Am I the only one???

[81pumagtc]

I had a car buddy stop by yesterday, and we ended up in the garage...big surprise there. I used him to help me move a few things downstairs before the snow today, and we got to talking about storing cars.

He was absolutely amazed how I store the Puma. I do the usual things...Stabil, disconnect the battery, fog the cylinders, etc. What he thinks is goofy is that I leave the car out of gear with the key in the ignition, and I use only a wedge on one front wheel.

I do this so I can move it if needed without having to go look for a key, and in case of fire, I can push it out the door in just seconds. Might happen...

He sets the parking brake on his MG, and locks his doors in his own garage. He thinks I'm just nuts.

Does anyone else do this, or is it just me?


Dave

[Dustin]

I leave the keys in mine all year long, I wouldn't set the parking brake and leave it as it can freeze up.

[Ruffuss]

I do the very same thing as you Dave except for the battery dis-connect and Stabli as I try to start it at least once a month and run it until warm. This year is different as no engine in the car. I also put dryer sheets all over the interior to keep the chewing critters out of the interior(they don't like the smell). I also feed the mice De-con and set traps. I also cover the car with a weather proof cover even in the barn.

[ghiastein]

Currently the Ghia is sitting in gear, the battery is disconnected, the parking brake is not set and it is surrounded with Bus parts.

The Bus is stuck in gear, THIRD actually, with the drive shafts disconnected so I can push it. The Battery is still connected oops. What parking brake I use a 2x4. The Bus too is surrounded by Bus parts.

I usually forget about Stabil because my stuff usually breaks down in the fall (Generator, Transmission).

I do plan on firing them both up soon to get their blood pumping and that is normal standard practices every few weeks. (if I remember)

Normally I am usually out in the garage a few times during the week working on something VW related to keep my mind active. Other than that they just sit waiting on spring.

[vw1s]

Stabil, dryer sheets, park it in neutral with a block on both sides of one tire.
Some go as far as jacking the car up until the tires are off the ground and block it, this is supposed to prevent flat spots on the tires and unload the suspension.
Blu has been hibernating for weeks already!
To winterize The Turdle, I installed a 12V defroster!

[dubfreak1]

I also leave the keys in, leave in neutral, brake off, with its last run being a long trip (warm everything up well) with the Stabil in the tank. Top off the tank at the nearest station on the way home. Change the tires to junk ones that hold air well, add dryer sheets, remove the battery, and (on the nice car) put an old flannel sheet over the roof and windows. I don't start them, but do turn it over a little by hand on the 1st of the month. Batteries also get charge around the first of the month.

[81pumagtc]

I feel a lot better, and my buddy is just plain wrong.

I'll have to try the dryer sheets. I used mothballs in the SAABs to keep critters out, but they had wool carpets and attracted some nasty critters when I stored it after the twin-disc clutch explosion.

I was told that if you do not fog the cylinders, you should only ever move the engine just a couple of degrees over a winter. My understanding is that you want to insure that you want to make certain that the rings don't seize, which takes less than 1/8th inch of movement, but nothing more. Turning an engine over by hand does not push any oil onto the walls, and can cause micro-scratches when moved. You will never have any issues in 6 months with the bearings. This was from a guy who rebuilt very, very exotic Jag engines.

The parking brake issue means nothing to me, since my parking brake has never worked. Kind of on my "to do" list.


Dave

[MadMike]

I remove the rockers on my dual spring head motors ;D

[bren]

Dec 10, 2009 8:35:05 GMT -5 MadMike said:

I remove the rockers on my dual spring head motors ;D

Why is that?

[MadMike]

Just gives me peace of mind knowing the springs are not bound up(in) maybe last a little longer??

Attachments:

[vwcurt]

Dec 10, 2009 8:35:05 GMT -5 MadMike said:

I remove the rockers on my dual spring head motors ;D

plus that means not one valve is open to let, critters, weather, or anything else in. i've gone so far as to drain the fuel, then run the carbs dry, then cap them.

curt

[sandfan43]

My ignition is packed so full of sand i havnt been able to get my key out for 3 yrs.

[dansam]

I just do stabil and make sure the gas tank is full (prevents rust buildup) then run it a bit to make sure the stabil is in the carbs and thats it. I run it once a month (which is wicked fun )
Ive heard of all sorts of goofy ways to "winterize" and for some newer (07 and up computerized) cars they really cannot be sitting for more than 3 weeks without battery failure and at some point the computers need to be "reflashed!!" Anyway with our little jewels they can sit for years neglected and with just a little prep before restart will live again just like in the movie sleeper..... Great little cars

Im not worried

Dan