putting the mm in storage

[03knight]

so i got orders to korea for 2 yrs and i think i will be putting my 03 in a storage unit for the entire time and I'm pretty sure my follow on orders after korea will be overseas also so I'm not even sure when ill be back in the states

so does anybody think it'll be a bad idea to leave a car in a storage unit for 2+ years without starting it, driving it etc....

i just don't want to part with it and i also don't want anyone driving it so i can keep it low miles.

[Gordy]

so i got orders to korea for 2 yrs and i think i will be putting my 03 in a storage unit for the entire time and I'm pretty sure my follow on orders after korea will be overseas also so I'm not even sure when ill be back in the states

so does anybody think it'll be a bad idea to leave a car in a storage unit for 2+ years without starting it, driving it etc....

i just don't want to part with it and i also don't want anyone driving it so i can keep it low miles.

That sucks man, I was fortunate enough to have someone car for my cars when I was overseas. You might be able to find a higher quality storage facility that specializes in maintaining vehicles while they have them. I have seen motorcycle storage facilities that do that but the storage the military provides will damn near kill it, they put them in a parking lot and it will not be touched till you return.

I would say if you can't find any storage that will treat it right, maybe look in to a performance shop or regular shop around that you trust (hopefully you have a relationship with them) explain the situation, and maybe they will be willing to look after it for you. Car people would definitely take better care than a storage lot.

Probably does not help much man, good luck figuring something out.

[Roadwarrior]

As long as the car is prepped properly for long term storage, I don't think there is a problem in doing so. This should help. ----> www.dccarcare.com/tipowk/tipowk15.html

[stevengerard]

there is lots of info out there on how to store cars, disconnect the battery maybe fog the engine (not sure about these new ones) one thing for sure, put dryer sheets everywhere, they really do seem to keep the mice out. Put on top of engine, inside car under seats inside trunk etc.

[ajdereicup]

That sucks but like was said previously look around for storage that "cares" for the vehicles while its in their possession. If you do end up having to store it somewhere crappy maybe someone you know good or fellow member could help you out by looking out for it?

[Odinson]

Just seeing how much more popular/famous the cars have gotten in the past couple of years you are going to be like a rock star driving it around when you return! :)

[Curless]

Make sure to use http://mystarbrite.com/startron/ or equivalent product in your gas tank, fill it completely after you pour the product in so it can get all the way through the fuel system and into the injectors. DO NOT leave the battery in the car. Yes on the dryer sheets, lots of em. I put 4 - 6 moth balls along the edges of the intake on each side (mice hate the smell). You should also put the car on jack stands so you don't get flat spots. As for the storage facility, we use http://www.ebay.com/itm/300-Talon-G-Rat-mouse-mice-bait-25g-mini-pellets-packs-kill-mice-rats-bait-/130739206104...works awesome!

[MMBLUE]

A long PCS like that sux. Just make sure you mothball it properly. Jack stands, fuel, oil etc.

Have fun at your new duty station. Hopefully, you get somewhere down south in Korea.

[rayjay]

Thank you for your service to our country. Ditto on all the above. Another member here told me about using cut up bars of Irish Spring soap to keep the critters away. I live in the country, mouse, squirrel, chipmonk, tree rat heaven. The Irish Spring did the trick every time I used it. Four bars, especially near any wire groups under the hood, right side footwell front seat area, ect. I also put posion down on the floor, but I'm not sure how effective that would be for two years+. Treat the best, freshest gas you can get with a combination of Marvels Mystery Oil, 4 ozs, keeps the pump lubed and a additive of your choice to combat the effects of alcohol in the gas causing your lines to deteriorate. Of course a fresh oil change with actual, not semi , syntheitic oil. Store the battery in a dry place, on wood. It will still require at least a trickle charge. Over pressure the tires too. I did 40#s. Worked all 4 times I've stored the car. You may consider putting the car on blocks for that long period. Some folks have suggested parking the car on plywood to prevent moisture. I never tried that one, Hell she did 4 years service in the Upstate NY snowbelt. I did have the MM undercoated at time of purchase, new in 2004.
Mine will be going back into DD status as I'm moving south to Myrtle Beach. I wish you a speedy safe deployment.

[Rockettman]

^^^ I have done the "plywood thing" ;and yes it did keep the tires inflated very well for storage. (I too jack-up the pressure to the high 40#'s).

[Vortech347]

Easy.

Jackstands, (LOADED on suspension points) remove the wheels. Fill the tank and put Stabil in it. Disconnect the battery and KEEP IT SOMEWHERE other than where the car is (this prevents theft of the car) Put it on a cheapo harbor freight battery tender.

The only bad things are flat spotting the tires (why you remove them) and bad fuel, filling the tank with stable decreases air in the system and allows the fuel to stay better longer. If its on jack stands you shouldn't run into a rodent issue. Just give the car a good detail before you store it. Also a cheapo car cover will help with dust.

When you start the car for the first time keep the gas pedal floored for about 30 seconds. This will keep the engine from getting fuel and will let it prime itself before you fire it up.

Done.

[ajdereicup]

Never heard of plywood under a stored vehicle. Heard of carpet before and my garage is carpeted besides a center isle for the motorcycles to keep them nice

[Rockettman]

Never heard of plywood under a stored vehicle. Heard of carpet before and my garage is carpeted besides a center isle for the motorcycles to keep them nice

Just pieces to put under the tires. (Not the whole car).

Carpet? :confused: This is a great moisture "holder". Should it ever get wet; it will just evapourate moisture up onto the bottom of the car.

[gpfarrell]

Lots of good ideas.

I'd scrap the battery and buy a new one after your safe return. Not worth the trouble/risk of a battery on a charger for 2 years... may be fine, may burn down a building... for $100, buy another.

Make sure the Stabil has the Ethonal additive.

Thanks for keeping America safe.

[tbone]

Use Seafoam instead of Stabil.

[Leadfoot281]

I just simply drove mine into one of my barns, tossed the keys on the dash and walked away from it. That was back in June or July of '09.

I literally didn't see it again 'til a couple months ago. After charging the battery for an hour or so it started right up and ran fine. I aired up the tires, got new plates, added a couple gallons of gas and put 300 miles on it. The only issue was a sticky trunk release. After opening it with the keys a couple times it now works just fine.

IMO, much of this "proper storage" stuff is extreme overkill.

[ajdereicup]

Just pieces to put under the tires. (Not the whole car).

Carpet? :confused: This is a great moisture "holder". Should it ever get wet; it will just evapourate moisture up onto the bottom of the car.

It absorbs the moisture from the cement when it heats up and cools down absorbing the condensation I guess? And I heard it keeps tires from getting flat spots but don't know if its true? And its nice if you spill a little something it absorbs it but if its more then a little it'll soak through quick. And as an added benefit its a lot easier on the knees when your working on cars or bikes. There must be other reason but like I said I know the bike guys do it and thats why my garage is carpeted.


I just simply drove mine into one of my barns, tossed the keys on the dash and walked away from it. That was back in June or July of '09.

I literally didn't see it again 'til a couple months ago. After charging the battery for an hour or so it started right up and ran fine. I aired up the tires, got new plates, added a couple gallons of gas and put 300 miles on it. The only issue was a sticky trunk release. After opening it with the keys a couple times it now works just fine.

IMO, much of this "proper storage" stuff is extreme overkill.

It may be but whats a little added insurance? What if when you came back to yours it had tons of problems with it?

[rayjay]

I usually store my DTR from mid October until sometime in April when the snow finally, mostly, goes away. Never had an issue with flat spotted tires.

[Leadfoot281]

What if when you came back to yours it had tons of problems with it?

Then I wouldn't make posts like this.