WINTERIZATION & LONG-TERM STORAGE
Many Model A’s are being sold or passed down to relatives unfamiliar with winterizing their family-treasured Model A’s. This leads to cracked blocks, gunked-up gas tanks, stuck water pumps, and many more problems.
Here are some tips from our members to pass along to those new Model A owners.
For long-term storage.
1. Use a battery maintainer to keep the battery charged or remove and store in a warm location.
2. Drain the radiator or use antifreeze to prevent freezing and cracking of the engine block.
3. Drain the gas tank and run the car until it stops. Can also use STA-BIL gas stabilizer if not storing for a long period of time.
4. If possible, put the car on jackstands or dollies to prevent flat
spots on the tires. Alternatively, (if it has gas and antifreeze) start the car, bring it up to temperature, and move it a bit. If able, you can also take out of gear, disengage the parking brake and push the car backwards or forwards a bit (remember to re-set the parking brake.
5. If it's an open car, store it with the top up to reduce the chance of shrinking or getting wrinkles set into the top and to deter mice from nesting in it. Use a suitable cover for the car.
6. Leave windows partially down to allow for a little ventilation.
7. Use Irish Spring soap to deter rodents from setting up their home in the car seats. There are also numerous humane mouse traps and determinants on the market which can be place around the car.
Many Model A’s are being sold or passed down to relatives unfamiliar with winterizing their family-treasured Model A’s. This leads to cracked blocks, gunked-up gas tanks, stuck water pumps, and many more problems.
Here are some tips from our members to pass along to those new Model A owners.
For long-term storage.
1. Use a battery maintainer to keep the battery charged or remove and store in a warm location.
2. Drain the radiator or use antifreeze to prevent freezing and cracking of the engine block.
3. Drain the gas tank and run the car until it stops. Can also use STA-BIL gas stabilizer if not storing for a long period of time.
4. If possible, put the car on jackstands or dollies to prevent flat
spots on the tires. Alternatively, (if it has gas and antifreeze) start the car, bring it up to temperature, and move it a bit. If able, you can also take out of gear, disengage the parking brake and push the car backwards or forwards a bit (remember to re-set the parking brake.
5. If it's an open car, store it with the top up to reduce the chance of shrinking or getting wrinkles set into the top and to deter mice from nesting in it. Use a suitable cover for the car.
6. Leave windows partially down to allow for a little ventilation.
7. Use Irish Spring soap to deter rodents from setting up their home in the car seats. There are also numerous humane mouse traps and determinants on the market which can be place around the car.