Reproduction Parts for 1916-1964 Chevrolet Passenger Cars & 1918-1987 Chevrolet & GMC Trucks



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#159344 12/15/09 05:58 PM
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 170
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lbpuppy Offline OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
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Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 170
Likes: 1
Hi Everyone again.....

Sitting out in the garage this A-M... I was wondering what other people do to their cars when they store them for the off season. My garage is not heated but I plan on working on the car during the winter to try and get it ready for the spring. I do have a kerosene heater which will be put to use when I'm in the garage. Do you cover it up and say goodnight or do you have a ritual that you go thru that rivals super bowl day ?
I'm interested to know.
Thanks,
Cliff

Filling Station - Chevrolet & GMC Reproduction Parts


Filling Station


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You may want to do a search on winter storage, as this subject has probably been discussed previously. Keeping the car covered whenever not in use helps to preserve the finish.Depending if you will be running the engine or not, you may want to consider a fuel additive. Marvel mystery oil or equivalent added to the gas will help to keep the valves from sticking if the engine is not run for an extended time.Change the oil when you put the car away and again before starting in the Spring.Be sure the battery is fully charged and I would disconnect the cables. this won't be necessary if you will be running the engine, but if you do let it get up to operating temperature.


Steve D
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Change oil if the oil has more than a few hundred miles on it.
Over inflate tires. Helps to prevent flat spots and eleminates the need to fill tires in the Sping....just deflate as necessary.
Put on car cover over a dust free car.
Make sure battery is fully charged
Make sure the proper amount of anti-freeze is still in the radiator.
Disconnect battery on 12 V cars.
At one time I added Marvel Mystery Oil ( a strong dose) to the gas. But since its more of a solvent I now prefer to add 2 Cycle oil to the gas. It has more body.
Have gas as low as possible so I don't have a full tank of old gas in the Spring....and in some cars still have it next Fall.
After the car is been cooled down a bit I dump some MMO through the carburetor and finally stall out the engine. Lubricates the valve guides, valve seats and inside of exhaust system - and smells good also.

I NEVER start the engine all winter as its more harmful to start the engine several times, better to just let it rest.

If you heat the garage from time to time you will get condenstation due to the rapid temp changes inside the sheet metal covers of the engine, the gas tank, on the chrome. etc....not good.

During the winter I will go out and pump the brakes a few time to get the fluid, wheel cylinders. etc. moving.

On my 1957 I suck 3 quarts of fluid out of the Power Glide so it dosen't PEE it out on the floor over winter. The 1950 PG and the Corvair is house broken.

I sometimes spray parts such as heater hose clamps and other bare metal with WD40, keeps the corrision down.

Leave a lot of treats for the mice devil


Gene Schneider

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