DIY Network

1962 Ford Thunderbird: Long-Term Storage Tips From "Classic Car Restoration" episode DCR-302

	Kevin Tetz of paintucation.com offers some pro's tips on long-term storage of classic vehicles.
	Kevin Tetz advises Steve on "pickling" a car -- using spefific automotive fluids that will be of benefit for long-term storage.

In this segment, host Steve Magnante is joined by auto-restoration expert Kevin Tetz for some pro-tips for the long-term storage and "resurrection" of automobiles.

Materials

Fuel stabilizer
Antifreeze
Engine oil and oil-filter
DOT-5 brake fluid
Spray lubricant

Note: This is a summary of steps included in the automotive restoration procedures shown in this episode of Classic Car Restoration. These are general guidelines for restoration procedures on this particular make and model of vehicle, and for the level of restoration selected for this project. There may be variations in procedures depending on model, condition of vehicle, level of restoration undertaken and the types of replacement parts or upgrade kits selected. Always follow proper safety precautions, and read and follow manufacturer's guidelines, diagrams and safety notices that come with any replacement parts or kit that you select.

Safety Alert: Always wear eye protection when working with power tools or pneumatic tools.

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Kevin Tetz is an expert when it comes to auto restoration. Here are some of his tips for pickling a vehicle prior to long-term storage -- i.e., preparing the car's fluids for the period of "hibernation."

• Gasoline will eventually go bad, and an empty gas-tank will rust over time, so when putting a vehicle into storage, add a fuel stabilizer (figures A and B) to a full tank of gas. This will prevent your tank from gelling or your gasoline from deteriorating. Storing the car with a full tank will help prevent possibility of water condensation within the tank, which would cause rusting. After you've added the fuel stabilizer, run the engine for a few minutes to make sure that the fuel and stabilizer are well-mixed.

  Figure A

  Figure B

  
  

  	Figure C
  	Figure D
  	Figure E
  	Figure F

• To protect your radiator and cooling system, make sure that you have at least a 50-50 mixture of antifreeze (figure C) to water in your cooling system. This will help lubricate and corrosion-protect the internal cooling passages of your engine and radiator. In extremely cold-climate storage situations, it will also help prevent your engine block from freezing and cracking.

  Tip: To add the proper mixture, empty half of an antifreeze container, then add water to fill the container back to the top. With the lid on, shake the solution to ensure mixing, then add the 50-50 mix via your radiator. To avoid spillage, orient the bottle and pour the antifreeze from the side of the bottle rather than the front.

• Do an engine-oil change just before placing the car into storage. Old oil can contain acids, metal particles and possibly moisture. These contaminates can settle in the engine and cause damage. Replace the oil filter as well.

• Replace the brake fluid also, and be sure to use DOT-5 fluid. DOT-5 brake fluid (figure D) is more durable and stands up over time better than ordinary brake fluid. Ordinary DOT-3 will actually absorb atmospheric water over time and introduce moisture, condensation and rusting inside the brake lines and wheel cylinders.

• Spray lubricant offers a proactive method for preventing corrosion inside your distributor cap. Simply pop off the distributor cap and give the contact points a light misting of lubricant (figure E). The lubricant displaces moisture and will protect the points from corrosion.

• Finally, it's important to remove the battery from a vehicle (figure F) prior to putting it into storage. Most batteries will eventually leak acid which will corrode the battery tray and surrounding areas. Also, leaving the battery connected maintains an electrolytic connection which accelerates corrosion over time. Remove the battery from the vehicle and store it in a safe location outside the car.

  DIY Myth-Buster: The notion that storing a battery on a concrete surface will make it lose charge faster is a myth. Store batteries in any safe, secured location.
  

RESOURCES :

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Trouble-Free Car Care
Author: Dan Ramsey
ISBN: 0028635833
Alpha Books

Auto Repair for Dummies
Author: Deanna Sclar
ISBN: 0764550896

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Car Care and Repair Illustrated
0028644328
Dan Ramsey
(December 2002)
To order this title from Amazon, click here.
Alpha Books

GUESTS :

Kevin Tetz
paintucation.com
Paintucation.com specialized in automotive body, paint and restoration services and instructional restoration videos.