Winter storage

[n/a]

I am planning on  putting my 280SL into storage for the winter and wonder which mode is best. I should mention that I live on the west coast of Canada where the winters are wet but not particularly cold. It will be stored in an unheated garage with a breathable cover. Should it be stored with the hard top on, with the soft top up, or as a convertible? I am leaning to the second option but would value some input. Thanks
Larry Evans
1969 280SL standard (Mother of Pearl)

[Cees Klumper]

Soft top up will prevent it from shrinking. Also helps to keep little rodent-friends out of the car. Tires can flatten out when the car is left in the same position for months on end. Consider moving the car a couple of inches every week or two, or putting the car up on blocks. On the other hand - why not drive the car once every month or so, when the weather is ok, for maybe 50 miles each time? This may be the best precaution you can take. What do others think / do?

Cees Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic

[n/a]

I like to change oil before and after storage.  soft top is up, moth balls in car, maybe a packet of silica-gel type stuff/dessicant available from griots garage, and others....probably some cedar wouldn't be a bad idea....make sure the car is clean, suggest a coat of wax before and after storage, overinflate the tires a bit (maybe 40psi) to compensate for loss due to colder temps....remove batt, place on trickle charge...make sure coolant is up to the temps it will need to handle.

in the spring, drive gently for the first 100 miles or more.

on the west coast, where you don't have the salt issues we have on the east coast, I would be tempted to drive it every month or so...here on the east coast, I will not drive the car until I see many street sweepers, and we've had a few big rain storms to wash away the salt...baaad stuff.

-Lewis

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

[J. Huber]

Well, I agree with the "drive it once in a while philosophy." And before you all say, oh sure easy for a California guy to say (if you knew that part...) -- we actually get a little winter here in the Sierra foothills. But I still make a point of driving the car at least a couple times a month. As much to keep me sane as to keep the car happy.

James
63 230SL

[Jonny B]

One other thing to add, when parked, and cooled down and ready for the winter's sleep, put aluminum foil over the exhaust pipes and the air intake, again to keep the little critters out.

Jonny B
1967 250SL Auto

[graphic66]

I change the oil, change the fuel filter, check all fluid levels, grease chassis, put gasoline storage additive in the fuel and run it in the engine, fill the fuel tank to avoid condensation and to make it less volitale, put the top up, and open a bag of charcoal and set it in the car to act as a dessicant and air freshener. I leave the battery in and disconnect it and periodicaly hook it up and start the car, sometimes I have to charge the battery. Sometimes in the Northeast you can get out for an occasional drive, however most of the time it is to salty. The storage additive in the fuel, I have learned can help greatly in keeping varnish deposits from forming in the fuel system as the fuel left untreated will do. And above all, no matter what you think is in your cooling system, you must personally check your antifreeze with a high quality hydrometer, no one else can do this for you and you must do it before freezing wheather with no exceptions, the engines life you save may be yours. I also put my car cover on and keep a cat around to help with rodents. Moving the car definitly helps the tires, but ussually the first drive the car still shakes enough to scare you and then goes away.

[Jonny B]

Excellent points about the full fuel and stabilizer. I would also add another point I forgot earlier. Put down a plastic sheet under the car to prevent condensation coming through from the concret/floor.


Jonny B
1967 250SL Auto

[Malc]

Hi,
Agree with everything said. If you can let the cat in so much the better to keep the mice down, a major problem for me as I live in the sticks.
Smear alittle vaseline on the chrome to keep the rust at bay
If you have the time or equipment you may concider jacking the car up to get the tyres just off the ground. Take a load of the suspension, stops the tyres getting flat spots, and reminds you grease all the points under the car (fun of having a MGA) before going out again after the winter.
Remember to use axle stands in the correct places!
Finally take the car for a good long run before storing it to ensure the exhaust is good and hot to try and get rid of any water that maybe trapped in it.
Malc
Scotland