Winter storage | 356 Speedster, 550 Spyder, Replica, Automotive Community

Carl Berry CT.

I'll soon be hibernating my VS through the New England winter

This is how I'll do it (am I missing anything?)

Up on jackstands with wheels removed.

Full gas tank, add Sta-bil (blue)

Put the battery on trickle charge (stays in car)

Bounce Fabric Softeners in trunk, engine compartment. interior and exhaust tips.

Last year I used cups of mothballs...ugh

I intend to do some tinkering over the winter which will require firing it up now and then. I've got a 200 watt oil sump heater to warm the oil before starting. The oil is Joe Gibbs DT50 (15W-50...I think) with less than a thousand miles on it. Is there any reason to replace it for storage? Is there any reason to lubricate piston heads through spark plug holes since it will be periodically, but infrequently, started?

Thanks, Carl

10/13/136:29 PM

Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

Tom Blankinship2010 Beck-Dearborn, MI

I would add don't set the park brake

10/13/136:56 PM

Rich Drewek Supporting Member

Photos would be exquisite

10/13/137:43 PM

Carl Berry CT.

Rich, photo posting capabilities is a steep learning curve for me. (jeez, I just learned how to keyboard my way onto Facebook!)

Theron has provided instructions on how to attach digital photos...it's stuffing them into the computer that eludes me.

10/13/138:18 PM

LongTimeLurker

Ship it to me in San Jose, and it will get run properly all winter. Just sayin'...

10/13/1310:28 PM

Rich Drewek Supporting Member

Carl, I am all too aware of your handicap...I keeeeeeeed!

10/14/134:17 AM

Gordon NicholsMassachusetts 1993 CMC Supporting Member

Carl's list:

Up on jackstands with wheels removed.

Full gas tank, add Sta-bil (blue)

Put the battery on trickle charge (stays in car)

Bounce Fabric Softeners in trunk, engine compartment. interior and exhaust tips.

All that looks good, but why remove the wheels? If it's up on jack stands with the wheels off the ground, I would think that would be enough.

I like the idea of an oil heater before trying to start it, too.

I did the moth balls once - never again.....

10/14/136:07 AM

Tom Blankinship2010 Beck-Dearborn, MI

Gordon, I was under the impression that letting the wheels hang off of the suspension all winter was not the best idea, but what do I know?

10/14/136:20 AM

Tom Blankinship2010 Beck-Dearborn, MI

Gordon, I was under the impression that letting the wheels hang off of the suspension all winter was not the best idea, but what do I know?

10/14/136:20 AM

Carl Berry CT.

Yea, my impression coincides with Tom's, that lightening the dangling weight on the suspensions was a good idea

10/14/137:10 AM

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