Less than ideal classic car storage
Discussion
I currently find myself in a scenario in which I have less than ideal storage for a classic car, a 1969 Volvo Amazon in good unrestored condition. My neighbour is a friendly farmer who is happy for me to store it in an open barn (which it’s been in all summer) or a standard shipping container. Now we are entering colder times how mad is it storing it in an open barn? It’s water tight but open to the elements from the front and obviously not insulated. Or should I stick it in a shipping container?
Barn is similar to below but empty
Barn is similar to below but empty
I've heard too many tales of serious condensation in containers to consider that option. I guess if you have power there then a dehumidifier might mitigate. I'd prefer a breathable well-fitting car cover in the open barn. With several mousetraps scattered around. And take the car out for a drive as frequently as possible.
niva441 said:
I had my car in a council lock up with a metal roof. The car was always covered in the condensation dripping off the roof in cooler weather.
A friend has a similar problem, the council replaced the asbestos roof with a metal one and now it s really bad for condensation. Never had a problem before. This is the problem with the open barn, although it s great for air circulation the car is covered in dew overnight. I’m not sure how detrimental this is
A friend of mine had a lot of his stuff in a container all last winter. He's over the border in Cornwall.
Last winter was very, very wet down here, but all his stuff was fine due to:
1) Nothing goes in the container unless it's properly dry.
2) The container has a good floor and is raised on concrete supports, so no rising damp.
3) About £25 worth of 'chemical moisture remover' things
Barns, around here, often have damp floors. And open buildings in certain weather conditions you get as much dew as you do outside, both on your car and on the underside of the un-insulated roof. Your local climate may vary!
Personally, I think it's important to check things frequently.
Last winter was very, very wet down here, but all his stuff was fine due to:
1) Nothing goes in the container unless it's properly dry.
2) The container has a good floor and is raised on concrete supports, so no rising damp.
3) About £25 worth of 'chemical moisture remover' things
Barns, around here, often have damp floors. And open buildings in certain weather conditions you get as much dew as you do outside, both on your car and on the underside of the un-insulated roof. Your local climate may vary!
Personally, I think it's important to check things frequently.
Every time someone asks about storing a car in a shipper, the same replies about condensation are given.
Have any of you (except the poster above) actually stored a car in a shipper? I have, more than once. They re ventilated, and there s never a drop of moisture in there, winter or summer.
I know someone with an 5 acre garden and all his ride-ons, a quad, chainsaws, etc etc are stored in a container. They don t get wet.
I know of companies who offer long-term domestic storage. Those goods are all kept in shippers. A mate s company uses cardboard packaging extensively. All the new cardboard is stored in several 40 footers. Wouldn t be much use if it came out damp.
@OP, the shipper is by far your best option. The condensation thing is a myth.
Have any of you (except the poster above) actually stored a car in a shipper? I have, more than once. They re ventilated, and there s never a drop of moisture in there, winter or summer.
I know someone with an 5 acre garden and all his ride-ons, a quad, chainsaws, etc etc are stored in a container. They don t get wet.
I know of companies who offer long-term domestic storage. Those goods are all kept in shippers. A mate s company uses cardboard packaging extensively. All the new cardboard is stored in several 40 footers. Wouldn t be much use if it came out damp.
@OP, the shipper is by far your best option. The condensation thing is a myth.
Geertsen said:
What about putting the shipping container in the corner of the barn (in the orientation of those hay bales in the photo) and leaving the doors open. That would be very dry and nicely ventilated.
Won't stop the rats though, which is the bigger problem in any open barn type location.aeropilot said:
Geertsen said:
What about putting the shipping container in the corner of the barn (in the orientation of those hay bales in the photo) and leaving the doors open. That would be very dry and nicely ventilated.
Won't stop the rats though, which is the bigger problem in any open barn type location.Geertsen said:
aeropilot said:
Geertsen said:
What about putting the shipping container in the corner of the barn (in the orientation of those hay bales in the photo) and leaving the doors open. That would be very dry and nicely ventilated.
Won't stop the rats though, which is the bigger problem in any open barn type location.
ds are everywhere on farms.aeropilot said:
Geertsen said:
aeropilot said:
Geertsen said:
What about putting the shipping container in the corner of the barn (in the orientation of those hay bales in the photo) and leaving the doors open. That would be very dry and nicely ventilated.
Won't stop the rats though, which is the bigger problem in any open barn type location.ds are everywhere on farms.I’d personally put the car in a shipping container with a hygrometer which records humidity through the day and night to start with. If you find it’s damp then I’d change the plan.
I use TempPro branded ones and they record temperatures and humidity in a free app.
Obviously the container has the added benefit of increased security and protection from contamination (farm dust, bird droppings, etc).
I use TempPro branded ones and they record temperatures and humidity in a free app.
Obviously the container has the added benefit of increased security and protection from contamination (farm dust, bird droppings, etc).
Gassing Station | Classic Cars and Yesterday's Heroes | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff