Question about storing

[Darbji280z]

Never stored a Z before. I assume it's jsut like storing the DeLorean (except that one will never rust) I have a car cover for it but I am scared to use it. My garage is not heated or insulated. My question is, if I use that cover when I'm not playing with her, is that going to trap moisture underneath and aid in rusting? Or am I being outrageously paranoid?

[dade280]

It depends on the car cover i think. They have some that have small porrous holes and "breathe" to leat the moisture out.

[Sailor Bob]

Hi Darb

I live in a place where the temp drops to -20c occasionally every winter with periods of +5c in between, average -10. Just saying temp varies and I have a shed with a wooden floor. I use a douvett cover split down the sides - covers her perfectly - no trouble yet - no moisture problems.

Good Luck

[ggarrard]

I just use regular high quality(?) car covers (LeBra brand?) and store my cars in an unheated barn with a concrete floor...in amongst 20+ cars, and probably 15 boats... Typical Ottawa temperatures vary from +5C to -15C. I haven't had any moisture problems either(touch wood).

Gordon Garrard

[Darbji280z]

The type of cover I chose does have the pores and breathes pretty well so I think I'll be okay. I expected to get a response along the lines of "You're a nut. It's just a car." That's what my friends told me anyway.

[mgood]

Darbji280z are you going to put the car on jack stands?

I just put new tires on me car this year after 25 years and was wondering if I should put it on jack stands.

[Darbji280z]

Darbji280z are you going to put the car on jack stands?

I just put new tires on me car this year after 25 years and was wondering if I should put it on jack stands.

I always do. Unless I have bad tires, then I don't care. The Delorean was left down last year with pretty nasty tires and they held up okay. But with the Z, I'd rather take the precaution.

[EScanlon]

Darbji:

Take the normal Mid-West winter storage precautions...anti-freeze clean and viable(i.e. not over a couple of years old), oil fresh or changed, gas filled and at least one bottle of Heet (or similar) and be sure to RUN the car for a bit after you've put the Heet in so that it gets through the fuel lines and not just in the tank.

If you do put it up on jackstands, lift it just enough to relieve the pressure on the tires but not such that they're off the ground...no need to over extend the struts for an extended period. Check your tire pressure, it will go down as the temp goes down so keep that in mind.

Hopefully you've had the car washed and underbody cleaned of any gunk/dirt/mud. Take a minute to see if you should touch up any undercoating. Some shops in the Mid-West used to offer an under body oil spray if I recall, that at least slows down the rust monster.

Washing the car ensures that you're not rubbing the dirt in with the car cover for the whole winter, but DO make sure she's dry....even if it means you need to take her out for a drive on a non-wet day.

There'll be others chiming in, but these are what I used to do when in Michigan.

By the way, the reason your friends say "You're a nut. It's just a car." is because what they drive is --JUST-- a car....you're driving a Z.

2¢

E

[76Datsun280z]

And also a trickle charger for the battery as well:).

[Darbji280z]

She has fresh oil and antifreeze. Tank is full with gas and Stabil (I ran it to pull the treated gas through the lines) I even bought brand new jackstands. That battery is coming out entirely and probably never going back in. That battery is on it's way out anyway. The only thing she needs is to be gone over with some detailer to get the little bits of stuff off the paint from being on the road today. .

And you're right, EScanlon, my friends don't understand because they don't love their cars. Some one told me yesterday that I am an objectofile, insinuating that I am sexually attracted to objects. I said "no, I'm an automobilofile. There's a difference" :lick:

[Sailor Bob]

I do the other stuff as well, I was just speaking to the car cover issue.

In addition with the occasional extreme cold periods, I take the battery out and store it in the basement on a piece of wood.

[beandip]

Changing the oil and filter is important because you want to do away with any moisture and contaminants in the block and do warm up the engine completely. If in a damp environment or if he car is stored until spring . Pull the plugs and squirt some oil in the cylinders . About a Tsp. full in each hole then with the plugs still out, turn the engine over a few revolutions to spread the oil over the cylinder walls . Install the plugs and that will do it . Every time these engines are shut down there are always 2 valves that are left open. This will allow out side air to enter the cylinders , the oil will protect them from rust. A empty fuel tank or if nearly so, will sweat and condense moisture inside and this will rust the tank. Use a stabilizer and fill the tank to prevent that. I remove my battery and store in on my work bench and charge it about once a month . This saves the battery and it will last much longer. You can leave it in the car but disconnect the positive cable if this is more convenient, but charging never less is needed. Covering the car will help protect the finish, I don't recommend using plastic , because it cannot breathe and will promote rusting. Another good thing is to spray the vinyl interior with Lysol disinfectant this will greatly prevent mildew I used this on my boat with great success. Gary