Can anyone please advise me what I should do to my wagon to prepare it for a period in storage (at least a year)? It has been exposed to the elements and has some rust in the body. Should I cover it in fish oil, drain the fuel tank, radiator etc.? Should it be on blocks? It has a new battery in it - should I remove it, or keep it on a trickle charger?
I really have no idea.
Thanks,
Sally
Preparation for storage
Re: Preparation for storage
I asked another form member myself the other day and also did some research. The consensus seems to be:
Battery - disconnect and put on trickle charge.
Oil - change oil & filter (if you have one).
Fluids - top up all fluids. Put gladwrap over brake / clutch resevoirs and then put lids back on (keeps air contact with fluid to a minimum).
Fuel - top up tank and add a fuel stabilizer (Sta-bil works well).
Park brake - do not engage! Leave the car in gear (manual) or park (auto).
Grease & lube - give the car a grease & lube service. Check a maintenance manual for this. Things need greasing & oiling on FB's & EK's that you've probably never even knew existed
Tyres - over inflate to help prevent flat spots (or put on axle stands).
Engine - if the car is going to sit for a long time, remove spark plugs and squirt a little upper cylinder lube into each cylinder (Morey & Lucas make this stuff). Replace plugs.
Radiator - flush & replace coolant.
Exterior - wash & wax. Polishing the car will help stop any further deterioration. If you cover the car, use a breathable cover. Most car covers warn that they shouldn't remain on the car for more than 1 week at a time (who knew
)
Finally - write down any stuff that you've done so that you know what to undo before you drive the car e.g. the Gladwrap on the fluid reservoirs, over inflated tyres etc. Leave the note in the car where you can see it.
Battery - disconnect and put on trickle charge.
Oil - change oil & filter (if you have one).
Fluids - top up all fluids. Put gladwrap over brake / clutch resevoirs and then put lids back on (keeps air contact with fluid to a minimum).
Fuel - top up tank and add a fuel stabilizer (Sta-bil works well).
Park brake - do not engage! Leave the car in gear (manual) or park (auto).
Grease & lube - give the car a grease & lube service. Check a maintenance manual for this. Things need greasing & oiling on FB's & EK's that you've probably never even knew existed
Tyres - over inflate to help prevent flat spots (or put on axle stands).
Engine - if the car is going to sit for a long time, remove spark plugs and squirt a little upper cylinder lube into each cylinder (Morey & Lucas make this stuff). Replace plugs.
Radiator - flush & replace coolant.
Exterior - wash & wax. Polishing the car will help stop any further deterioration. If you cover the car, use a breathable cover. Most car covers warn that they shouldn't remain on the car for more than 1 week at a time (who knew
)Finally - write down any stuff that you've done so that you know what to undo before you drive the car e.g. the Gladwrap on the fluid reservoirs, over inflated tyres etc. Leave the note in the car where you can see it.
Alan
Member No.1 of the FB EK Holden Car Club of WA (Woo-hoo sweet!)
Member No.1 of the FB EK Holden Car Club of WA (Woo-hoo
sweet!)Re: Preparation for storage
if possable turn engine over periodicly even by hand as sitting in one position for long periods can wreck valve springs etc
sometimes yor just better off shitting in yor hands and clapping
W.S.C.C.A
Woodstock chapter
W.S.C.C.A
Woodstock chapter
Re: Preparation for storage
Thank you both - this is a great help. I'm really appreciate your advice.