Proper storage of your car?

[mcpp66]

I'm getting ready to store my Camaro for the winter and want to make sure I do the right things. Obviously I'm going to wash the car and put a couple of coats of sealant on (Blackfire). But what's next? Should I fill the tank with Gasoline or is it better to leave it as close to empty as possible? What about a fuel additive? I have the Flatstoppers ramps so I don't need to worry about flat spots. Anything else?

[ScottB]

Stabil in the gas, a Ctek or Battery Tender, and one of those interior bags that contains any moisture.

[5.4 Shelby]

I detail and wax. Cover with a good cover (paint must be completely dust and dirt free before a cover touches it.) Pm me if you want my opinions and techniques on cover usage. I use a battery tender (I like Griots Garage Battery Manager). Full tank of gas. Dont touch it until Spring. Monthly startups only serve to build moisture in the exhaust.

Heated garage.

[Chris's FX4]

Where will you be storing the Camaro?


My dad's Mustang is stored in a pole barn with a crushed limestone floor. Full gas tank with Sta-bil. QD spray to remove dust before the cover goes on. Battery is pulled. Moisture absorbing packets in the interior, trunk, and engine bay. Then some moth ball containers at the exterior corners and some steel wool in the tail pipes. Flatstoppers are also used.

The above was also done for my Ranchero.

[Rei86]

If you're really going to store it for sometime I would left it (reduce the risk of flat spot) drain the oil, drain the trans, drain the diff, lower the gas and put in Sta-Bil and finally disconnect the battery.

You can also toss in some silica gel for some moister control. Oh btw I would keep some mouse/rat traps around so they don't eat away at your wires/build a nasty nest somewhere.

[Timbrr]

My Routine:
Vette; Wash, (already has a sealant & wax job)
Battery Tender
Sta-Bil in a full gas tank
Parked on carpet samples
Tires at 35 PSI
Moth balls in the engine compartment, interior and trunk
Irish Spring soap in the same places as the moth balls
Steel wool in the tail pipes
Car cover

Chevelle:Wash, (already has a sealant & wax job)
Battery Pulled and on a Battery Tender
Sta-Bil in a full gas tank
Parked on carpet samples
Tires at 35 PSI
Moth balls in the engine compartment, interior and trunk
Irish Spring soap in the same places as the moth balls
Steel wool in the tail pipes
Car cover
It's going to be a long winter

[mcpp66]

Where will you be storing the Camaro?

It'll be stored in my unheated garage.

[Twister]

What is the purpose of the mothballs? Keep pests away?

[FUNX650]

some steel wool in the tail pipes.



Steel wool in the tail pipes


Most of the time rodents don't find steel wool to their liking. However, have you guys ever had problems with steel wool and its 'rusting' capabilities?

I did...and switched to synthetic or stainless-steel,"steel wool".
Their effectiveness in this approach to rodent abatement seems the same.


Your thoughts/input are appreciated. :)

Bob

[C. Charles Hahn]

I had a buddy who used to use either tennis balls or something similar to plug the tail pipes.... seemed to work fine for him.

[Chris's FX4]

I've never noticed any problem with the steel wool rusting. It looks the same come spring time as it did right out of the bag before storage.

[POPPAJ]

Most of the time rodents don't find steel wool to their liking. However, have you guys ever had problems with steel wool and its 'rusting' capabilities?

I did...and switched to synthetic or stainless-steel,"steel wool".
Their effectiveness in this approach to rodent abatement seems the same.


Your thoughts/input are appreciated. :)

Bob

They sell a stainless steel pad for pot scrubbing at most grocery stores or go to a marine supply store and get brass wool. Never had a problem with regular steel wool though.