12 replies to this topic

[pbeardmore]

Hi,

Just purchased a 94 Mini Sprite with 24,000 on clock. Plan to try to keep it original and just use it in the Summer. Any tips on how best to store it. Luckily I have garage space,
thanks

[Ethel]

On axle stands 'n a trickle charger.

Wash it first and keep it well aired.

[pbeardmore]

Thanks for that, what about fluids, should I drain the rad?

[Ethel]

No, a proper dose of fresh antifreeze will be the best protection, it inhibits rust too. I'm sure others will have lots of tips too.

There's a couple of basic tactics, either run it regularly or go for a full hibernation.

[minisilverbullet]

I just drive mine in, disconnect the battery, recharge and reconnect in spring and drive out!

Nothing to special to do!

Though I guess it depends on the actually garage, is it heated and dry?

[Beej123]

Leave the handbrake off too and spin the wheels once a month

[tiger99]

And, press the barke pedal fully a few times every time you visit the car to try to prevent siezed calipers and wheel cylinders. Same for the clutch.

[pbeardmore]

thanks for all the advice, garge is part of house so warm and dry

[minisilverbullet]

You can buy a moisture absorber, its large version of those little absorber sachets you get when you buy shoes. I know some people use a tray of cat litter.

On the animal subject, some mouse traps, will stop the little fellas, making nests in then mini and eating your wires.

I like to keep mine on the ground as you do get some rare dry and sunny winter days when i take the mini out.

[pbeardmore]

is storing on axle stands to preserve the tyres, suspection or both? I may need access to bits and pieces in the garage and already I can hear my wife complaining as I reach for the wrench to put the wheels back on.so I can wheel her out.

[Ethel]

Tyres mostly, also lets the air circulate better. It'd be sat on its suspension if it wasn't stored anyway, so it it can't be any worse off stored. You wouldn't have to remove the wheels, or you could knock together a dolly on castors and make moving it about even easier.

[MaxAndPaddy]

We have ours on a trickle charger so the alarms stay in use, then we start them up at least once a week for 15/20mins and on the odd good day reverse them in and out/pootle them up the drive a few times

Plus grease up all the bits you can get to underneath, and vaseline around door frames/lights/webasto and all other bits you worry about (which is most of them)

Ours winter well locked away as long as we keep them ticking over

[minisilverbullet]

A trickle charger would be a good idea solely for the purpose of the alarm actually.

Though saying that my garage is actually under the house; actually directly under our bedroom.

What is the purpose of the vaseline?