Tips for storing a car long term

[benjj]

Hello chaps,

I've finally found somewhere to store the Citroen long term. It is a warehouse that is secure but is not 100% airtight or dry (after the recent storms there were puddles of water on the floor.)

The car, however, will be stored at the back in the dry part - I had a good look around the area and it did indeed seem to be well away from where any water/weather can get in. There would be no wind to cause a car cover to flap around or grind on the paintwork.

So, how do I best go about storing the car? I will be using it every couple of weeks to maintain the battery, fluids/lubrication etc and keep it running sweetly.

I suppose what I really want to know is whether I bite the bullet and buy a Carcoon or whether there are other options. I am sure some kind of cover is required. The facility is not mine so I would not be able to install a dehumidifier.

Any suggestions or tips greatly appreciated. I've never stored a car before and I've just spend a king's ransom in restoring this car (inc full glass out respray) so I want it to be kept somewhere safe and cosy...

I recall many years ago my father had a kind of tent that covered his Morgan a little bit like this. Wondering if that may be a solution.

[MikeyT]

If you're using it every couple of weeks I'd just park it in there with some kind of soft cover - it this isn;t going to get damp.

If more longer term, jack it up so the wheels are off the ground, bit of wood on the clutch pedal etc - coat of wax on the chrome bits .. the usual stuff. Window half an inch open etc ...

[benjj]

Thanks Mikey.

I've just spoken to Carcoon about a fully opaque Veloce - they can do it to order so I must say I am swinging that way. Citroens aren't known for their rust resistance!

[mph]

benjj said:

Thanks Mikey.

I've just spoken to Carcoon about a fully opaque Veloce - they can do it to order so I must say I am swinging that way. Citroens aren't known for their rust resistance!

If you've spent thousands on the car it makes sense to invest a few hundred pounds in a carcoon.

It will deteriorate under a conventional cover.

[dave de roxby]

Evidently, you need plenty of bricks!!



..and a watering can??

Edited by dave de roxby on Sunday 14th August 10:42

[gf15]

Carcoon..........1 damp related repair will justify the carcoon / battery conditioner. Your question should be; Indoor carcoon or outdoor carcoon?

[Ant2000]

If your rallying you wouldnt be intrested in purchasing a couple of manual DS21 very low mileage boxs as spares perhaps?

[benjj]

Possibly interested, depending on price

Drop me a PM with what you want for them. Cheers.

Ben

[Dogwatch]

dave de roxby said:

Evidently, you need plenty of bricks!!



..and a watering can??

Edited by dave de roxby on Sunday 14th August 10:42

I would have thought that was more 1938 than 1958 - the car pictured certainly looks to be pre-war. In 1958 laying up for the winter was much like where the manual choke is now, familiar to older people but completely foreign to most drivers.

[velocemitch]

benjj said:

Possibly interested, depending on price

Drop me a PM with what you want for them. Cheers.

Ben

If you have the same experience as me rallying it you would be best advised to buy as many spare bits as you can, I never seem to do an event now without knocking something off it somewhere

There are very few rally cars that stay pristine or very long