Final Drive - Done For The Season

[Captain Obvious]

I went out for the last Z drive of 2013. We're getting our first winter precipitation soon and the roads are likely to be salted. That means I won't be driving her again until Spring 2014. I'm officially calling it quits for the year:

Anyone else doing the same thing? Take a pic and share in the sorrow...

[Fred Sigarto]

Same here only a couple weeks ago

[SteveJ]

Why would you salt roads?

Don't worry guys. I'll be driving the Z to Caffeine & Octane on Dec 1 provided it's not raining. The current forecast is good, too.

I hope you guys have good project lists for your Zs so you don't neglect them over the winter.

[Marty Rogan]

I put mine away on or about Novemeber 1st each year. This year I am trying something new for my storage precedure. After a thorough wash and vacuum, I put in 6 gallons of 100 octane race fuel and drove it around to get it up to full operating temp. Then put it in the garage without starting it till spring.

I used to put Stabil in the gas tank on all my cars. This last spring I had problems with my race car due to the crappy unleaded gas degrading. Race fuel does not have all of the extra additives and won't degrade. We will see how it does in the spring.

Marty

[FastWoman]

Silly Northahnah, salt is for delicious, deep-fried foods, not roads! Y'all need to move down to a gentler climate, Captain!

The ugly weather here will come and go. We're expecting about 3" of rain here in VA. Then we'll be off to Richmond in my Z for T'giving with family. The Z is our preferred road car.

Edited November 26, 2013 by FastWoman

[Dr. 240Z]

Mine has been in for a week but gets 'sealed in' in a couple of hours. A few years back I made an insulated barrier out of plywood that sits on the exterior of my insulated garage door. Its got a R20 value and fits very tight.

Looking forward to multiple projects: refurbishing the steering wheel, rear-view mirror, replacing the chrome on the rear lenses, and exchanging the alternator to name a few.

As for the gas tank, I fill it to the very top for the off season. I was told to do this with my HD bike and it seems to prevent problems.

[cbuczesk]

I'll keep driving my '72 turbo Z except in snow and salty conditions. It's my DD.

Chuck

[Willoughby Z]

Even IF they chemically treat the streets here, we just wait for good soaking rain to wash it away.

She's not a DD but she's driven daily...

[Casey_z]

I am sitting here watching it snow:(

Casey

[Captain Obvious]

I know some climates work for all year driving, but not where I am. Once they put the salt down I wait for a good soaking rain as well, but around here that might not happen until March or April.

As Steve suggested, I've got a project list for the off season. This off season starts with suspension.

Thanks to my PO, I've got two different mismatching brand strut cartridges up front and poly bushings everywhere that squawk like crazy below 50 degrees F. I'm tempted to rip them all out and replace with rubber. I've also got rear wheel bearings that wobble when you rock the rear wheels at 3 and 9.

And a relay block to put in for my headlights and starter.

And a ZX motor to swap in.

And a new fuel pump check valve.

and ... and ... and ...

Salty deep fried roads...

[FastWoman]

Our winter projects will be the completion of our new dock and the refitting of our sailboat. I'd love a warm garage for either of those! As soon as the weather clears, I'll be floating beneath the dock in a leaky little skiff, pulling wire.

Your project list sounds exciting, Captain! Turbo motor?

[cygnusx1]

I took the 240Z for its Winter fuel fill up this morning. I actually hit a few snow flakes on the way back from the gas station. That's how badly I don't want to put it away. I wait until literally, the first flakes. I also put in some Sta-Bil to keep those triples from gumming up. I keep both Z's full to eliminate tank condensation, and in case I need fuel for the generator. They are easy to siphon in a pinch.