Hey guys just like the title says I'm shipping out to freshman year of college at Penn State this Saturday but I want to make sure that my car is still in good running condition when i get back. Now what measures should I take for this to happen? I've done a full tuneup already including the plugs, wires, air oil and fuel filters, and the basic list thats in the tech article on the site. I've also read up on the tech article for long term storage for cars but that didn't really seem to apply to me since i'm not planning on storing it long term as my dad is willing ot run it once in a while for me. Now I have a couple questions about that.

How often should my dad run the car, and does that include idling time, running it hard/soft etc?

Should he have anything changed or replaced during the year that I will be away?

What are the first things that I should do when i return next summer?

What are somethings that I should do when i return for breaks and stuff?

Should i buy a car cover? The car is a convertible with no major leaks yet i live in NJ so the chances of sever snow storms aren't out of the question, and would a large tarp suffice?

How much gas should be in the car and should i disconnect the battery or any other accessories?

And any other little things that people can remember from their own experiences or knowledge. Any help will be greatly appreciated guys, and oh yea don't worry although I won't have my car i'll still b eon this board at college . Thanks in advance

 

i'd put some gas treatment in it and if it's no big deal i'd drive it once a week, that's more than my "good car" gets drove lots of times. once a month ought to do if once a week is too much. i let my gravely sit from october till april lot of years, doing nothing to it, and it's always started right up and worked fine for me, and it's 35 years old now.

 

About the tarp idea. Tarps have a rough surface so putting it on your might cause scratches. Not too mention it will trap moisture I assume which wouldn't be good.

I know how you feel, I'm leaving my car next Sun when I go to college. My brother said he'll start it once in a while.

But I got chrome exhaust tips that need care, at least once a week.

 

Both of my TA's get stored over the winter. The wife and I do nothing special to them except take them out driving every 2-3 weeks to get them up to normal op temp. This also lubes up the seals and keeps them from drying out.
Never had any problems doing this.
Don't use a tarp. If you must cover it get a car cover.

 

also put it on jacks

 

Alright since my dad has said driving the car at least once a week is no problem at all should i still get some gas treatment? and should i keep the tank full or near empty? I understand teh argument with the tarp but is it recommended to get a cover for it, i've got 3 good coats of gold class wax on the car so i think i'm set for the winter. Thanks guys apprecciate the help

 

IMO, the car should have no gas in the tank, because it can rust over time, but that dosen't seen to be a problem for you if you dad takes it out.

If your going to use a car cover, make sure that u get one that does not trap the moisture inside. Their expensive, but very worth the $$$.

If you want to prevent rust from underneath the car, park the car on a carpet that covers as much of the concrete as possible.

 

Mark, put a good coat of Vaseline on the tips...

 

I remember reading somewhere that its not a good idea to store thirdgens on blocks. They werent designed to have all weight on the sub frames like that or something(something to do with the unibody construction). Anyone else heard of this theory??

 

So you want me to put vaseline on my rear? just kiddin, thanks.

 

Woah, no need to go that far! :lala:

 

I have been told by many people that storing any car that has a unibody design on jack stands is not a good idea.... for full chassis cars, sure... not our cars....

 

but then your springs and shocks take the brunt of it

 

well, there wouldnt be anything wrong with putting it on block under the lower arms and under the axle tubes, but then youre stil ful weight ont he suspension, so hmm, at least ires wiot go flat and get ruined

a tarp laid out under the car wil help keep moisture rot from ocurring

im planning on going to college in late december in WY if all works out as planneed before then, hopefully the 82 T/A will have this 85 LG4 installed in it by then.. 454 has to go in place of where the LG4 is coming from, so it is in good stored place, its a $$$$ engine.,.


good luck