Anybody else planning to let you G hibernate for the winter?
are there any preparations that needs to be done?
do you think a car cover needed if it is park underground?

I've only got 1800km on my coupe since I just got it end of october...this is probably the last week I will be driving it since it won't be snowing this week.

 

Just bought a 2000 Neon LX ($6K for a fully loaded 57Kkm beater isn't too bad eh?[img]/w3timages/icons/smile.gif[/img])....and I am planning to leave my G in my underground parking too.
What I will do is put a car cover on to keep it clean, and move the car at least once a month to prevent a flat spot on the tires.

Off topic: My $6K Neon's stock in-dash CD changer act much quicker than my $46K G35...........and the mid-range is better too...........>o<"


Grounding Kit
GruppeM Intake (ETA: late Nov... [img]/w3timages/icons/frown.gif[/img])
Fujitsubo Cat-back + Y-pipe (On order)
19" NISMO LM GT4 (On order)

 

guess I will go to Canadian Tire this weekend and try to find a nice cheap car cover.

Are you going to wash it before putting it away? what annoys me the most is how the lower part of the trunk and rear bumper seems to collect a lot of dirt.
after driving it in the rain, you get a little spray on the fenders, but the back is what really kills me...

anyway... I plan to visit her about once a week to take a spin around the garage =P

when did you guys have your first oil change etc?

 

Mine is put away in my garage with a car cover. It is amazing how much dust accumulates just sitting in your garage. I ordered my car cover from Grubbs Infiniti in Texas. I put my stock rims back on it for now so that I can clean the Maya's real good for next spring.

The first oil change that I did was at 1000km at a quick lube place because I was told that it is best to do it then to remove any metal filings from the initial break in. I don't know if it is neccessary, but I did it anyway.

It was sad to put her away, but I think it is best not to drive it in the evil white stuff.


Silverstone 6MT Maya DTM 20's

 

Join the club for "waiting for spring to arrive"
The best place to store any car in the winter is a warm dry spot, away from the elements. Car covers are optional in that environment and would just be used to minimize the amount of dust on or in the car.
What I've done to store the G this winter is to change the oils in the engine, transmission(optional), rear end(optional). The engine oil is most important, as that is where the most corrosive acids can collect. Pump up the tire pressure to maximum(check sidewalls) and clean and dress the tires with some tire protectant. Clean and condition the leather seats. Get all the dirt and stains out of the carpets and floor mats. Store the floor mats in the trunk for the winter. Get a nice smelling air freshener and let it hang. Wash and wax the exterior, if needed, and make the wheels sparkle and protect with your choice of stuff.(I use Turtle wax only because I had some of it left over and it works great on the RV) Get some rubber sealant/lubricant and coat ALL the rubber seals on the doors, trunk, hood, sunroof, and anywhere else you can find.
*Important* .... open the windows at least a 1/2" on each side before disconnecting the battery. (car covers are nice for this) Otherwise when you connect the battery in the spring the windows will try and raise that 1/4".
Disconnect the negative terminal from the battery or remove the battery, your choice. I've had the battery out once and I'm not thrilled about doing it again. Once a month, attach a trickle charger to the battery and charge it up to 13 volts. If its at 13 volts, check it again next month. No need to move the car once stored, as the new tires don't set flat spots, as the old bias plys did. There may be a rough spot on the tire in the spring till the tires warm up and it will disappear. At no time during storage, start the car unless your willing to run it to hot running temp. If you do, the moisture/condensation will be in the oil and any unburned hydrocarbons are going to create those nasty corrosive acids in your oil again.
I've stored many a sport car in the past and after many reads of forums and advice from car restorers and collectors, this is the best and least problem way to store a car for the winter. In the spring it's just a quick wash and air freshener replacement and on the road for a cruise.

In the spring I'm looking at the possibiliies of removing the fuel pump fuse and prelubing the engine with oil before starting. It does make sense to me at least. I'll post my findings in the spring.

2003 G35 6MT
Desert Platnium
Willow Interior
Mods:
splash guards
MING paint protection
Clear bra

 

My goodness AltaLad...you should write a book on "How To Store Your Ride For The Winter." [img]/w3timages/icons/smile.gif[/img]

Great detail man, I'm sure some on this forum are way too lazy to even do half the stuff you mentioned. Good work on the research and experience nontheless. Thanks!


It's still a G thang!!

 

Rumble
"Great detail man, I'm sure some on this forum are way too lazy to even do half the stuff you mentioned. Good work on the research and experience nontheless. Thanks!"

LOL ... maybe I should cut back on the coffee in the morning
But your right it is a lot of info to digest, let alone complete for the average G owner. I just wanted to make the point of helping people understand that it's a bad idea to run their G's in winter storage and wound up writing a novel ...... go figure?


2003 G35 6MT
Desert Platnium
Willow Interior
Mods:
splash guards
MING paint protection
Clear bra

 

Thanks for the insight... it's good to know the things I could be doing to store my G correctly.

but on the other hand, how much of this is would you say is necessary? keeping in mind that we only need to store the car for 3 months - 4 months max.

should I worry about changing my oil with only 1900km?

 

I've been told by friends that store their classic car to make sure the gas tank is full and to add fuel stabilizer if you are not planning to run the motor at all. Gasoline tends to turn into a "varnish" like liquid that might cause harm to your motor upon start up.
Also about leaving your windows open, I beleive that there is a product that keeps the moisture out of the air in the interior of your car. If you have ever bought a new pair of running shoes, a small packet of this "stuff" is sometimes included. I think that it is available at your local drug store? You will have to check into that yourself fluffydot.
Fuel stabilizer is available at Cdn Tire. I use it when I'm storing the lawnmower or the snowblower.
Have you replaced your original oil yet? It wouldn't hurt to replace it with fresh oil before you store your G. I replaced mine @ 1500km and then every 5000km( synthetic).
I hope this helps out a little.

35BILLS

 

Post deleted by geobau

 

I do/did exactly what AltaLad said except for the llub on the rubber seals...since I'll only keep this car for about 4 years I don't think it will be a problem.

I don't have access to the car during winter(I put a old rusted 78 lincoln continental without tires in front of the garage door so that nobody can get in) so I hope the battery will still be good next spring...