FULL STORAGE
In addition to carrying out all the jobs
mentioned above, owners of fully stored cars have one or two extra precautions to carry
out.
(A) Do not drain your
cooling system.
(If you own a V8
this should never be done at any time of the year as the alloy engine
MUST have coolant, i.e. anti freeze in it AT ALL TIMES in order to stop
corrosion). Leaving your cooling system dry for long periods allows it to dry out
with consequent rust damage to your radiator and perishing of hoses. Either flush
out and refill with a strong solution of anti-freeze (at least 33% for maximum protection
in a harsh winter) or, if your system already contains the correct coolant top up with
neat anti-freeze and run engine for a few minutes to distribute the coolant equally.
(B) Do not leave your car for
long periods with petrol in tank.
Drain your tank before storing your car, apart from the additional fire risk with a
tankful of petrol it deteriorates over a period and will be harmful to your engine.
(C) Brake Fluid.
Deteriorates over a period of time as it is hydroscopic i.e. it absorbs moisture.
Unless you have your system filled with the latest Silicone type of fluid, which can be
left in almost for a lifetime, your brake fluid will need changing in the spring
(D) Remove battery.
Try to trickle charge at intervals if possible.
(E) If your garage isn't
large enough to enable you to push your Seven a few feet in either direction, you will
have to raise your car on axle stands. Make sure these are strong and carefully fit
them, for the most benefit, beneath the spring hanger points. This will have the added
benefit of taking the weight off your springs and they will last longer.
(F)
If possible try to spin your front wheels at regular intervals or get someone to do it for
you.
This keeps the discs in good shape. If this is impossible you can lightly oil or waxoyl
your discs but REMOVE PADS FIRST and make sure that there is sufficient
fluid in the system to allow the pistons to be pressed back into the calipers or they will
seize.
(G) Fill plug holes in your engine
with 3-4 shots of REDEX (yes you can still get it!), replace plugs loosely to avoid
foreign bodies falling inside !
(H) If you are a concours
addict take this opportunity to remove your exhaust system and clean and repaint at your
leisure. This practise is not recommended however for semi stored cars unless you refit
the exhaust before starting up. The horrific sounds of what appears to be a
Massey-Ferguson in full bore will alarm and annoy your neighbours!
(I) Coat chrome wires, alloys etc with Vaseline or
clear Waxoyl or WD40. Painted wires are less trouble but will still benefit from an
application around the hubs and in spoke sockets as rust can quickly form at these points.
Alternatively put your best wheels under the bed and fit an old set for the
purposes of storage!
(J) Leave tyres inflated to a fairly high pressure
-e.g. 32lbs.
(K) Turn engine over once a
month if possible. Or get someone to do it for you. This is carried out on
manual cars by simply turning the rear wheel (jack up car if not on axle stands) and get
an assistant to check that the front pulley is turning .
(L) Carefully get into
your car at regular intervals and press clutch and brake pedals several times. This
prevents the clutch plate from sticking and keeps the calipers working. DO NOT PRESS BRAKE PEDAL IF YOUR HAVE REMOVED
YOUR BRAKE PADS! ! ! Incidentally,
make sure that your brake pads are still nice and thick. If badly worn down they
will allow the pistons in the calipers to protrude too far and stick. The placement
of a suitable length of (eg) wood positioned against the depressed clutch pedal and
crossmember or seat will prevent the clutch from seizing (esp.Lotus Twin Cams!) see (M).
(M) Work handbrake regularly each
time you check the car. If you cannot attend your car regularly and you cannot get anyone
else to help you the following will be of assistance:
1.
Wedge a length of wood
onto the clutch pedal (between seat and pedal) forcing the pedal down and holding it in
position. This keeps the clutch and pressure plate apart and pevents sticking
2.
Really liberally coat
entire handbrake cable and quadrants with grease, leave handbrake in the OFF position.
3.
Seriously consider
removing your discs and calipers altogether and storing in your home.
4.
Consider renting heated premises or install
heating your self (NOT PARAFFIN owing to the fire risks and vapourisation it gives out) .
Make sure your garage is dry and WELL VENTILATED , stagnant, damp air is lethal to
cars.
5.
Liberally coat all
leatherwork with a leather preservative such as Hydrolan or Flexalan (obtainable from
Saddlers) and don't forget your steering wheel!
6.
Having applied a good coat of WAX to bodywork,
leave ON and DO NOT POLISH OFF .
7.
Use only COTTON based
dust sheets which breath AVOID nylon and plastic.
I trust that the foregoing will be of
assistance to those of you who have perhaps no previous experience of storing cars.
(David
Mirylees (Stolen from the MG car club and revised donkeys years ago!))
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