280SL Storage, What's best routine

[n/a]

This is probably an easy one for you guys in eastern US or northern Europe.  

I'm fortunate enough to live in Calif. and can drive my SL year round.  Unfortunately I'm going to start an overseas assignment that will last two years and can't take car with me.  I'll be back every few months and can take the car out for a spin or longer drive.

The car will be in a garage and I will have a house sitter.  While I'd rather not have the house sitter drive the car I can if it will help keep it in shape.  What do you recommend in terms of preparation and storage?  What, if anything, should I have the house sitter do?

Look forward to your comments, many thanks.

Pete
69 280SL
4-speed

[n/a]

everyone has a different formula.

the suspension likes to be loaded, but the tires don't like it, some like jackstands with some weight to keep the suspension mostly loaded, either way, overinflate the tires, maybe 45 psi.

battery out, on a trickle charger, change all fluids (brake/clutch, oil and antifreeze), gas tank completely full, with stabalizer added, fresh coat of wax.

I like a bag of old fashioned charcoal, not the easy-light stuff, and a few containers of moth balls to keep all kinds of critters away, the charcoal helps absorb moisture, although some fancy garage places (nameless) charge excessively for a dessicant, basically a big bag of the same silica-gel type stuff that comes with electronics.

the car can certainly withstand the time without you, but clean, fresh engine oil, and full tank of gas go a long way to keeping it happy when you return.

-Lewis

66 230 sl 113042-10-016238
67 saab sonett II #43 of 258
00 saab 9-3 viggen conv
02 saab 9-5 aero

[erickmarciano]

put a little oil or wd40 in the cylinders from the spark plug holes and rotate the engine

1971 280sl
1962 VW
1954 Allstate vespa
1958 gs150 vespa
1962 gs160 vespa

[hauser]

As Lewis mentioned the mothballs are a great idea.  One way to do this is to use some type of womens stockings/pantyhose. Cut these to length add the mothballs and hang them around various areas in engine compartment.  As for the interior I like using  natural cedar blocks.

1969 280sl 5 spd        1999 ML320          Gainesville,Fl.

[graphic66]

Make sure you use a stabilizer in your fuel and keep the tank full. Also make sure it gets run into the injection pump. I would at least unhook the battery to keep the clock from running all that time. To be safest remove the battery. Double check your antifreeze. I think the convertible top up is the best way also to avoid shrinkage. Watch out for rodents, get some poison and use it. Nothing can really mess up a car like mice and rats. This in addition to the many other fine suggestions should get you through the "winter"

[Jonny B]

A couple of other suggestions. If storing in a garage with a concrete floor, lay down a sheet of plastic over the floor, there is a fair amount of moisture that can come through, and this will help deter that.

I also cover any intake openings and the exhaust tips with plastic wrap and then some aluminum foil or similar to hold it in place to prevent critters from crawling in.

Jonny B
1967 250SL Auto

[J. Huber]

Hey Ivory.

I have a much easier approach. Since I am also in California, why not bring it over! Not only will I drive it, it'll have a nice old stablemate to keep it company. I'll even wash and wax it free of charge!  

James
63 230SL

[A Dalton]

If stow is for long period  , it is a good idea to change the brake fluid.
 Fluid is hygroscopic and if the moisture is allowed to sit in one position, it can raise hell w/calipers and steel lines.
 After fluid change , you can tape the vent/s on the master to keep the new fluid from absorbing any further moisture,
 It is always a good idea to pump brakes on a stored vehicle , even if it is not started, but preferable to move it a few feet , back/forth with breaking....

[n/a]

Great stuff guys, thanks.  Are the critters a problem even here in LA or is it more of a rural issue?

[A Dalton]

quote:Originally posted by ivorysl

Great stuff guys, thanks.  Are the critters a problem even here in LA or is it more of a rural issue?

 The Critters in LA just take the whole car......

[graphic66]

It may help some for critters taking the whole car to remove the license plates while storing. A car with no plates can be a little harder to drive away unnoticed. I take the plates off my snowmobile trailer while storing just in case. Sometimes the police may notice a stolen vehicle driving away with no plates quicker than with them, maybee?

[rob walker]

What thoughts on using a carcoon/air chamber or similr.
I had the same challenge with a fully restored 1960 Alfa Giulietta Spider which was kept in a new reasonably dry garage in South Spain which had good ventilation.
I took all the precautions mentioned below, yet had significant surface corrosion on the alloy parts of the engine and items such as the pedal box started to stick requiring rebuilding and caliper pistons sticking.
I am now looking to purchase a 280SL which will be left in the garage for up to 3 months at a time and I am concerned about the same problems rising from the storage.
What experience have members had with the air chamber type of storage?
Regards Rob

Rob Walker

[Arjun]

forum at its best


Arjun
67 250sl
#2210

[Vince Canepa]

I'm a California native (from Santa Cruz).  The California climate is generally very forgiving. I would take out the battery.  Jack the car up and support the suspension under the outboard end of the lower control arms and rear axle.  That will keep the suspension mounts under compression and still protect the tires from flat spotting. Use the fuel stabilizer when you fill up with the last tank of fuel before layup.  Pull the plugs and squirt a bit of oil in the cylinders and spin the engine on the starter (pull the fuel pump fuse before cranking).  Change the coolant to make sure the anti-corrosion additive package is fresh.  Do as others have said to prevent rodent intrusion.  Other than that, corrosion should not be a problem unless your garage is along the coast.

Vince Canepa
1967 250SL
113.043-10-001543
568H Signal Red
116 Caviar MB-Tex