I am getting ready to put my 86 TA up for the winter, I was wondering if there are any suggestions out there for the best way to do it. Should I put the car on wheel dollies, or jack stands, do I need to add a fuel additive. Thank for any input.


86 TA WS6
305 TPI
48,800 miles

 

G-25,

Geez. How did your '86 get so many miles on it?

My '86 T/A WS6
305 TPI
48.636 miles



Mine goes into storage every winter. I just suspended the insurance coverage on November 1st. I've had good success with this routine:

Wash and wax the car about a week before storage to allow time for the moisture to dry out of all the recesses.

Change oil and filter to prevent crankcase acid formation from destroying your engine while it is idle.

Fully inflate the tires to help prevent flat-spotting (44 PSIG).

Treat the fuel with a volatility protectant, such as Sta-Bil, then fill the tank at least half full of fresh fuel.

Park the car on a firm, level surface in a garage. There is little use in placing the car on stands unless you are storing for more than 6-8 months, or are concerned about security (theft).

Fill all fluid levels to normal maximum. Place a catch pan on the floor in the passenger side footwell in case the heater core decides to let go while in storage (I had two failures before I switched to Dex Cool).

Fully close all windows, doors, hatch, hood, etc.

Cover the car to protect it from dust and sunlight.

Start the car and allow it to reach full operating temperature every 4-6 mweeks. That's about 30 minutes of idling. This will also help keep the battery fully charged and engine and transmission seals wet and sealing. That's only 4-5 starts during the storage period, and there's usually at least one nice day per month during the winter that is perfect for starting and excersizing the car.

The only problems I've had with that routine were the aforementioned heater core losses and possibly the clogging of injectors once. I can't determine with any certainty that my injector problems were the result of long periods of the engine not running during storage, but I suspect that was a problem. Since using a little more than is recommended of the Sta-Bil, and a little kerosene in the last load of fuel before storage, I have not had an injector tip fouling problem. That's been about four storage periods so far.

The only other problem I've had is waiting impatiently for the first good spring rains to clean the salt off the roads so I can "liberate" the car again.

 

What potential hazards exist from storing a car for, say 11 months, without putting it on jackstands? I ask because that is the setup I have now and it is my first time doing it
Thanks.

 

Thanks for the info Vader, Nice Trans Am. As Far as insurance goes why do you drop it in the Winter? I carry Classic Car insurance year round which is cheaper than regualr insurance and covers my car for more than regular insurance(I think I paid $200 a year to insure for $10,000, I would have to double check but I think that is what it is). In my opinion it is the best way to go for a car that is not your everyday driver. By the way we seem to have the same taste in birds because mine is the same setup as yours. Thanks again.

 

If you don't take the load off the tires, and don't move the vehicle for an extended period, it is possible to create a permanent flat spot in the tires - possible. The tendency is greater with nylon belted tires. Nylon belts are found in most better quality high performance tires.

The springs really don't matter, If you didn't store your car and just drove it all through the year, the mass of the car would be on the springs the whole time anyway. My car has been sitting on the same springs for almost 18 years.

Incidentally, State Farm will allow me to get that kind of policy ONLY if I get antique/show license. The car will be eligible in two more years. Those plates also carry restrictions, and I want to be able to drive whenever and wherever I like. I suspend the collision, liability, road service, LOE, rental, uninsured, underinsured, and all coverages other than comprehensive. That covers me 100% in case of theft, vandalism, fire, or other unforseen circumstance. It also only costs about $14 per yer.

 

That is cool, I do not have to have any certain plates on my TA, my only restriction is that they do not want the car driven to Work or to the store, pretty much they just don't want it sitting in a parking lot. Also I do not have a deductable, should something happen they just write me a check. Sounds like you have a good deal though, I could not get any regular insurance company to do that for me.

 

What insurance company is that? I tried to get Hagerty collectable insurance on my 87 & was told they dont insure 3rd gen's cause they don't consider them collectables

 

I will have to check when I get home, I can't remember right now and I am at work. I will post it when I get home and pull out my policy.

 

The Insurance Company is Grundy Insurance. The link to their site is below.

http://www.grundy.com/grundy_car_insurance.html

Sorry it to so long to get back to you.