[C7Hotrod]

Any member tips on storing my C7 for a long winter's night? Wondering about what sort of charger (USB?) I should use, since I didn't option anything and it will be cold storage with an almost full tank? Is it best to plug in through an inside connection or under the hood? Searched back threads and found some comments on cold storage, but none really addressed this. I've stored other vehicles and have always used cardboard or wood planks under the tires. Flat cardboard sheets can even absorb moisture under the car. I don't start them in the garage, as I think just warming it up doesn't help it. If the low profile tires are prone to flat spots, I could frame support it, but would rather not. I'll plug the exhaust and lower the windows slightly sometime soon. Probably will also put some sort of breathable cover on it, but I do have the shipping wrap it came with.

Good news - found some more info under the "Stingray Owners Logbook" thread on connection points that looks useful.

 

[jsvette]

Look into getting a CTEK 3300 and then use the accessory outlet your C7 has built in the right rear of the trunk. It is designed for that. The one in the dash is not live when the car is off. Run the wires from the maintainer out over the rubber gasket at the rear of the trunk and close the trunk as normal. Plug it and forget it. Add Sta-bil to your full gas tank. Bring up your tire pressures. Many people find putting Downy dryer sheets in and around your car (including under the hood) a very effective means of anti rodent practice. I would not leave your parking brake set. I am sure others will have additional suggestions to add. Best of luck.

 

[mjw930]

Invest in tire cradles, they are the only tire flatspot preventer that has been independently certified to work, they hold the patent and I can tell you from personal experience they work.

http://www.tirecradle.com/index_tc.html


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[Chip]

Your right about falling into the trap of going out to start and run the car for short periods of time. It will not help your car in any way. On the other hand, a 30 min. drive on a dry clear day will help keep everything in good condition. If you are able to do this make sure to use the defroster during some of that drive as that will cause the AC-compressor to power up and work its internal seals.

 

[Chip]

If you have any additional helpful storage items to add to this thread, please add them.

 

[glen e]

Carpet square under tires, increase # to 40
Milk carton size of damp-rid in front seat - avail at lowes
Coat of your fav wax- collinite 845 is indestructible
Wipe down all the interior with good plastic/ leather protectant--303 or Poor boys natural look are good ones

 

[Grandsport]

Your right about falling into the trap of going out to start and run the car for short periods of time. It will not help your car in any way. On the other hand, a 30 min. drive on a dry clear day will help keep everything in good condition. If you are able to do this make sure to use the defroster during some of that drive as that will cause the AC-compressor to power up and work its internal seals.

I will do my best to follow those instructions!

 

[C7Hotrod]

Great - I now have a bunch of ideas to try out - Thanks everyone for your thoughts on this.

 

[zimm888]

How soon can flat spots occur on low profiles?

I store another vehicle without doing anything to the tires but they are 50 profile and a lightweight car

 

[elegant]

In the winter, my Z06 (low, low profile tires) typically sits for three weeks at a time -- waiting for a nice, above 40 degree day, and never had a problem. Once, after major surgery, it had to sit for six weeks and even then never had a problem.

 

[edvossen]

Do not use the transport cover. Harsh material and you will scratch you finish. This cover is meant for factory transport only.


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[Jims-c7]

Do not use the transport cover. Harsh material and you will scratch you finish. This cover is meant for factory transport only.


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You are so correct. Mine stayed at the dealers. I told them to pitch it.


Cyber Grey, Born Oct. 29, 2LT, Nav, Auto, Z51 Spoiler.

 

[elegant]

Originally it was stated by many, based on what was known at that time, that it was reusable. As posted above, that is incorrect. Several have found that during the transport process, tiny grains or sand or bigger, got behind the cover and between it and the body. Incredibly difficult to find and remove them and so re-use could cause significant body damage.

We have learned that it is not a product to be re-used!

 

[GaryH]

Hi. About the flat spots on the tires,I live 400 miles north of Toronto Ontario and stored my Porsche Boxter from October to May every year for 5 years and always just sat on the cement floor and never had flat spots.I don't think flat spots are a problem.

 

[rdslon01]

Maybe this is a completely ignorant question, but what is wrong with putting the car's wheels an inch off the ground by supporting the car on jack stands over the winter?

 

[glen e]

Maybe this is a completely ignorant question, but what is wrong with putting the car's wheels an inch off the ground by supporting the car on jack stands over the winter?

no problem, but completely unnecessary...

if I was storing for the winter I would be storing with a bit more air in the tires and that's it..... Because there will be some day in the winter period, unless maybe you are in Fairbanks or Canada - that will be nice and dry - maybe cold, but it can be driven...and I'd take it out for an hour to keep everything working. Then I would come back and give it a 7 MF rinseless wash and wait for the next dry day, and do it again...

 

[mjw930]

Hi. About the flat spots on the tires,I live 400 miles north of Toronto Ontario and stored my Porsche Boxter from October to May every year for 5 years and always just sat on the cement floor and never had flat spots.I don't think flat spots are a problem.

It all depends on the tires. With most high performance tires going to a nylon based belt system away from steel they flat spot a lot quicker. The Re-11's on my Boxster will flat spot overnight if I put the car away with hot tires on the cold cement garage floor and that's in Florida. The Conti's on my Cayenne never flat spotted. Michelin high performance tires are notorious for flat spotting due to the material they use in their belts.


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[Joeguzski]

Has anyone heard of LDB Performance? (tirecradle.com) They have a product called Tire Cradles designed for winter or long term storage. These cradles keep the tires from getting flat spots. Does anyone own these products? Do they really work? Joe

 

[jsvette]

Has anyone heard of LDB Performance? (tirecradle.com) They have a product called Tire Cradles designed for winter or long term storage. These cradles keep the tires from getting flat spots. Does anyone own these products? Do they really work? Joe

Some of my friends who store over the winter swear by the tirecradle, while others simply increase the air pressure and that is all they do, and others put the wheels on Styrofoam. Since these are bespoke Michelin tires it might be worth some experimenting to see what is necessary, if anything, to prevent flat spotting.

 

[C7Hotrod]

Do not use the transport cover. Harsh material and you will scratch you finish. This cover is meant for factory transport only.


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Thanks for that - not using it now. I did increase tire pressure to 40psi and will be getting some Downy sheets today for inside. Also going to look for Collinite 845 wax, to check it out.