I am planning to park the delta for an unknown, but lengthy amount of time. I dont drive it at all since I bought my new car. I dont really want to sell the delta, and let someone ELSE enjoy it either.

What kind of things can I do to preserve its current state of health?

I want to keep the finish looking good, since its a sexy lookin car, so is a car cover a good idea? It will be sitting outside, exposed to the elements.

I want the keep the engine in good running order, so should I start it from time to time? I know I will want to unhook the battery, because its already gone dead on me twice from sitting a month at a time.

Should I jack it up and block the suspension, so there is no weight on the tires to cause the tire to develop flat spots?

Should I use fuel stabilizer? Full tank of gas, or empty it? I dont want rotten fuel, I've had experience with a car that did... Nasty.

I've never had a car I've needed to store before, so I may be overlooking more important things aswell.

I stored a car once when I went to Germany for three years. I think that the car cover will be a good idea, just make sure that it is made of a material that will dry out easy and not stay wet on the car for long. That could cause mold and mildew to build up. Also, I would make sure that the car is very clean on the inside so you are sure that nothing will stink when you are ready to uncover. I tried the blocks, the tires didn't get flat spots, but they rotted out and I still had to rplace them. Good luck.

this should do it



TOC Admin
Brando

that thing is awesome...but i would definitely use a fuel stabilizer, and if you are lifting the car off the ground, take the wheels off and store them...i made the mistake with my classic mustang, and i had to buy all new tires...the all dry rotted!!!
i did use a fuel stabilizer tho, and she fired right up...had it out tuesday, for the first time since last september...i was a happy guy!!!
lol

as far as fuel stabilizers go, use seafoam. If you have a bottle of sta-bil, throw it away. That junk is useless. A 16 gallon tank of fuel will take a few years to get bad enough so that it wont start. Store it full, less room for air and moisture to get in.

Long term storage is not good for any car.


Always a good idea. Cotton is best. If it's not cotton, make sure it is not waterproof.


Not a good idea.


For short term storage, yes. About once a month. While you have it running, take it out for a 30 minute drive, including a few highway miles. Attending local Cruises and Shows, are good ways to keep it in shape.


If it was connected, look for a current draw that shouldn't be there. If is was not, it needs to be replaced.


For long term storage, yes. Just put stands under it. Have the tires dismounted and sell/give them to someone who can get some use out of them, before they rot.


Flat spots were characteristic of nylon bias plys. Regardless, they will be gone within a few minutes of driving.


Long term, drain it along with all the other fluids.


I have more experience with long term, than short term storage.


http://www.oldsconnection.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=890

Longterm, I would use a cotton car cover in a climate controlled garage.

Norm

Why would you drain fluids for long term storage?

Car stereo. The system doesnt draw much, but enough to kill a battery in a month. I might remove the batteries and keep them in the basement, putting a charge on every few months.

If it was not in storage, why would you change them on a regular schedule?

Norm