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Winter Storage

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SilentUnicorn

SilentUnicorn

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If you have to leave a car outside in the weather, and are not going to move it till spring in vermont. what would you do?

Looking for Ideas.



Thanx
mark
 
I'd look into renting a secure, warm, moisture free garage, or storage unit to park it in until spring. Don't leave it out in the weather. You'll regret it for sure. Too many bad things can happen when British cars are exposed to wet weather conditions.
 
I am getting one of those tent type garages. my driver is headed for a nice dri garage till spring. But i have two cars at the moment that will be stored outdoors in this tent type unit. i plant to cover them as well. and i think a tarp on the ground as well might be a good idea. Kinda caccoon(sp) them. to keep moisture away. Any thoughts on that?


mark
 
What about a "car jacket" - they're weatherproof covers that you park on then zip shut around the car. They usually include a large moisture-absorption canister, or you can buy a couple buckets of rid-damp to keep the inside dry.

I don't think they're intended to be directly exposed to the weather, but a car-jacket with a tarp over the car would probably be pretty comprehensive.
 
Silent Unicorn, I purchased a "CoverIt" portable garage last year, erected it in my driveway.

It's great, keeps the car dry. However, it's still outdoors and does nothing to protect the car from ambient moisture. I still have to use an "in garage" car cover to keep dew/moisture from forming on the car.

And, one word to the wise: it's ugly. Having that big green tent in your front yard may make you slightly less popular with some of your neighbors, maybe your wife, too.

Ask me know I know this . . .
 
I think the best way to go is to have your own "real" garage where you can store your car during the winter. It gives you peace of mind, knowing that its right there where you can see it, and that its safe from the elements. I wouldn't even consider having a British car unless I had garage space to keep it in. I'd worry way too much about it, especially if it was outside.
 
I have a Coverit temporary garage that I've used for almost 10 years now, and its a very satisfactory solution for the price. However, there are some caveats. First, they're not things of great beauty. I live on rural acreage, so this isn't an issue. Second, they're not secure - again not an issue for me, but people in more populous areas may be concerned. Third, how suitable they are will depend on your climate. I live in a semi-desert area with bone dry frozen air all winter, so the car doesn't suffer at all over the winter. If I lived in a damp place, it wouldn't be as good.

Still better than leaving it out under a tarp all winter!
 
We've been considering getting an outdoor tent...hopefull we'll get one for next winter. We've managed to find indoor storage for all the classics execpt for one poor little MGB LE. It's spent 2 winters(Toronto) outside and so far hasn't suffered any damage from weather or other wise. Here is what we do to keep it protected:
-Block it up
-disconect battery
-add fuel stabilizer
-Dual covers: first a lighter cheap indoor/outdoor and then a thick quality outdoor cover
-Plastic on the gound
-Brush snow away from it
-rub a coat of wax on the body but instead of buffing it off leave it on until spring.
-remove all objects from interior and truck that my collect moisture
-Mix a spray bottle of about 40% motor oil and 60% varsol and spray down any exposed areas in the engine compartment(keep off rubber hoses!)
-make sure the covers are secured properly so they don't blow around.

and lastly use common sense, if possible keep it somewhere where it can't be seen from the road.

If you take your time and store it properly we should be ok. Of course it's always better to have indoor storage and you should only turn to outdoor storage after being sure that every possible option has been exhausted(4 MG's will fit in a 2 car garage!).
Zack
 
We've been considering getting an outdoor tent...hopefull we'll get one for next winter. We've managed to find indoor storage for all the classics execpt for one poor little MGB LE. It's spent 2 winters(Toronto) outside and so far hasn't suffered any damage from weather or other wise. Here is what we do to keep it protected:
-Block it up
-disconect battery
-add fuel stabilizer
-Dual covers: first a lighter cheap indoor/outdoor and then a thick quality outdoor cover
-Plastic on the gound
-Brush snow away from it
-rub a coat of wax on the body but instead of buffing it off leave it on until spring.
-remove all objects from interior and truck that my collect moisture
-Mix a spray bottle of about 40% motor oil and 60% varsol and spray down any exposed areas in the engine compartment(keep off rubber hoses!)
-make sure the covers are secured properly so they don't blow around.

and lastly use common sense, if possible keep it somewhere where it can't be seen from the road.

If you take your time and store it properly we should be ok. Of course it's always better to have indoor storage and you should only turn to outdoor storage after being sure that every possible option has been exhausted(4 MG's will fit in a 2 car garage!).
Zack
 
For everyone who stores cars for the winter, Don't forget to put STABIL in you tank to keep the gas good. All I can say is the stuff works and won't let your gas gum up.

Happy holidays to all
Dave
 
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