winter storage

[wilton]

Apolgies if we've already discussed this but I couldnt find anything on the search engine.

I love my car but I found last winter it was just boring driving to work every day in the crap weather and was piliing on the miles, so I'm thinking about laying up my Chimp for the winter around the end of September and wondered if anyone had any tips on what I can do to minimise weather attrition etc.

I am thinking of taking it to my parents, but it wont fit in their garage, so a good cover, new oil, and possibly jacked up. Other questions that spring to mind being how often does it need to be turned over? and how the hell to I get to the battery (under the footwell?) if I need to top this up?

cheers, and looking forward to the spring already...
Wilton

[robkola]

Have you read/bought Steve Heath's book?! then all you need to know should be in there.

If it won't fit in their garage, tell 'em to vlear it out as a priority!

[simont]

Why would you want to turn it over? to get the water out?

[pbrettle]

Personally dont do it. They like to be used and laying up for a period of time will effectively mean that you will have to do some extra work - like sorting the brakes, battery etc etc etc....

Just keep using it. Ok, so the salt will play havok with the chassis and you end up driving like a pansy (or is this just me?), but might as well keep using it.

Cheers,

Paul

[Jezz G]

On a similar subject, this will be my first winter driving a TVR.

Anyone got any tips for driving in snow????

[P7ULG]

quote:
On a similar subject, this will be my first winter driving a TVR.

Anyone got any tips for driving in snow????

Wide tyres,lots of torque , other cars.Avoid it if you can.

[.mark]

quote:
On a similar subject, this will be my first winter driving a TVR.

Anyone got any tips for driving in snow????

Yea - just enjoy it! Unless to drive like a (.)(.) (saw that yesterday and love it!) it won't be a problem.
Just very slow throttle/brake actions and you will be fine - but the temptation to boot it when you get to an empty car park

[gb61390]

Wilton, I can't believe you asking this question!
What's wrong with you!
The car's made for driving not sitting in a garage!
Have a rethink!

[simpo one]

Compromise. Take it out once a week when the weather is fair to keep everything lubricated and happy, but use your other car the rest of the time. And get a battery conditioner to compensate (no pun intended)for the lower use and cold temperatures.

[Leadfoot]

quote:so I'm thinking about laying up my Chimp for the winter around the end of September

ehhh....
Don't take it off the road until the salt gets put down. Any earlier is a waste of time IMHO. It does rain in summer as well after all!
Ian (heated,insulated, de-humidified garage!)

[Pinkney]

Driving in snow is a hoot, when else can you do powerslides at 5-10mph!

[incorrigible]

quote:
I found last winter it was just boring driving to work every day

Maybe you need a more exciting car

[wilton]

'dont take it off the road', i know i know. There was also a method in my madness - you see I adore going on holiday because I dont get to drive the car for a week or two and you forget how good it feels when you get back in and broom..broom... I just thought an extended period over the winter would mean it would be pure ecstacy to drive it again after the winter - like driving it for the first time

[Captain Crimson]

I work abroad for half the year - the Griff goes into a car storage company who turn it over every month. Never any probs when I return to UK. When you take into consideration that you can reduce insurance cover, doesn't work out too expensive. maybe worth considering?

[Shamus1972]

quote:I work abroad for half the year - the Griff goes into a car storage company who turn it over every month.

I suppose the wheels being in the air for a month will save wear and tear on the tyres, but won't the roof get a little scuffed?

[gb61390]

Like it!

[simpo one]

'but won't the roof get a little scuffed?'

No, they use protective mats. It's yoga for cars - enables them to be more relaxed in the Spring...

[Ballistic Banana]

and to get there tummies rubbed

:gotmecoat: