Spring unwrapping

bucko521 · 02-27-2011, 11:20 PM

Springtime soon - question regarding what to do?

What should a person who has stored a car for 6 months should do or look out for after hibernation. I know I will be doing an oil change...but anything else?

I did the typical things I have read here for storage.
1) filled tires with a bit more air.
2) filled gas tank full
3) stuffed exhaust with copper scrub brush
4) washed and covered

I have yet to find a listing for spring opening. Any suggestions?

Z4-VILLA · 02-27-2011, 11:30 PM

why stuff the cans with copper >?

ScottinSSMD · 02-28-2011, 06:27 AM

Did you disconnect the battery? If not, did you trickle charge? +1 on the copper. I've always known copper and aluminum to not work well together, especially when moisture may be present. Corrosion begins instantly.

ANUSTART · 02-28-2011, 07:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Z4-Villalona

why stuff the cans with copper >?

Keeps animals from nesting in the exhaust.

@bucko521, don't forget fuel stabilizer when you store. I'd just give her a good wash and wax and your good for the spring.

Z4-VILLA · 02-28-2011, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hogzilla

Keeps animals from nesting in the exhaust.

@bucko521, don't forget fuel stabilizer when you store. I'd just give her a good wash and wax and your good for the spring.

i thought that only happened to 1980's firebirds....lol

SCHMOUPE · 02-28-2011, 08:47 AM

I just got my car out yesterday from a 4 months storage. I deflated the tires down to 30 PSI and changed the oil (it was at about 7K since last change so it was due).
+1 on a trickle charger or Battery Tender in my case. I can't believe I had never used one before. I cranked her after sitting in the cold garage for 4 months and she turns over right away.

porshah · 02-28-2011, 10:17 AM

I usually put away my P-car for the winter. These are the things I have always followed:

- Oil change is a must. I would also say rotate your tires (if they are not staggered). Even though you over inflated the tires, they may still have flat spots. This should go away within a few miles of highway drive.
- I always give it a good look under the engine bay to make sure all cables, belts and hoses are in good shape, and rodent hasn't found a new home.
- I used to always disconnect the battery, but trickle charger is the way to go.
- Clean the top and put a coat of protectant (ragtopp). Spring time usually means a lot of rain.
- Go over all the seals on the doors/hood/trunk and apply a coat of rubber seal (I have had good luck with Zymol).

This is also a good idea to apply when you put the car away for a few months.
- Apply leather conditioner to the seats.
- Give it a nice detail.
- Make sure the top operates smoothly.
- On the first drive, turn the radio off and listen for any unusual noise or vibrations.

Hope this helps.

wassup61 · 02-28-2011, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hogzilla

Keeps animals from nesting in the exhaust.

@bucko521, don't forget fuel stabilizer when you store. I'd just give her a good wash and wax and your good for the spring.

no to the stabil, will make your car knock like a door to door salesman

SCHMOUPE · 02-28-2011, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wassup61

no to the stabil, will make your car knock like a door to door salesman

first time hearing a bad thing about Stabil

porshah · 02-28-2011, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shakib

first time hearing a bad thing about Stabil

I am surprised as well. Have used it for many years. Never any issues.

bucko521 · 02-28-2011, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hogzilla

Keeps animals from nesting in the exhaust.

@bucko521, don't forget fuel stabilizer when you store. I'd just give her a good wash and wax and your good for the spring.

Yes..did the fuel stabilizer as well...forgot that.

bucko521 · 02-28-2011, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScottinSSMD

Did you disconnect the battery? If not, did you trickle charge? +1 on the copper. I've always known copper and aluminum to not work well together, especially when moisture may be present. Corrosion begins instantly.

Just checked...there is no signs of any damage from the copper. both of course were very dry. And yes, still have the trickle charger on the battery.

bucko521 · 02-28-2011, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shakib

I just got my car out yesterday from a 4 months storage. I deflated the tires down to 30 PSI and changed the oil (it was at about 7K since last change so it was due).
+1 on a trickle charger or Battery Tender in my case. I can't believe I had never used one before. I cranked her after sitting in the cold garage for 4 months and she turns over right away.

Awesome good news...I sure hope mine provides me with a smile as well.

bucko521 · 02-28-2011, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by porshah

- Clean the top and put a coat of protectant (ragtopp). Spring time usually means a lot of rain.
- Go over all the seals on the doors/hood/trunk and apply a coat of rubber seal (I have had good luck with Zymol).

This is also a good idea to apply when you put the car away for a few months.
- Apply leather conditioner to the seats.
- Make sure the top operates smoothly.
- On the first drive, turn the radio off and listen for any unusual noise or vibrations.

Hope this helps.

This certainly does help. I would have never thought to go over all the seals.

Any thoughts on a good leather conditioner?

bucko521 · 02-28-2011, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shakib

first time hearing a bad thing about Stabil

Me too....I added some...but not near as much as some people on this and other forums stated....I figured premium fuel and some stabilizer will work...no use going overboard.

BlackMoupe · 02-28-2011, 09:34 PM

Not to threadjack but is Zymol good for all the exterior rubber seals? Mine are starting to discolorate.

ANUSTART · 02-28-2011, 09:41 PM

I've used Stabil for years as well with no issues. I don't add much either and top off with premium gas. BUT, thats in my bike, the car goes all year.

I should probably do the seals as well.

porshah · 02-28-2011, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bucko521

This certainly does help. I would have never thought to go over all the seals.

Any thoughts on a good leather conditioner?

I like Lexol Leather conditioner. I am sure there are other good ones as well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SSKE92

Not to threadjack but is Zymol good for all the exterior rubber seals? Mine are starting to discolorate.

One Grand Exterior Rubber and Vinyl works really well.

bucko521 · 03-03-2011, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by porshah

I like Lexol Leather conditioner. I am sure there are other good ones as well.

One Grand Exterior Rubber and Vinyl works really well.

Thanks...I look for both products.

dekaliber · 03-06-2011, 10:43 PM

When do you guys wait to take your car out of storage? I'm thinking it might be about time for me.

Temps around here have stabilized in the 30s and low 40s, with some evenings dipping just below freezing. Still a little dirty snow piles around from the blizzard that hit last month. I haven't touched the car since early December, but I've scheduled an alignment & an oil change next Friday and am pretty eager to start driving again. Unfortunately, roads are still covered with salt and there's lots of potholes and loose gravel everywhere.

BTM · 03-06-2011, 11:23 PM

Don't buy into the whole fuel stabilizer debate. My dad has a 66' Corvette that he drives maybe 50mi a year. As you can imagine the gas in it is probably 2-3 years old. Since it's on a lift he's always rolling his eyes and moving it so I can work on my cars. Fires up every time....

02-27-2011, 11:20 PM	#1
bucko521 More of this than that! 29 Rep 817 Posts Drives: BMW Z4 3.0i, Z3 2.5i Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Regina, SK, Canada iTrader: (5)	Spring unwrapping Springtime soon - question regarding what to do? What should a person who has stored a car for 6 months should do or look out for after hibernation. I know I will be doing an oil change...but anything else? I did the typical things I have read here for storage. 1) filled tires with a bit more air. 2) filled gas tank full 3) stuffed exhaust with copper scrub brush 4) washed and covered I have yet to find a listing for spring opening. Any suggestions? __________________ '06 Z4 3.0i Jet Black/ Biege/Black Leather / Premium Package / DICE Silverline DUO / Stubby Antenna / Matte Black Grill Ultimate Cup Holder x2 / Gaptech RCH+ / First Aid storagebox x2 / Acrylic Wind Deflector
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02-27-2011, 11:30 PM	#2
Z4-VILLA Banned 111 Rep 2,460 Posts Drives: Z4M Hardtop Roadster Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Classified iTrader: (0)	why stuff the cans with copper >?
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02-28-2011, 06:27 AM	#3
ScottinSSMD Looking for a track car 4 Rep 242 Posts Drives: 2006 325xi wagon Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Silver Spring, MD iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 325xi [0.00]	Did you disconnect the battery? If not, did you trickle charge? +1 on the copper. I've always known copper and aluminum to not work well together, especially when moisture may be present. Corrosion begins instantly. __________________
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02-28-2011, 08:47 AM	#6
SCHMOUPE Lieutenant Colonel 127 Rep 1,772 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4M Coupe Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: NJ iTrader: (7) Garage List 2007 Z4M Coupe [0.00]	I just got my car out yesterday from a 4 months storage. I deflated the tires down to 30 PSI and changed the oil (it was at about 7K since last change so it was due). +1 on a trickle charger or Battery Tender in my case. I can't believe I had never used one before. I cranked her after sitting in the cold garage for 4 months and she turns over right away. __________________ Gruppe M CAI / Euro Headers / Rogue Engineering X-pipe / RE Diablo Exhaust
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02-28-2011, 10:17 AM	#7
porshah Lieutenant 197 Rep 597 Posts Drives: M4, R8, Huracan - All topdown Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Fairfield, NJ iTrader: (5) Garage List 2018 Audi R8 V10 Sp ... [0.00] 2021 BMW 330e xDrive [0.00] 2017 Lamborghini Hu ... [9.50] 2016 BMW M4 Convert ... [0.00]	I usually put away my P-car for the winter. These are the things I have always followed: - Oil change is a must. I would also say rotate your tires (if they are not staggered). Even though you over inflated the tires, they may still have flat spots. This should go away within a few miles of highway drive. - I always give it a good look under the engine bay to make sure all cables, belts and hoses are in good shape, and rodent hasn't found a new home. - I used to always disconnect the battery, but trickle charger is the way to go. - Clean the top and put a coat of protectant (ragtopp). Spring time usually means a lot of rain. - Go over all the seals on the doors/hood/trunk and apply a coat of rubber seal (I have had good luck with Zymol). This is also a good idea to apply when you put the car away for a few months. - Apply leather conditioner to the seats. - Give it a nice detail. - Make sure the top operates smoothly. - On the first drive, turn the radio off and listen for any unusual noise or vibrations. Hope this helps.
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02-28-2011, 09:34 PM	#16
BlackMoupe Mouper 114 Rep 1,064 Posts Drives: _____ Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: _____ iTrader: (1)	Not to threadjack but is Zymol good for all the exterior rubber seals? Mine are starting to discolorate.
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02-28-2011, 09:41 PM	#17
ANUSTART Captain 35 Rep 956 Posts Drives: Z4 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: IL iTrader: (0)	I've used Stabil for years as well with no issues. I don't add much either and top off with premium gas. BUT, thats in my bike, the car goes all year. I should probably do the seals as well.
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03-06-2011, 10:43 PM	#20
dekaliber Major 75 Rep 1,143 Posts Drives: '07 Z4MC, '11 JCW, '18 Z06 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (1)	When do you guys wait to take your car out of storage? I'm thinking it might be about time for me. Temps around here have stabilized in the 30s and low 40s, with some evenings dipping just below freezing. Still a little dirty snow piles around from the blizzard that hit last month. I haven't touched the car since early December, but I've scheduled an alignment & an oil change next Friday and am pretty eager to start driving again. Unfortunately, roads are still covered with salt and there's lots of potholes and loose gravel everywhere.
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03-06-2011, 11:23 PM	#21
BTM Banned 483 Rep 10,309 Posts Drives: A///MERICAN!!! Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: A///MERICA!!! iTrader: (11) Garage List 2007 BMW Z4 M Coupe [7.20]	Don't buy into the whole fuel stabilizer debate. My dad has a 66' Corvette that he drives maybe 50mi a year. As you can imagine the gas in it is probably 2-3 years old. Since it's on a lift he's always rolling his eyes and moving it so I can work on my cars. Fires up every time....
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