judy

Planning to store my "86 GXL long term (1yr. maybe +). It will be under a carport with open sides. The surface is asphalt. The tags will be removed so it cannot be taken onroad, but someone will have access to keys.



Looking for suggestions including:

1. Which kind of car cover? Keeping in mind that it is not directly in weather but rain/wind/ect. can enter the area from the sides. The location is S. Carolina where summers are hot and humid, and winters are usually wet but not much snow.

2. What levels should the fluids be left at? Any additives?

3. Battery?

4. Tires?

5. Should it be started during this time, and what intervals? How to avoid carbon lock, if it is started but not driven?



It is entering this hiatus in excellent condition (except the dreaded wipers), and i would like to unwrap it in the same condition, when the time comes.



Thanks,

banzaitoyota

Here is what I would do:



Thourogh Vacuum and detail with a high quality product. (Blackfire or Zaino come to mind)

Flush and refill coolant system with 50/50 mix (if you are into the Ethyleme Glycol thing)

Change oil and fluilds

Fill tank and add recomended amount of Stabil Fuel Stabilizer

Cover all openings with ALuminum Foil: To prevent rodent intrusion

Put a moisture trap in the interior

Place car on Jackstands

Remove battery and store seperately on a mainenance charger

use Marine Fogging Spray on the engine.

judy

Thanks banzaitoyota

You don't mention choice of car cover. i'm thinking of Cover craft's "weathershield". Either from Big Sky Carcovers or California Car covers. Has anyone ordered from either of these places. Or does someone have another suggestion?



Also what about starting the car, and the problem of carbon lock?



Is there an option to NOT put the car on jacks? i have heard that if I you do, when you lower the car the suspension will be loaded up, and that this makes the suspension to sag. How about overinflating the tires in compensation? Or how about putting the tires on a wooden surface?



You mention marine fogging. Where do i get this auto or boat shop? When you say spray the engine, just exactly where do you mean? The wires, hoses etc. OR metal.

banzaitoyota

1. Car Cover: buy the best Quality one you can afford



2. Once you place the car in "STORAGE" it is my opinion NOT to start it up until it comes aout of storage. My reasons:

a. You will most likely not run the car long enough to get it hot enough to drive out the water vapor in the systems, thus creating an acid to eat away at you components..

b. You will have to refog the engine, replace the covers on all openings etc. etc.



3.I should clarify how I would do this:

a. Place car on jackstands located at "hard points" on the body

b. Place anothe set of stands/blocks underneathe the suspension to raise it to near normal ride height without lifting the chassis.



IF you decide to leave it on the ground, use another set of CRAP rims/tires to do this. BTW I have a set for cheap if you want.



4. Fogging Spray: is sprayed in the Spark plug holes to coat the internals of the engine. Available at West Marine or Online



http://www.wardmarine.com/MaryKate3.html

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/store...catalogId=10001

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/store...catalogId=10001

http://www.ultralightnews.ca/articles/912storage.htm