Preparations For Garaging
Parking garages, garage thesaurus, garage shelter
Before you put your classic into the garage over winter or for storage,
take the time to do the following simple tasks to give your car the best
storage conditions possible.
Detailing: Carefully wash all parts of the car, including
the undercarriage. Wax the whole body but don’t buff chrome until it’s
time to take the car back out of storage. Vacuum the interior, and lubricate
any rubber surfaces.
Change/drain fluids: Once parked up, drain fluids while
the car is still warm. Wear gloves to prevent burns from engine oil.
Grease the joints: Fill all universal joints with grease.
Also apply clean grease to suspension and steering fittings.
Drain the brake fluid: This will help prevent deterioration
of the break system; drain the old fluid and put fresh brake fluid in.
Fuel tank: If your car will be in storage for over six
months, drain the fuel tank and then run the engine to clear out all the
lines. This will help prevent clogged carburetors. If storage will be
less than six months, add some fuel stabilizer to prevent deterioration
of the fuel in the tank.
Battery: Disconnect and wash down the battery, then store
it somewhere clean, dry and cool. Do not store it on concrete; a shelf
is best.
Tires: Jack up the car and take off the tires. Store
them in a stack, separated by cardboard sheets.
Lock the clutch: Depress it and lock it in position with
a piece of wood or similar wedged between it and the seat. This will help
prevent sticking between the clutch plates.
Final preparations: Roll down the windows to prevent
your car getting musty and leave baking soda in open boxes in the car
to absorb any moisture. Place a plastic bag over your carburetor and stuff
the tailpipe to prevent any critters making a home there.
Cover the car: Choose the right type of fabric. Cotton
is best because it breathes and allows circulation, whereas a cotton/polyester
blend traps moisture and heat. Plastic doesn’t breathe, so avoid it altogether.