. Just a cotton dust cover over the car. Never fails to start immediately in the spring, ready to drive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuck Parry Posted December 22, 2005 Share Posted December 22, 2005 I put my Stored Reattas in a zipped car bag, tires on foam, take battery out, put stablizer in tank. When I open the bag in the spring the car is completey dry, no rusted brakes, no stale gasoline and no flat spots on the tires. Battery always has a full charge. Have been doing this for about 10 years and like the results.Chuck Parry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuck Parry Posted December 22, 2005 Share Posted December 22, 2005 I should add the car must be completely dry before enclosing it in its bag. I also recommend a complete wax job before storage. I do not "hard" close the doors or trunk. This keeps the rubber relaxed all winter. I roll windows down a couple of inches. On the convert. I relax the top some to keep the rubber from flattening down all winter. The cars get a soft cover first then the nylon car bag zips around it. I keep the wheels on the ground (not on stands) in case there is a fire I can then roll the car out of the garage to safety right before I go back and get my wife.Chuck Parry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest F14CRAZY Posted December 22, 2005 Share Posted December 22, 2005 Reattas first, women and children second Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest EDBS0 Posted December 23, 2005 Share Posted December 23, 2005 <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> in case there is a fire I can then roll the car out of the garage to safety right before I go back and get my wife.Chuck Parry </div></div>CHUCK! you've got 3 Reattas in your garage...RIGHT...I would think your wife would be a great help in pushing them out of harm's way? Just my 2cts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuck Parry Posted December 23, 2005 Share Posted December 23, 2005 Great idea. That way I get to keep them all plus her. chuck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luftweg Posted December 23, 2005 Author Share Posted December 23, 2005 >> .. That way I get to keep them all plus her...<<YES, because you might need her the next year to push the Reattas again... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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