My .02. No cover. Let it breathe. Possibly add something to the interior to ward off pests.

 

Think Ed hit on two of the biggest concerns. Mice and moisture. Around here we have a huge underground storage facility that is great for classics also affordable. Got anything like this? You could always trailer it over to PA for the winter.

http://wampumunderground.com

 

Nothing even close to this around here. For someone who doesn’t own a pole barn, multi car garage, etc, It’s either a high end car condo or a storage unit.

 

irish spring original

 

Full tank of gas with stabil, but that goes without saying. Other than that all I really do to mine is put the cover on and bring the battery inside. No messing around with a trickle charger, and it fires right up for me every spring.

I do roll the windows down a little before I put the cover on just to make sure moisture/humidity doesn't get trapped in the interior. And the elastic around the bottom of the cover slips under the tail pipes, otherwise if it didn't I'd probably put an old pair of socks or something over the tailpipes to help keep bugs and critters out of there.

 

All good advice but I'd seek a full tank of the "no ethanol" fuel. This stuff does not attract moisture. Much better for long term storage and is worth every penny of the extra 70 cents a gallon you pay for it.

Rick

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

 

One of these on the coat hook in the back seat couldn't hurt.

https://www.costco.com/DampRid-Max-Moisture-Absorber,-16-oz-4-count.product.100450940.html

 

All great suggestions so far.

One trick I learned was to pickup a bag of dried cows blood from my local Country Max. It is normally used as a fertilizer for gardens, so it pretty cheap. It’s comes in a dry odorless (unless you stick your nose in it) granular form (not the wet granular version, which is stinky). Put a small amount into several open containers (like the plastic tops off of used spray paint) and place them inside the car – in the engine compartment – in the trunk – under the car – and so on. The stuff gives off an presence that humans don’t smell, but small mammals like mice and rats stay away from.
I have had to store cars before in places that were candidates for mice (barn), but I never, never had evidence of mice in these cars. Was it because of this dried cows blood? I don’t know for sure, but I believe it was because of this trick. It’s cheap to do, so I did it. In the spring; just empty the plastic containers into the garden. No smell, NBD.

I HATE smelling classic cars that use moth balls, especially when a trick like this has zero odors.

 

You better put a tracker on it... Criminals are always looking to see where their next target will be... This tracker gives you real time movement..... It's the best money you'll spend...


https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01KKVKQ66/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

That’s cool but it says the battery only lasts 1-2 weeks?

 

I put dryer sheets all over my storage units. except for where I accidentally left an open bag of malted barley I didn't have any pest issues.

 

I have to keep mine in the driveway with a breathable cover and a Battery Tender (no garage); I've read to use either dryer sheets or mothballs for the rodent thing. I'd rather use the dryer sheets because I plan to drive the car occasionally (when there isn't salt on the roads) to keep it in shape. Some swear by the sheets while some say it's a myth. Besides Joe, has anyone else had good luck with the dryer sheets? I'd rather not have to deal with trying to remove the mothballs smell. Squirrels can be a problem also.

 

Squirrels can be a problem also.

Another reason to try the granular dried cows blood.
I know this sounds gross, but it really is not, and SO simple to do! Zero odors to you and me.

 

I've had good luck with placing dryer sheets in/around my snowmobiles during the off season- never had any mouse damage when using them. I would think it would work for cars too.

 

This was my solution. Probably not everyone's option, but I just do not trust the security of storage facilities.
With a battery tender connected to the car and a home security system, I feel much better.

 

I have used the dryer sheets in a temporary garage for over 10 years now and I believe that they do help keep the mice away.I also think the stray cat that I have in the yard helps too.

 

I scattered Bounce sheets under the hood, in the passenger compartment, and in the trunk this morning; the sent IS pretty strong. I also found some caps for my 3" tailpipes at The Home Depot plumbing dept. Less than $5. apiece, and they have other sizes.

 

I also found some caps for my 3" tailpipes at The Home Depot plumbing dept. Less than $5. apiece, and they have other sizes.

With the intent to accomplish what, exactly? Personally, I think I'd rather have the pipe open so as to not contain any more moisture in the system than possible.

 

I've stored my old cars in offsite storage for decades now. I feel it is also important to put carpet on the floor so you don't get condensation on the underside of the car once the weather starts to warm up but when the concrete is still cold. It also makes working on the car a lot nicer since you have a little padding and don't have to feel the cold of the concrete on your back. I cover my cars inside all the time.

Fill the tank and use StaBil and air up the tires to the maximum the tires can handle which helps avoid flat spots come Spring. I disconnect the batteries but leave them in the cars. I hit them with the charger come Spring.

 

Jim

Does the storage unit have electricity?

 

Not really. Just two light bulb sockets that are on a 20 minute timer.

 

I was turned onto Star Tron years back... I swear by it for anything that burns gas. Amazing fuel stabilizer



Star Tron Enzyme Fuel Treatment - Concentrated Gas Formula 16 oz - Treats 256 Gallons https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D3IEIFO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_QalZDbP13YDCT


If you have power... a large dehumidifier might be a good idea too. Keep the moisture level down.

Vremi 4,500 Sq. Ft. Dehumidifier Energy Star Rated for Large Spaces and Basements - Quietly Removes Moisture to Prevent Mold and Mildew https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JMZJX4B/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_HdlZDbF55XY2S

 

It sounds like you are going to have the car in offsite parking/storage for a while....and if you do plan to drive it from time to time....this is a better solution in the long term.... The Official CarCapsule? Site with FREE SHIPPING .... Its a little pricey, but I have seen one in use and I know its saved the guy a ton of time. He has an original 69 Z28 bought new in 69. He used to wash it and wax it all the time, and although always "Garage Kept", it was starting to show its age. Now he just rolls it into the Bubble after a drive and deals with the show and shine later.

 

...this is a better solution in the long term.... The Official CarCapsule? Site with FREE SHIPPING ...

I have been using the Official Car Capsule for about 15 years.

Looks like this might be my "no garage" solution. Is the 18' version correct for my 16.5' '67 Chevelle? It says there is a 115v. outlet, so I assume I can connect my Battery Tender?

 

I have been using the Official Car Capsule for about 15 years. Best investment I ever made. Just roll out the matt, drive the Chevelle on, put car cover on, and pull plastic cover over top. Zip it up and put the 12 volt fan on one end and your done. When you get the car out in the spring, there is no condensation and the car is as clean as it was when you put it in the capsule. Easy and fast with no worries about pests, condensation, or keeping it clean.

 

If you contact them, they will tell you exactly which one you need. Here are some pics of my Chevelle in the Capsule.

 

Thanks. Any trouble with mice trying to eat through it?

 

Good point, Brad. I would not be allowed to put that where I live, and I'm not sure it would even fit in my limited-space driveway (fits two cars side-by-side and that's it). I don't see where that offers much protection. Couldn't that be lifted and thrown around by the wind with steel poles banging against the fenders?


I'm mostly concerned with mice and squirrels getting in.

 

I understand certain areas have restrictions as far as what can be placed outdoors. In the example I gave I would personally anchor that shelter to the concrete in several places. Otherwise it would do more damage than a torn fabric shelter. Also the open ended metal shelter is mainly for keeping a vehicle dry from rain or snow and offer protection from the sun and acid rain.
Although by adding more metal to the sides it could be made a little more weather resistant. One of my Nephews had a double car version of that metal shelter at a place he lived for a few years. I would say for what it cost it worked pretty well. However the front end of the shelter was only a few feet from the house so that end was protected somewhat from rain and wind.

 

No problem with mice or any pests. The tarp you drive up on and the plastic top are made from a thick material. I know I have mice in the garage because one year I made the mistake of storing some bird food in the garage and some mice raided it. You won't be disappointed with this Capsule.

 

Here's a quote from the mfg. when I emailed them about that: "Your car is approximately 16’4” long so a 18’ would be the smallest you could use. From many years of use in the market and feedback from around the country and world we think you will be safe from rodents. We cannot make a claim we are rodent free but the fan has a hum to it and the power supply has a frequency which keep the critters away."


I'm a little leery about an off-site storage unit, besides the expense and other posted concerns, I think the rodent issue might be worse.


Just my 2 cents.

 

Just a heads up about the storage facility you choose. Look up at the ceiling. We've got a brand name storage facility in town that has Chicken Wire for the stalls' ceilings. It is an older facility (built back in the 70's) with a pitched roof (they don't build them like that anymore, but...). That wire allows easy access to the facility attic AND from the attic to every other storage stall in the place. Easy for thieves to go into their own stall and then into everyone else's stall. A facility with a flat roof should be okay.

On the other hand, the place changes managers every few months and basically the managers don't give a darn. I just drove by the facility today. There were two classic/collector cars in outside storage that have had their covers removed. I don't foresee that the manager will call the owners to let them know (to replace the cover and check for theft). Therefore, be sure to check on your stall maybe a couple of times a week. For sure don't think that it's truly secure and come spring get a nasty surprise.

Remove the car battery and take the rotor out. Don't leave anything in the car that you can remove.