Winterizing your Classic/Vintage Car
Ok, it is that time of year again. Time to think about putting up your beauty for the winter. Again, the summer really flew by, didn't it? Hope you made it too many great car shows! Mike's Show-N-Shine made quite a few, but never enough. Now, with Big Red waiting to be covered for the winter, the mind turns to the job of winterizing.
Here are some tips. Take the time to do it right this year. Keep your baby safe!!
Every year, as winter approaches, owners of classic, antique and vintage cars ponder how they can best protect their prized possessions while they are stored until the following spring. Even for new cars, taking them off the road and letting them sit for three months or longer allows the effects of oxygen, gravity, and trace corrosive residues in the fuel, coolant and lubricants to more rapidly rust, oxidize, corrode, pit, crack and weaken vital external and internal surfaces. Any measures that the owners of these vehicles take must remove corrosives from the cooling, fuel and lubricating systems and apply protective or rejuvenating products to areas likely to undergo rusting or oxidation.
1. As gasoline burns, some of the products of combustion combine to form highly corrosive sulfuric acid which condenses on internal engine surfaces and is a common cause of exhaust valve pitting. Draining the oil from the vehicle after it has warmed up and replacing it will effectively remove corrosives that have accumulated.
2. Fill the gas tank to decrease the amount of water that condenses in the tank.
3. Replace other fluids such as coolant, brake and transmission fluids to replenish the anti-corrosive properties they offer.
4. Disconnect or remove the battery and store in a cool, dry place. Preserve the battery by connecting it to a trickle charger, preventing self-discharge.
5. Wash and then wax the car with Meguiar's NXT Tech Wax to add a fresh layer of protection. Thoroughly vacuum and shampoo the interior to remove any food crumbs and debris that might attract wayward rodents. Allow the interior to dry thoroughly before storing the car with all windows closed tightly. Convertibles should be stored with the roof up to prevent permanent wrinkles in the fabric.
6. Apply Meguiar's Hot Shine Tire Spray to tires and use their Quik Interior Detailer to interior surfaces to reduce drying and cracking. Consider mounting the vehicle on jack stands to preserve shocks and tires. Disengage the brake and slightly over inflate the tires.
7. Cover the car with a breathable car cover to allow dry air to circulate and discourage mold.
8. Store the car in a completely dry, enclosed, lockable garage and remove any valuables. Many classic cars are driven infrequently and qualify for cheap insurance rate, especially if they are stored securely.
9. Dampness and mold can invade your vintage car from the ground up through a damp garage floor. To prevent moisture from condensing on the undercarriage, lay down tar paper or a plastic drop sheet on the ground and park on top of it.
The best way to prepare and maintain your vintage car in winter is to take it to a facility which is in the business of storing cars. They can initiate a maintenance program which far surpasses what you might do at home. They are bonded and insured to cover any loss or damage to the vehicle.
Whether you are a do-it-yourself guy or not, taking the proper steps to prepare and store your antique, classic or vintage car for winter can virtually freeze its aging process and add years of enjoyment and pride in your masterpiece on wheels.
If you would like to comment on this article, please click the "comments" window below. I always enjoy hearing from my readers.
