Kevin (and lists),
Dave Terrick in Winnipeg (even colder, even sooner).
Here's what has not failed me yet - especially in the hydraulic department
(just ask anyone else) - for my winter storage. It is a complete list, be
warned:
1. Plan to spend one full day, preferably a nice day on the project.
2. Start with a good drive in the country to warm things up and remember
the day by
3. Change the oil. Use 20/.50 if you don't drive until its' warm out,
otherwise use a 5/30.
4. Do a complete tune up and record the numbers. That is, plugs, points,
timing, compression, vacuum if you have it available to you.
5. Check each and every hose for loose clamps and rot. Also check the fan
belt and steering rack bushings.
6. Check coolant for strength, level, and age. Replace every two years.
7. Check all electrical connections for corrosion or breakage. Ensure
battery is fully charged from the morning drive (alternator condition
check).
8. Flush brake and clutch hydraulics with fresh fluid. Ensure ALL fluid
is new at this point and no corrosion of the system should occur. Seal the
master cylinders by screwing the covers on lightly over a piece of plastic !
9. Note the condition of brake pads, rotors, and drums. Clean and adjust
rear brakes. Check handbrake for adjustment. Lubricate all the above
adjusters.
10. Check front wheel bearings for wear and grease. Check tierod ends,
ball joints, and bushings at the same time. If there is excessive rear
negative caber, inspect springs and trailing arm bushings.
11. Clean and polish the car as best as you can (this is where a nice day
helps a lot). Note any rust and paint chips that may become rust. Remove
floor mats and floor carpets. Place in plastic bags in the trunk.
12. Place a few (FEW) mothballs in the car if rodents may be a problem.
Also place a piece of steel wool in the tailpipe to prevent mice from
entering. (Leave a note on the dash).
13. Park the car where it will winter. Make sure the gas tank is full.
Add fuel stabilizer if you can. Park over a plastic ground sheet (to prevent
moisture seep in the spring) and on boards (if possible) with the tires at
their maximum rated pressures.
14. Remove the battery. Place a SMALL amount of engine oil in each spark
plug hole (remove plug first!!) and replace plugs.
15. Cover the car. Ensure the cover is snug. NEVER use only a tarp as
this will leave marks in the paint.
Winter maintenance inculdes keeping an excess of snow off the car. The
snow's weight is not the danger, it is the layer of ice that forms near the
cover. As soon as the sun's rays are strong enough to melt the snow off the
cover, remove as much snow as possible. Clear space around the car and
remove the cover if you can. You will find an amazing amount of
condensation; this is why the cover should be aired out and/or left off
until the next snow.
If you are a keener and get started early, this is where the winter weight
oil helps. The newly installed battery (warm) will crank the car fairly
slowly with thick oil. A small amount of "Quickstart" (use only if asolutely
necessary) will respond instantly. A quick test of the hydraulics will
reveal any major problems -- there will be no minor problems after the
winterization.
Now, you're ready to drive - and beat your fellow club members to the first
spring meeting!!
(I made Frbruary 1998!)
Dave Terrick
-----Original Message-----
From: Kewels68@aol.com <Kewels68@aol.com>
To: spitfires@Autox.Team.Net <spitfires@Autox.Team.Net>
Date: September 26, 1998 10:50 AM
Subject: Winter Storage
>Hello:
>
> As a new(July) owner of a '76 Spitfire and even newer member of VTR, I
am
>addressing this list for the first time.
> As I live in Minnesota, I recognize that a season called "winter" is
fast
>approaching. I was wondering if any of you could share with me any tips on
>preparing/storing my car for the cold season. I plan on storing it in my
>garage, and am particularly interested in what should be done with the
>interior,the convertible top and fluids(brake) etc. (I plan on getting a
good
>cover). Any suggestions would be appreciated
>
>TIA
>Kevin
>kewels68@aol.com
>
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