What should I do to prep an old car for long term storage?
There is a check list you need to use:
Car Storage Checklist
Source: NSXPrime
- Wash & wax the car prior to the day you intend to store it, then drive the car a little in order to help evacuate water from brakes, nooks, & crannies.
- Apply leather treatment to all leather to prevent drying and cracking.
- Fluids:
- Change the oil and filter.
- Check windshield washer fluid – be sure it is winterized with antifreeze.
- Add StaBil to fuel tank (run engine afterwards) & top off fuel tank.
- Check antifreeze strength
- For annual storage suspension on blocks is NOT recommended as the shock absorber pistons are fully extended and can corrode and stick.
- Inflate tires to 8 PSI above the maximum rating on the tire to avoid flat spotting.
- Lube electric antenna mast with thin oil and retract.
- Disconnect and remove battery or pull fuse of clock and burglar alarm to prevent battery drainage; pulled batteries should be stored in a cool, dry place OFF of the floor, preferably on a piece of wool.. slow charge in mid-winter every several months (Personally I’ve had good luck with small Schumacher 1 Amp smart charger which charges only when battery voltage begins to fall – about $25.).
- Lube door, hood, trunk and targa rubber seals with silicone spray. Close doors, hood, and trunk to FIRST LOCK position so that seals are relaxed. Be sure hood and interior door lights are not on.
- Place small wood blocks under wiper arms so blades are off glass.
- If high humidity conditions are expected, leave a desiccant bag in the car.
- Close the heater flaps on rear engine cars to prevent rodent entry.
- Seal intakes and exhaust pipe with tape or towels.
- Relax Targa tops.
- If exposed to direct sunlight, cover glass to protect interior.
- Park vehicle on large sheet of plastic to prevent ground moisture from attacking underbody.
- Cover with a QUALITY car cover which will allow humidity & moisture passage.
- Do NOT set the handbrake.
I have stored several cars for 3-5 years using the following checklist: Drain and flush the radiator, refill with new antifreeze. Place a cover of some kind over the radiator overflow line, bugs will make a home there and plug the line. Change the Engine Oil and filter Lube all the grease fittings, the door, hood & trunk hinges. Pour a couple of quarts of light weight engine oil into the gas tank. Start engine and run it until you get lots of blue smoke out the exhaust. (This coats in inside of the Carb, intake manifold, cylinders and the exhaust with a light coat of oil to prevent corrosion.) Top off the gas tank, add fuel stablizer. If the gas tank has a vent line, be sure to cover it. Cover the ends of the exhaust to prevent critters from making a home in the exhaust. Remove the aircleaner and cover the top of the carb with light plastic and then reinstall the aircleaner. Remove the battery and store it away from the car. Put a light coat of wax on the paint and chrome. Clean the in
