winter storage

[donm]

You folks who live in the snow belt, where do you store your car in the winter, assuming you won't be driving it? I've got my '80 all fixed up over the summer and I plan not to use during the winter because of the salt they use around here. I do have a garage but I need it for my daily driver so I can't use that. I've looked into Shelter Logic type fabric storage sheds but they don't make one in the size I need, about 7 x 14'. It can't be much bigger than that because of space limitations on my property.

I have a good car cover but I'm not sure how well it would protect my car when the snow starts. I'd welcome anyone's thoughts and experiences on this. Thanks in advance.

Don M

[DUCeditor]

I have always wintered my Spider in a garage. When I lived in Boston I arranged for the use of an elderly neighbor's garage that he was not using. You might look into that, remembering that it need not be too close to your home. Come the put-away date simply add some gas preservative to the tank, drive it there, remove the battery, put on the cover, and kiss her good night. Come Spring put in the battery, check the tire pressure, and then drive away.

-don

[htchevyii]

From my experience, a car cover does little good. I'd definetily find indoor storage, even if you have to rent it.

[Exit98]

When I announced to my wife we were getting a Fiat Spider the first thing she said was "where are you going to keep it".

"In the garage" I replied.

"Well where are you going to put your regular car?"

"In the driveway!"

Come winter I'm not going to be happy getting into my every day driver on those cold mornings. Cold seats, frost on the windows -- brrr.

But the little Fiat will be cozy, waiting for spring.

[jfrawley]

I suffer with my daily driver outside until the end of December. Then it goes into a self storage place near my house. 10' x 20' unheated dry storage for January and February. It's $179 a month with the first month free. As DUCeditor says..."Come the put-away date simply add some gas preservative to the tank, drive it there, remove the battery, put on the cover, and kiss her good night."[/i] Oh, and I add some rodent repellant (moth balls).

[htchevyii]

Even when I lived where there was ice and snow, the daily drivers lived outside. I used to buy de-icer by the case at Wal Mart so I could get the doors open and my truck froze to the ground. It's nice to be back on the CA coast, although the lovely salt air will even rust your car in the garage.

[Zippy]

I have rarely used my garage for a car because I needed the space for building and remodeling projects, storage and my tools. When I bought the Fiat I had to make room in the garage because I didn't want the car to rust away. When I have needed extra space for remodeling my house I put the car in rented storage. My car was previously restored with new paint, top, rechromed etc. and I wanted it to last as long as possible. It is a constant battle to keep the garage clear enough to get the car in and still have access to my tools. If I want to use the table saw I have to move the pressure washer, shop vac, and several boxes of tools and materials. I guess I just have too many interests.

[BEEK]

build a bigger garrage? !!!

[Zippy]

build a bigger garrage? !!!

I wish I could Covenants in our community and zoning regs won't allow it.

[DUCeditor]

Oh, and I add some rodent repellant (moth balls).

Good idea! When I decided to get my Spider back on the road after sitting in the garage for about four years there were mouse nests everywhere. Even in the glove box!

How do they get into those places? Through the key hole?

Do moth balls work?

-don

[markpink]

I also in New Hampshire where we get the snow and the cold.

I keep my 77 Fiat in the garage year round. The difference is that the top is permanently down in the summer. The car usually does not go outside if it looks like rain. My technique was storing the car involves starting the Fiat and running it for a while twice a month during the winter season.


Mark

[DUCeditor]

My technique was storing the car involves starting the Fiat and running it for a while twice a month during the winter season.

Love your approach to the top. Its a convertible dammit!

But there is real long-term drawback to the winter start up ritual: moisture. If the motor and the entire exhaust system does not get above 220f than water is being left in the system following each start up.

Motorcycles that have glass oil level windows (such as Ducatis) reveal how serious this is. A few such start ups - even if followed by a ride of just a couple of miles - start to create a water build up and the result is what Ducati riders have come to call "spooge" - a white, pasty goop that comes to cover the oil level window.

Without the window the spooge would still be there, doing whatever nasties it does (it can't be a very good lubricant!) - but unseen. Yuck! And a small puddle of water sitting inside the car's muffler and resonator box can't be doing much good either.

Cat equipped cars, btw, would fair better in this later regard as the catalyst produces down-stream heat far more quickly than those that depend solely on combustion gas temperature.

-don

PS - Hiya Mark!

[markpink]

Hi Don,

I have heard that about the exhaust system before.. But what's better for the engine. The exhaust system is cheap compared to the engine. Is it better for the engine to be started during the winter or to sit quiet for 4 months or so. I really don't know.

Mark

[majicwrench]

Let it sit quietly. By far the most wear takes place in the first few moments after start-up, so why even start it?

[DUCeditor]

Let it sit quietly. By far the most wear takes place in the first few moments after start-up, so why even start it?

Agreed. And to add extra insurance you could spray in some fogging oil. But I never have with no noticeable bad effect.

Mt `77, which has over 115,000 miles, always smokes upon season start up. This, I think, is from oil slowly making its way down from the head into the combustion chamber over the several months of sitting. Other that that it is just a matter of start and run.

-don