New owner of a car that I will not be running in the winter, looking at what is recomended to do before putting away in the shed.

Thanks

 

Honestly a good question. I am a new vert owner too, and was thinking along the lines of the same thing.

I guess everything would depend on if the vehicle is being stored indoors (shed), or outdoors. My 91 t-top car there is not much I really do to prepare it for storage (garage), other than fill the fuel tank full and add Stabil fuel treatment. I do my annual oil change in the spring. I do start my car and run it around the block on nice clear days throughout the winter.

My convertible on the other hand will be outside next to the house. My concern is with the top, and the weight of snow being on the top intermittently. I will have my car covered in a quality cover, but think that the snow sitting on the top could slowly stretch it... even though its brand new. Should I put something on top under the cover to keep weight off the canvas?

 

I don't believe the top would stretch from the weight of the snow. I'm thinking this because of the temperature. Things usually aren't very pliable when they're cold. I could be completely wrong but that's my thoughts on it.

 

definitely want to keep that weight of the top!!! will strectch fabric and depending on how much snow accumulates on the roof, could start to bend some of the smaller frame pieces.

 

What should I use to keep it off the top? I plan of brushing it off the car cover when it snows, but in the event of a deep snow?

I feel like maybe I'm worrying too much lol!

 

I think filling the tank full with gas is incorrect for winter storage.
These new ethanol blend fuels seperate and contain moisture causing
possible issues. Not to mention ethanol eats rubber parts on older cars.

I have a nearby gas station that sells non-ethanol 91 premium gas
and i mix a few gallons along with Stabil fuel treatment in both my
gto and z-28 for their winter sleep.

My garden equipment I empty completely and run dry...........

 

Sounds like the perfect reason for a 4 post lift in my mind.

 

Living in the northeast I've seen alot of these verts that have been kept outside and have never seen a loose sagging top. What I do see is shrinking tops. Separation at the seams, edges rolling up and so on.

 

I agree! Until then I store mine 1 county over in one of the Fairgrounds building for $105 for 5 months. The only downside is that they're pulled in and out in order so I can't get to it until April. I would not leave a 'vert outside in snow country if all possible.

 

some friends of mine that have to unfortunately keep their verts outdoors in the winter build covers from plywood and 2X4's to keep snow off the roof.

 

when parking a vehicle outside, make sure the car is on flat ground. uneven dips will cause distortion in ride height over time. im assuming the car will be parked in a drive way so this should not be an issue.

ive been winter storing cars for almost 15 years and i almost never start it up during this time. either way you should be safe.

check coolant strength too.

 

I am not sure where people get bad gas but I am quite lucky... had one car sit literally for 4 years with the same old gas in it and it fired right up... Of course I always use and store with premium 92 or 93 , but maybe that is why I have been fortunate. I do know that Michigan does use Ethanol now (mandatory crap) There are 2 weeks in the fall and 2 weeks in the spring where they switch over from Summer -> winter and winter -> summer blends to where I think they do not use Ethanol... I get really good fuel mileage for two weeks for some unbeknown reason every year. I try to fill up too (may be bad suggestion) but again had good luck with it...

I feel like I helped not at all here.

 

One more thing, if you are parking on grass, or dirt, I would consider getting some plastic and put it under the car, I would put a board, like a 4x4, down the middle to make the plastic slope off so that water does not sit under the car...

John

 

I would store with full tank of 93 oct gas with stabilizer especially made for ethanol fuels.

Check AF freeze protection, richen if needed to protect.
(dont forget to lean in spring)

I know alot of guys w/boats add supports to canvas tops. 2x4's or PVC pipes. (they also fill there fuel tanks for the winters).