6 replies to this topic

[mk=john]

Hi
I will shortly probably be going to the USA to work and live, but want to leave my Mk1 Cooper here for at least 6 months before I ship it over.
It will be stored in my insulated brick garage, insulated doors, ceiling etc so basically like an other room. There is therefore no risk of weather affecting anything, and it will neve be too hot or too cold in there. It is also dust free and very clean.

During that time when it will not be used (or even started), I needto take precautions to ensure nothing deteriorates. Things I plan to do is as follows

• Put on an old set of wheels/tyres to protect the good ones (Cooper reverse rims/new tyres) so they dont develop flat spots.
• Pour a little engine oil in each engine cylinder so the piston rings dont rust to the linings
• Remove the battery
• Change engine oil when I return 6 months later to start the car's engine

Can anyone please help by letting me know if they have stored a mini for this long or longer, and if there is anything else I should do to protect my mini?

Thanks
John

[Bungle]

think i would jack the car up and leave on axel stands

unless you have some old tyres your not worried about

[mk=john]

Hi
I will get some old wheels/tyres, probably off Ebay. So I probably dont need to jack it up.

Is it worth draining the water from the engine?

[Jordie]

Id jack it up on stands and let the handbrake off.

[Bass Man]

Put your car in my living room and I'll come and live in your garage....

[Big_Adam]

Sounds odd but.

Big ass bowl of salt in the cabin. Salt will adsorb any moisture in the air helping to prevent rust.....problem is salt causes rust. So something like silica gel might be good.

Or just buy one of them moister extractor thingys......what they called.....ermm....DE-humidifier!

tis only an idea tho. Hope the move goes well tho.

[dklawson]

Hi John. In addition to what you're planning, and your weather conditions, and depending on how long it's been since the following were done....

1) Bleed the brakes (AND clutch) to put new fluid in the system.
2) Use stands as suggested above so you can leave the handbrake off (and not worry about tire flat spots).
3) If it's humid where you are, depress the clutch and have an assistant place a wooden wedge in position to hold the arm on the clutch cover "extended" so there's no chance the friction plate will rust to the flywheel.
4) I've heard arguments both ways regarding the antifreeze. For six months, I'd put in fresh fluid and leave it "wet".
5) The dehumidifier is a good idea. If it's not practical, leave the car in a locked garage under a dust cover, with the windows slightly open. Leaving them completely closed can result in mildew on the headliner and door cards.
6) The fuel system is another question. You MAY want to siphon out excess fuel. Then clamp the fuel lines closed, start the engine and run it until the float bowls are dry. This will minimize the chance old fuel will gum up the carbs or tank. On the other hand, if humidity is high in your area, leave the tank full for now... but run the float bowls dry as I mentioned.
7) Don't forget to wash and wax the car before storage and include a thorough cleaning of the interior.
8) Fresh oil changer BEFORE you leave for the U.S. Don't leave old oil in there during storage.
9) Leave a note for yourself on the dash reminding you of all the steps you need to "undo" when you are ready to restart the car.

10) When you DO bring the car to the U.S., make sure you have new DOT approved tires installed. We only have about three tire choices over here for 10" rims and you'll pay a premium for them. I suspect you'd pay less for a set of Yoko's over there than here.

Edited by dklawson, 19 March 2007 - 04:20 PM.