I need outdoor storage tips

[Motorhead350]

I'm storing my Marauder outside right now and it could be all winter. I need to know what to do to prep the car. I was going to get a tarp, but am not sure of different types or materials to look for. Also I need to protect it from snow. The car will not be in the street so there is no concern about salt being thrown on it.

Post pictures if you have them too.

Could a heavy duty car cover do the trick?

[Zack]

$300 for a proper winter use cover.
When Marauders sit, the engine bays become a disgusting corroded mess.
Just wait for what your blower looks like in the spring.

[Motorhead350]

$300 for a proper winter use cover.
When Marauders sit, the engine bays become a disgusting corroded mess.
Just wait for what your blower looks like in the spring.

I can just bring the blower in the house.

[ChiTownMaraud3r]

Just let the snow sit on it, the tarp/material can possibly scratch it with the wind blowing. And, true the engine bay does look like ******* after wards unfortunately, no matter how you store it also.

[Rocknthehawk]

You won't, but as Z said, invest in a made to fit all weather cover.

I would let it sit in the snow before I used a tarp. Most aren't made to hold up. If there's no concern of salt, whats the problem with snow being on it?

[Motorhead350]

You won't, but as Z said, invest in a made to fit all weather cover.

I would let it sit in the snow before I used a tarp. Most aren't made to hold up. If there's no concern of salt, whats the problem with snow being on it?

So you are saying I won't listen to Zacks advice, but you have no idea why I would?

[a_d_a_m]

You won't, but as Z said, invest in a made to fit all weather cover. This.
But.
For $200-300 you could probably rent unheated indoor storage from December to April 1st (at least in Ohio, you can).

[Motorhead350]

This.
But.
For $200-300 you could probably rent unheated indoor storage from December to April 1st (at least in Ohio, you can).

I could outside of Chicago, but staying at mommy and daddys is free. This was just for a few weeks, but if I find something good and things get better, I might store it.

I took it away from my place because I didn't wanna see it. I wouldn't wanna put any money towards it unless it was being fixed. That's why even storage would piss me off when I could be saving for a Cobra Longblock.

[a_d_a_m]

Whatever you do, don't use a tarp.

[J-MAN]

Don't use a tarp, although waterproof they don't breathe. You will get rapid paint deterioration using a tarp. Get a car cover for outdoor use, the best you can afford. Spray the engine compartment down with CD2 engine detailer, it will prevent corrosion. Also put dryer sheets in the engine compartment, cabin and trunk, they will keep mice away.

Now, with all the good advice offered in this thread, let us know what you actually do.

[Rockettman]

NO TARP!! Car cover only. It breathes.

Engine compartment corrosion...oh yah! My 'stangs compartment was beautiful for 16 years; then came the outdoor storage - one winter and it went to all h**l.

Oh and also: the dryer sheets - (I use moth balls) the two years I didn't...lets just say that the mice that decided to make the intake manifold their home, must have been nice and warm, as they used my under-hood fire blanket to bulid their nest!

Get it oil sprayed or "Rust Checked" or whatever you have down there. At least the bottom of the car at the very least. It's cheap insurance and isn't going to be anything but good.

[RR|Suki]

Get a Covercraft Noah cover. remove battery. Think about it again in the spring

http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss143/VTRauder/SnowTrooper005.jpg?t=128922114 5

[RacerX]

Anything aluminum in your engine bay needs to be sent to me right away before it starts corroding! PM me and I'll give you my addy! :D
Seriously, listen to them about the proper car cover or storage. Pull the battery cable, throw some dry gas in the tank to help prevent moisture probs.

[Rockettman]

So spraying the engine compartment with CD-2:
1. Can it be any engine detailing product OR is there something in the CD-2 that's special?
2. Do you spary EVERYTHING (including all the aluminum) then just close the hood and let it dry on there all winter?

[Egon Spengler]

Dryer sheets (for clothes) around the engine compartment, interior, and trunk. Mice hate them.

[Rocknthehawk]

Get a Covercraft Noah cover. remove battery. Think about it again in the spring



I have the Covercraft Evolution cover for my 350z. I think I paid $201 shipped, and it fits like a glove.

Dom, I said you won't, because you have a history of making threads wanting things, and not spending money on them.

[Zack]

Why get a tip when you can get the whole shaft?

[Motorhead350]

I have the Covercraft Evolution cover for my 350z. I think I paid $201 shipped, and it fits like a glove.

Dom, I said you won't, because you have a history of making threads wanting things, and not spending money on them.

I am getting mixed advice on this thread.

Get a cover from some and others say it's just snow. Either way I'll get the dryer sheets.

[RacerX]

Dom, if you actually spend the money, get the car cover. The option of "leave snow on it" is because we know you don't always have the money to spend. Also remeber, A good car cover can be resold here easily when you're done with it!

[Zack]

Apply for Credit Card, fix car.

You are in for a huge rude awakening when it comes time to buy a house and you have never had a credit line.

[SC Cheesehead]

You are in for a huge rude awakening when it comes time to buy a house and you have never had a credit line.


^^^^ True, that. ^^^^^

[Rockettman]

A good outdoor cover will also protect against the odd knock or ding that might touch the car over the winter months.
I know in my situation, it protects against the odd small branch that comes off the neighbor's trees.

[CBT]

Why get a tip when you can get the whole shaft?
That's what she said? Yeah! That's what she said! :beer:

[Motorhead350]

Apply for Credit Card, fix car.

You are in for a huge rude awakening when it comes time to buy a house and you have never had a credit line.

I don't trust myself enough at this point. Plus I don't like walking around knowing I owe someone.

[J-MAN]

Apply for Credit Card, fix car.

You are in for a huge rude awakening when it comes time to buy a house and you have never had a credit line.


I don't trust myself enough at this point. Plus I don't like walking around knowing I owe someone.

Just apply for the CC and when you receive it send it to me for safe keeping! :D

[Rockettman]

Just re-hashing this question again (from me earlier):

"So spraying the engine compartment with CD-2:
1. Can it be any engine detailing product OR is there something in the CD-2 that's special?
2. Do you spary EVERYTHING (including all the aluminum) then just close the hood and let it dry on there all winter?"

[J-MAN]

Just re-hashing this question again (from me earlier):

"So spraying the engine compartment with CD-2:
1. Can it be any engine detailing product OR is there something in the CD-2 that's special?
2. Do you spary EVERYTHING (including all the aluminum) then just close the hood and let it dry on there all winter?"

Can't say that other engine detailing products will or won't work as I only use CD2. Once I started using the product, I never used anything else. Just make sure that the whatever you use is a detail product and not a cleaner. Spray down the entire engine compartment, all metal and plastic, and don't wipe it down. Can't really think of anything else that I would use.

In Dom's case, no engine startup in over a month and sitting outside, corrosion and rust has already started while he decides what to do.

[Rockettman]

Do I need to clean it off in the spring or will it be pretty-much all gone and soaked in by then?
Oh...what about the rubber hoses? Is it ok to spray on those too?
(I've just never used engine detailer of any kind before).

[Joe Walsh]

I don't trust myself enough at this point. Plus I don't like walking around knowing I owe someone.

You best get used to the feeling, unless you own your own oil well.

Most smart businesses borrow money as a way to make more money.
They just put the money to a better use and make more of a profit than the interest costs them.

Owing a lender money for a house isn't a bad thing...
after 15 -> 30 years, you get to keep the house and the full value that it has appreciated to.
In the mean time you have a roof over your head, a nice garage for your car(s) and you get a nice tax write-off each year.


BTW: I don't know if anyone has mentioned this, but I would "fog" the engine as you shut it down for the last time.
Then I would plug/cap your exhaust tips.
One or more of your intake & exhaust valves are going to be left open when you shut the engine off and, believe it or not*, moisture will find it's way back through the exhaust. Not so much through the intake because you have a throttle body plate that shuts tight.
If you are storing the car outside for a long period of time, I would do this.
Just remember to take the exhaust caps/plugs out before you fire it up in the Spring!....:eek:

*One of the guys on the Cobra website said that a mouse had made a nice nest in one of his sidepipes.

[Vortex]

Box or two of rat poison under the hood someplace: put some up the exhaust tips.

[J-MAN]

Do I need to clean it off in the spring or will it be pretty-much all gone and soaked in by then?
Oh...what about the rubber hoses? Is it ok to spray on those too?
(I've just never used engine detailer of any kind before).

I'd do a complete cleanup in the spring and reapply the CD2 as dust will collect in storage. Does a great job on rubber and plastic along with other components found under the hood. CD2 may be hard to find as there were reports that it would be discontinued. Maguires ASD(all season dressing)or Adams VRT(?) would be alternatives. I'm sure that there are many others.

My suggestions are obviously for the exterior of the components in the engine compartment. Follow the advice of others for preserving the interior of your engine, fogging etc. Myself I add Marvel Mystery oil to the gas at 4oz per 10 gallons of gas and a dose of gas stabilizer. However, I'm lucky enough to have heated storage and it never gets below 55 degrees F.

Preserve your baby! Have fun!

[jaywish]

These are all good suggestions.

#1 fogging,
#2 fuel stabilizer
#3 plug tips
#4 moth balls or rat poison
#5 spray engine compartment
#6 car cover- be careful, if you might need to remove it before the spring thaw make sure it is rated for snow & ice. Not all outdoor covers are. If they are not rated for snow & ice they can freeze to the car. This is not really a problem unless you want to remove the cover before the thaw.

good luck