SEMI-STORAGE
No need here for me to tell concours folk how
to tuck up their pride and joy -they have no doubt learnt already by bitter experience how
quickly an immaculate engine bay or those shiny new discs can deteriorate in a very short
time if neglected but, for those of you who have not yet perhaps had to face up to this
grim reality let me assure you that, even during the months of the summer, if a car is
left standing for more than just a few days, close examination will show rust appearing
rapidly on discs and corrosion and discoloration on various other components mainly in the
engine bay and exhaust areas, and on wheels.
It is essential therefore - even if you intend
to bring your Seven out of storage every couple of weeks or so, to carry out a few simple
precautions.
Whatever you do, NEVER put your car away DAMP.
If you are unfortunate enough to have to drive through rain on your last outing before
putting your car away, wash all, dirt and possible salt deposits off with warm, not hot,
water and leave your car standing out for several hours, preferably under a car port or
other shelter. If you do not have a carport leave the garage door PARTIALLY OR FULLY
OPEN depending on weather conditions etc. Carefully dry your car ALL OVER. By this I
don't mean just the bodywork and chrome. You must also dry the inside of wheels,
suspension parts, exhaust etc. IF it is a show car.
Leave your bonnet open a few inches by making a
short and suitable prop. Leaving your bonnet
open a few inches for a day or so allows air to circulate freely and assists in drying off
vapour and condensation in your engine bay.
Check your radiator for anti-freeze and either
drain and replace or top up as necessary. (see also Full Storage notes). After you are sure your car is absolutely dry
apply a good coat of polish and make certain you clean carefully in every corner.
If you are not going to be able to afford the
time to dust your car regularly, and this is necessary even if covered with a dust sheet
surprisingly enough, then coat your chrome work and other bright parts with a light
coating of Vaseline or clear Waxoyl applied with a cloth. This will, over a period of
weeks, assume a rather dirty appearance but don't worry, when cleaned off next spring
your chrome will be as good as new. (For the bare aluminium bits of the 7 spray them
with WD40 after cleaning and polishing – they’ll look awful when dirty but a
simple wash will clean them up again and it protects against the dreaded salt).
Give all hoses and rubber parts a coating of
clear Waxoyl. This will keep them supple and in good condition whilst they are being
little used.
Check engine bay regularly and remove any
tarnish deposits etc as the occur.
Check interior - especially if you have leather
seats. An application of hide food will keep them fresh and supple.
Disconnect
your battery and remove from car. Clean as necessary and make a point of trickle
charging regularly and just before you intend taking your car out for an airing .
Take the opportunity to clean and rustproof your battery cage.
Cover
your Seven with a dust sheet. If you cannot afford one of those expensive custom jobs
don't despair, ask your Mum for old cotton or flannelette sheets, a couple make excellent
covers!
If, for reasons of totally inclement weather
etc you are unable to get your car out for a short time at monthly intervals, make a point
of rolling it forwards (or backwards as the case may be) a couple of feet every now and
again in order to move the weight to a different portion of your tyres. KEEP
TYRES WELL INFLATED AT ALL TIMES AND DON'T FORGET YOUR SPARE!
Remember, after taking your Seven out for a
short run every now and again, leave bonnet open to allow engine bay to air and make sure
no moisture has collected on wheels etc. Dry off carefully each time before
replacing covers.
Don't leave too much petrol in your car.
Far better to pour a gallon in from a can every now and again as you require.
Petrol left for long periods deteriorates.
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