There have been various opinions on how to "correctly" store a vehicle for long periods of time. Winter is coming, and here in Cincinnati we sometimes get large amounts of ill weather. Some have said to put the car on blocks in order not to damage the suspension...some say dont do that and just move the car from time to time so you dont get flat spot on the tires and ruin them. Also, my car is always garaged and I was wondering what the benefits of getting a cover for the car are other than keeping dust off of it? Any info is apprciated! For me there is no sense in 350Z suicide by driving it in the snow and salted roads. Thanks!

Dan

 

I own 3 z-cars and have a 350 coming in Feb. I have been protecting them from the nasty winters here in western NY for almost 30 years.

First, DO NOT put the car up on blocks unless you support the suspension as well. Gravity and time will kill the suspension bushings. If you are storing only for the winter months, it is much better to leave the car on the ground and roll it down the driveway every few weeks to turn the tires and prevent the dreaded "flat spots". By the way, the tires would have to be idle for several months for this to happen.

Second, park the car on some type of moisture barrier such as a plastic tarp or sheet of plywood. Carpeting IS NOT good as it holds moisture under the car.

Third, cover the car. Use a good quality cover that BREATHES to allow airflow between the cover and the car. Helps prevent dust and protect from anything else that might damage the finish (cats, etc.). A soft underside is a must.

Remove the battery. Place it in your basement on a block of wood. Reinstall it every 4-6 weeks or so and start your Z up. CAUTION! Do not just let the car run for a few minutes! Make sure it reaches normal operating temperature and then some. This is to make sure that all moisture and condensation are fully evaporated from the block and exhaust system. It also allows all fuel to properly burn off and not linger in the system where it can contaminate the oil supply. It also allows the coolant to reach proper temp and coat the entire cooling system to prevent corrosion.

Lubricate all locks, hinges, etc with a good silicone. Properly treat all rubber mouldings with conditioner.

Fill the gas tank with fresh fuel and add a fuel stabilizer. Especially critical if you decide not to start the car at all during storage.

In the spring, run that tank of gas off and fill with new gas.

That's it! This should keep your Z happy for many, many years!

Z on!
70 zcar (gold, stock)
78 zcar (blue, modified)
84 zcar (grey turbo, driver)
03 zcar (Enthusiast, LeMans, Feb!)

 

STORE IN A GARAGE, NOT OUTSIDE!!!!

I almost forgot!

Z on!

 

Thank you very very much for the much needed info. Sounds to me you no what you are talking about. I have already printed your info and placed it on my refrigerator. Thanks again!

Dan

 

Zcar70 has it all worked out for sure! I'm just glad that we Texas people don't have to go thru that... If I lived where it snows I'd have those instructions printed out and on the fridge as well...

 

Storage procedure(for me at least)
Change oil and the filter
Check all fluid levels to dealer specs
Lube front end, wipe of excess lube
Over fill the radiator as full as you can with coolant, not water, because water will rust
Get some STA-BIL, put it in your tank, and fill your tank to the brim
Get your car as clean as friggen possible, vacume windows, the works.
Use a vynal treatment on your weather stripping
for interior, vinyl & leather first, then windows, then vacume.
If you want, you can get some carpet for the car (cheap carpet)
Next, get a car cover, Mop top Calcover is a nice choice. Next, If you want, get a car jacket for your car. You next need a battery tender, and 2 sta-dri packets. put one packet in the jacket, the other on a towel in the middle of your car. Any other help you need, just ask.

EDIT: only get the carpet if you get the car jacket. Also, DO NOT start up your car in the winter with out the intentions of driving it. Simply letting it sit or reving it is NOT good. Driving gets everything to there operating temps/levels.

EDIT AGIAN: I live in Fargo, I know what I'm talking about

 

wow im glad i dont live in a place that i have to "winterize" my z when it comes in january.

 

January? My car has been winterized and stored since a week ago! When the first snow fell here.