While
the Chevrolet Corvette has undergone many changes over the years, one thing has
remained solid – the love affair that classic car collectors have with this
ever-popular sports car. Today, many people have saved, restored and cherished
their Corvettes.
Although
it debuted in the 1950’s as a dream car, its popularity really took off in the
1960s, with the 1968-1982 models being some of the most popular. After all,
that’s when the Mako Shark II became the Manta Ray. It is this third generation
of Corvettes that many classic car collectors are still seeking today.
Whether
because of the unique body design, the fiber optic light monitoring system, the
vehicle safety features,
fast-back rear window, or what was believed to be 500 horsepower under the hood,
the Corvette has become more popular than ever. During that time, it was named
“Best Sports/GT Car,” and by 1977 the 500,000th Corvette had rolled off the
assembly line, showing just how popular this sports car had become.
Today,
many people still have Corvettes and need a way to safely store them for the
winter. If you don’t properly store your Corvette, it could be subject to a host
of problems from the inactivity, including rotting, mildew, rusting, brake
lock-up, and/or a dead battery.
If you
plan to store your Corvette for the winter, consider these tips:
•
Detail. Make sure the inside and outside are clean, and that the car has been
waxed. Use a vinyl dressing on the interior.
• Fill.
You will need to fill your cooling system with antifreeze that is appropriate
for the area in which you live. Also, use a silicone fluid to fill the master
cylinder.
• Spray.
Spray some WD 40 into the distributor cap and cylinder. Use silicone spray on
weatherstrips.
• Drain.
You will need to either drain your fuel system or make sure it is completely
full.
•
Remove. The battery should be removed, cleaned up and stored properly, at room
temperature, if possible.
•
Include. Put open boxes of baking soda, as well as some moth balls, into the
vehicle. This will help combat moisture, smells, moths and mice.
• Other
options. Many people choose to jack the car up for additional protection, as
well as removing the wheels and tires. If you remove the wheels, you can clean
and store them on cardboard on the floor. You should also place a pan under the
transmission, if you have an automatic.
• Get
insured. Some
cheap car insurance companies
vary in the protection they offer your stored vehicle. Make sure yours is
properly protected against theft, vandalism and other acts.
Taking
these steps each winter may seem a little daunting, at first. But most people
who have older Corvettes love the opportunity to do this to extend the life of
the vehicle even longer, making it well worth the time they put in.