K.A.R. Auto Group, Inc. receives many calls each year from Mustang owners who are concerned about storing their "pony" properly. Although we have always been happy to answer these questions, we found the following article from the November 1999 issue of Mustang and Ford Trader magazine very informative. The following article is provided with the permission of Mustang and Ford Trader magazine. You can find this great monthly publication at most convenience stores across America. When you pick up your copy of Mustang and Ford Trader, please be sure to look for K.A.R. Auto Group's ad!
There comes a time in almost every car owner's life when car and driver must part company -- however briefly.
WHEN STORING FOR LESS THAN 30 DAYS:
- Wash the exterior of your car completely to remove surface dirt. Also wash the underbody areas to remove any elements. You'll also want to give the interior a thorough vacuuming.
- Check the engine coolant level. If necessary, increase the anti-freeze protection.
- If your classic is equipped with a maintenance-free battery, inspect the test hydrometer. Charge if the green dot is not visible to avoid freezing and deterioration.
If the battery is a conventional model (not maintenance free), charge it if the specific gravity level is below 1.255 to avoid freezing and deterioration. Regardless of which kind of battery your car is equipped with, both battery cables should be disconnected at the battery to prevent gradual discharge. This also eliminates any possibility of fire due to short circuits.
- Check and inflate tires to maximum tire pressure shown on the tire sidewall. If tire pressure is not indicated, inflate to 40 pounds.
- It's best to store your classic in a clean, dry, closed-in or roofed area. If the car must be left outdoors or where it could be exposed to corrosive elements or bird droppings, it should be covered with an appropriate cover. Don't just toss a tarp over it, as it will not provide adequate protection. There are any number of manufacturers who make covers specifically for cars that fit snugly around the entire body with tie-downs or an elastic edging. You may have to pay anywhere from $80 to $130 for a cover but it's one of the best investments you can make.
Just be sure the cover fits as tightly as possible. Continuous high winds could move the cover, creating an abrasive action which could damage the paint.
- Run the engine until it is completely warm before shutting it off. (A fast idle for a minimum of 15 minutes is ample.) This will ensure that all of the engine parts will be well coated with oil before being put to rest. It is also recommended the chassis be lubricated prior to storing.
- Make sure that all the windows are tightly closed.
- Leave the parking brake in the "off" position so that the cable will not seize up. If your car has an automatic transmission, put the selector lever in the "park" position. If you have a manual transmission, place the lever in the "reverse" position.
- Whether you have a built-in, anti-theft locking device -- or you have purchased anti-theft devices, make sure that any and all systems are properly armed.
- Finally, check the glove compartment, trunk or the area behind the seats to remove any personal items that might freeze or deteriorate with time.
Should it be necessary to store your classic longer than 30 days, the following steps should be taken in addition to those already listed.
FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF STORAGE:
- Apply a coat of wax to all exterior surfaces, both painted and plated.
- Run the engine until it is completely warm. Drain the engine oil, replace the filter element and refill with fresh oil (check your car owner's manual for the recommended oil.)
- With the engine running, remove the air cleaner and pour one-half to one pint of light-weight oil into the carburetor air intake. Pour slowly at first, then rapidly, using the last quarter pint to stall the engine. Then replace the air cleaner.
- If your classic is equipped with air conditioning, the unit should be operated during the final engine warm-up to lubricate the compressor seals.
- Drain all coolant from the radiator, cylinder block and heater.
- If freezing temperatures are expected, the battery should be removed and stored in a cool, dry area above freezing temperatures. Do not place the battery directly on a concrete floor. Use a piece of wood between the battery and the floor.
As part of the normal function of an automobile storage battery, hydrogen gas is produced through chemical action. This gas is highly toxic and extremely combustible when mixed with air. Do not store the battery where it can be exposed to sparks or open flame or where children might be playing.
- Place blocks under the front and rear suspension so that the tires do not make contact with the ground. If the tires rest on the ground, the constant stress from the vehicle's weight may cause them to go flat, develop cracks or develop flat spots which can put them out-of-round.
- Drain all gasoline from the fuel tank, fuel lines, and carburetor to reduce the risk of fire and prevent gumming of any fuel as it evaporates.
- Special consideration may be required when conditions of high humidity, extreme temperatures or outdoor storage are encountered. Local experience will dictate any additional protective measures for such conditions.
- Should you own a highly valued classic or show car, you would be wise to check your local phone directory Yellow Pages for places that store cars.
Some of the companies that offer car storage have temperature and humidity-controlled rolled warehouse facilities.
- Lastly, if you are going to store your classic for more than six months, you should consider retaining only fire and theft coverage on your car insurance. It could save you many dollars. Check with your insurance agent.
Once you've completed all these steps, rest assured that, upon your return, your car will be ready for action. However, there are a few steps that must be taken fore you take it for that long-awaited spin.
RESURRECTING YOUR CAR:
- Check oil and fluid levels in the engine, radiator, crankcase, transmission and differential. Replenish as necessary. And don't forget to add gasoline.
- Check under the hood and under the car for any nesting critters (don't laugh, it happens.) Also check for any evidence of oil or fluid leaks as well as any physical damage.
- Inflate tires to recommended pressure.
- Clean battery end of cables and install a full-charged battery.
- Lubricate chassis suspension and steering components.
- Check brake operation and fluid level. Bleed and adjust rakes if necessary.
- Remove spark plugs; clean and gap. And clean carburetor air filter assembly.
- If your car is equipped with air conditioning, check refrigerant level in the system. Disconnect the compressor clutch wires before attempting to start the car.
Check to see if the compressor hub and clutch drive can be turned by hand. If not, the unit should be broken loose by manually turning the shaft with a wrench on the shaft lockout on the clutch driver plate. A few "rocking" turns should be sufficient so that the shaft can be turned by hand. Reconnect coil wires and check belt tension. Run the engine with air conditioning on for a few minutes to reseal the system.
- Completely wash the exterior and the undercarriage to remove all accumulated dirt and grime.
- Give the interior a thorough vacuuming and allow the car to completely air out. if the interior is fabric, you may want to clean the seats, door panel and carpeting using a mild solution of detergent and water and a stiff brush. Be sure, however, that you don't saturate the seats by using too much water. If the interior is leather or vinyl, you may want to use a leather/vinyl restorer.
- If you have canceled your liability and collision insurance when you first stored the car, give your insurance agent a call and make sure you have full coverage before you take that first spin.
That does it! Just remember -- don't stay away so long next time. Your car can't bear to be without you!
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THIS ARTICLE COPYRIGHT AND POSTED BY SPECIAL PERMISSION FROM MUSTANG AND FORD TRADER - NOVEMBER 1999
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