Proper Winter Storage - 2003-04 Mach 1 Registry Owners Club

BlueLineMach1 · 10-19-2010, 11:25 PM

Hey all. I searched around on here quickly and out in google land and found lots of tips for storage. I figured I'd share what I found, and also see if anyone wants to myth bust some of them or tell better avenues you've found to properly store your mach.

I live in Michigan. Luckily, my brother just bought a sweet house with a third stall garage, and I was all over that thing for storage. So, if anyone wants to leave me tips for that in particular, I'd appreciate it.

My main concerns are fuel storage, thinking a full dose of fuel stablizer and a full tank will be good. Secondly, is battery life.... I plan to visit and start the car once a week, until warmed up, but wonder if I need to take the battery out in between to trickle charge? And my 3rd major concern is, is it really necessary to put the car up on blocks? A small concern is should I still buy a cover to prevent dust buildup? Thanks!

A couple tips I found:

http://www.international-auto.com/af...orage-tips.cfm

http://www.automedia.com/Vehicle_Sto...cr20010601sv/1

http://www.musclecarclub.com/library/show/storage.shtml

311-420 · 10-20-2010, 01:47 AM

I would def put it on stands, unless you want to risk flat spotting the tires.
Starting/warming it periodically is another good idea too along with a fuel stabilizer and trickle charger.

C-dub · 10-20-2010, 07:49 AM

just got my mach after being stored for 2 years and would say to make sure you cycle the fuel pump every once in a while. mine went out on me from sitting and there are plenty of people with the same issue after storage. while doing this you could cycle the a/c and heat controls to keep the a/c pump from freezing up. get her up on stands and keep her covered, if you can do the full "bag"type cover where it coveres the whole car would be best. do the best to deter mice, moth balls, irish spring soap anything you can do. staybil or sea foam in a full tank of gas. trickle charge or remove the battery. leave doors and windows closed but not sealed to keep weather strip in good shape. also a good protectant on all rubber. change oil before and after storage.

73mach03 · 10-20-2010, 08:53 AM

Look into a product called "Fresh Cab" to put in your car or in the garage to discourage any mice.

mach 2 · 10-20-2010, 09:48 AM

I would use a battery tender to maintain the battery, and moth balls around the outside and under the car will discourage rodents.

Jeff

Bossman · 10-20-2010, 11:07 AM

In my opinion yuor better off NOT starting the car at all as you will never get the car warmed up properly to dry out the exhaust. A full tank of stabilzed gas, pull the battery and put it in the basement or trickle charge if left in the car. I have had good luck over inflating the tires by about 5-6 PSI rather than jack stands to prevent flat spots.

GRB60 · 10-21-2010, 01:53 PM

I agree with Bossman. DON'T start the car unless you will drive it 20 miles or so. Anything less and you're hurting more than helping. A full tank with stabilizer will keep condensation from forming in the tank and keep the fuel fresh over the winter. Keep a tender on battery while in the car or in a warm place.
Radial tires will not be damaged from sitting. You may feel a slight flat spot but it will be gone after a few miles on the road.
Clean the inside and put a cover on it.

Mach351 · 10-21-2010, 02:07 PM

i tried Irish Spring as a mouse repellent and the bastids ate it.

BlueLineMach1 · 10-21-2010, 02:50 PM

Thanks everyone. Some conflicting ideas, but im sure they each have their strong points. I know I stored a car one winter before and it sat under a cover, covered in snow. I never started it and it awoke like a champ the next spring. I'll prob do the same with this one. That would be much easier to cover it and let it be for the winter. Guess we'll see if that was a bad decision.

73mach03 · 10-21-2010, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mach351

i tried Irish Spring as a mouse repellent and the bastids ate it.

They didn't eat mine, but that, moth balls, dryer sheets and just about everything else failed until I tried "Fresh Cab".

MachWonGuy · 10-21-2010, 07:41 PM

How many people cycle their fuel pump during winter storage? That the first I have heard of that being an issue.
Generally I make sure the tank is full of fuel, pop the hood to take the pressure off the shaker seal, pull the keys and cover it up. Couple times throughout the winter I will put the battery on charge. Been temped to disconnect and remove the battery for the winter but haven't done it yet. Also have ahalf a dozen mouse traps around the garage that get checked regulary

C-dub · 10-21-2010, 08:11 PM

granted morgana was in slumber for 2 years. the tank was full w/ fuel stablizer in it. when i got her out of hibernation the pump was siezed. there are many links that i have found that people posted thier pumps siezed in one winter, but i know mine siezed over 2 years. i have had no issue in the past storing her from nov- end of march. i know when i store her for the winter i will drop the batt in and cycle the fuel and a/c compressor with out starting the car once a month or so, but when i deploy again i wont have this option.

03mach1 · 10-22-2010, 12:41 PM

Please Do a search on here, we have discussed this many times, since some of us have to store our vehicles in the winter.....

Been storing cars for almost 20 years, never had a problem with them starting.

I always remove the battery (Still original from 2003, charge once a month in the basement on a piece of wood),
Stabil and SeaFoam in the tank.
Tire Pressure about 41,
Good cleaning and wax job,
park the wheels on carpet covered plywood pieces,
plastic under the car,
nylon car cover....let it sit.

Never have started them, like they said, unless you can get the whole thing up to temp, but then when it cools down, it can condense and cause moisture issues around the engine (aluminum corrosion, etc..) if its cold out.

http://www.mach1registry.org/forums/...winter+storage

http://www.mach1registry.org/forums/...winter+storage

http://www.mach1registry.org/forums/...winter+storage

http://www.mach1registry.org/forums/...winter+storage

http://www.mach1registry.org/forums/...winter+storage

Mach351 · 10-22-2010, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 73mach03

They didn't eat mine, but that, moth balls, dryer sheets and just about everything else failed until I tried "Fresh Cab".

moth balls didn't work here either.

used poison too, but if the location is somewhere you can't get to every few days to do clean-up it creates worse issues.

it's good to hear someone has found something that works. all the other stuff is bunk.

BlueLineMach1 · 10-22-2010, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueLineMach1

I searched around on here quickly and out in google land

I did search. Typed in a few different phrases and found diddly.

My bad if it was under my nose. Thanks for the info/links.

10-19-2010, 11:25 PM	#1
BlueLineMach1 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: In my mach... duh Posts: 399	Proper Winter Storage Hey all. I searched around on here quickly and out in google land and found lots of tips for storage. I figured I'd share what I found, and also see if anyone wants to myth bust some of them or tell better avenues you've found to properly store your mach. I live in Michigan. Luckily, my brother just bought a sweet house with a third stall garage, and I was all over that thing for storage. So, if anyone wants to leave me tips for that in particular, I'd appreciate it. My main concerns are fuel storage, thinking a full dose of fuel stablizer and a full tank will be good. Secondly, is battery life.... I plan to visit and start the car once a week, until warmed up, but wonder if I need to take the battery out in between to trickle charge? And my 3rd major concern is, is it really necessary to put the car up on blocks? A small concern is should I still buy a cover to prevent dust buildup? Thanks! A couple tips I found: http://www.international-auto.com/af...orage-tips.cfm http://www.automedia.com/Vehicle_Sto...cr20010601sv/1 http://www.musclecarclub.com/library/show/storage.shtml __________________ 2003 AB Mustang Mach 1 K&N intake Borla Catback 03' Cobra Front Bumper 3/4" Spacer Custom Painted Rear Panel and Tailights

10-20-2010, 01:47 AM	#2
311-420 Can't be bridled Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 7,006	Re: Proper Winter Storage I would def put it on stands, unless you want to risk flat spotting the tires. Starting/warming it periodically is another good idea too along with a fuel stabilizer and trickle charger. __________________ 2004 Mach 1 #6956 5spd w/IUP Eaton swap, longtubes, built 3.73 SRA 452hp/409tq dynojet🏁

10-20-2010, 07:49 AM	#3
C-dub Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Fort Bragg. NC Posts: 1,558	Re: Proper Winter Storage just got my mach after being stored for 2 years and would say to make sure you cycle the fuel pump every once in a while. mine went out on me from sitting and there are plenty of people with the same issue after storage. while doing this you could cycle the a/c and heat controls to keep the a/c pump from freezing up. get her up on stands and keep her covered, if you can do the full "bag"type cover where it coveres the whole car would be best. do the best to deter mice, moth balls, irish spring soap anything you can do. staybil or sea foam in a full tank of gas. trickle charge or remove the battery. leave doors and windows closed but not sealed to keep weather strip in good shape. also a good protectant on all rubber. change oil before and after storage. __________________ what is it about modding my mach that makes me want to "Jimmy Dean" it into a tanker truck filled with gasoline at 150 mph???

10-20-2010, 08:53 AM	#4
73mach03 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: HP, NY Posts: 1,720	Re: Proper Winter Storage Look into a product called "Fresh Cab" to put in your car or in the garage to discourage any mice. __________________ 2003 Zinc Yellow Mach 1, M5, Bassani Catback 2016 White Subaru WRX, Borla S-Type Catback Red Sox, Raiders, and Electric Guitars

10-20-2010, 09:48 AM	#5
mach 2 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Richmond,Texas Posts: 380	Re: Proper Winter Storage I would use a battery tender to maintain the battery, and moth balls around the outside and under the car will discourage rodents. Jeff

10-20-2010, 11:07 AM	#6
Bossman Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: MN Posts: 31	Re: Proper Winter Storage In my opinion yuor better off NOT starting the car at all as you will never get the car warmed up properly to dry out the exhaust. A full tank of stabilzed gas, pull the battery and put it in the basement or trickle charge if left in the car. I have had good luck over inflating the tires by about 5-6 PSI rather than jack stands to prevent flat spots.

10-21-2010, 01:53 PM	#7
GRB60 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Harleysville, PA Posts: 2,144	Re: Proper Winter Storage I agree with Bossman. DON'T start the car unless you will drive it 20 miles or so. Anything less and you're hurting more than helping. A full tank with stabilizer will keep condensation from forming in the tank and keep the fuel fresh over the winter. Keep a tender on battery while in the car or in a warm place. Radial tires will not be damaged from sitting. You may feel a slight flat spot but it will be gone after a few miles on the road. Clean the inside and put a cover on it. __________________ 2003 Torch Red 5 spd w/ IUP Built: 7/16/03

10-21-2010, 02:07 PM	#8
Mach351 Psycho Dog is Psycho Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Lewisville, TX Posts: 1,990	Re: Proper Winter Storage i tried Irish Spring as a mouse repellent and the bastids ate it. __________________ Firefly: opening scene of Serenity - This Land Firefly: Out of Gas - Don't Be Afraid

10-21-2010, 02:50 PM	#9
BlueLineMach1 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: In my mach... duh Posts: 399	Re: Proper Winter Storage Thanks everyone. Some conflicting ideas, but im sure they each have their strong points. I know I stored a car one winter before and it sat under a cover, covered in snow. I never started it and it awoke like a champ the next spring. I'll prob do the same with this one. That would be much easier to cover it and let it be for the winter. Guess we'll see if that was a bad decision. __________________ 2003 AB Mustang Mach 1 K&N intake Borla Catback 03' Cobra Front Bumper 3/4" Spacer Custom Painted Rear Panel and Tailights

10-21-2010, 07:41 PM	#11
MachWonGuy 70 Mach & 04 Mach Owner Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Kingston, Ontario, Canada Posts: 2,048	Re: Proper Winter Storage How many people cycle their fuel pump during winter storage? That the first I have heard of that being an issue. Generally I make sure the tank is full of fuel, pop the hood to take the pressure off the shaker seal, pull the keys and cover it up. Couple times throughout the winter I will put the battery on charge. Been temped to disconnect and remove the battery for the winter but haven't done it yet. Also have ahalf a dozen mouse traps around the garage that get checked regulary __________________ 1970 Mustang Mach 1 351 4V 4-Speed Calypso Coral Purchased Aug 13th 1998 2004 Mustang Mach 1 4.6 32V 5-Speed Competition Orange Purchased Sept 24th 2008 2012 Mustang Boss 302 32V 6-Speed Race Red Purchased June 8th 2013 Check out my Mach's & Collection at: http://www.machwon.com

10-21-2010, 08:11 PM	#12
C-dub Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Fort Bragg. NC Posts: 1,558	Re: Proper Winter Storage granted morgana was in slumber for 2 years. the tank was full w/ fuel stablizer in it. when i got her out of hibernation the pump was siezed. there are many links that i have found that people posted thier pumps siezed in one winter, but i know mine siezed over 2 years. i have had no issue in the past storing her from nov- end of march. i know when i store her for the winter i will drop the batt in and cycle the fuel and a/c compressor with out starting the car once a month or so, but when i deploy again i wont have this option. __________________ what is it about modding my mach that makes me want to "Jimmy Dean" it into a tanker truck filled with gasoline at 150 mph???

10-22-2010, 12:41 PM	#13
03mach1 Admin/Founder Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Cuba, NY Posts: 6,805	Re: Proper Winter Storage Please Do a search on here, we have discussed this many times, since some of us have to store our vehicles in the winter..... Been storing cars for almost 20 years, never had a problem with them starting. I always remove the battery (Still original from 2003, charge once a month in the basement on a piece of wood), Stabil and SeaFoam in the tank. Tire Pressure about 41, Good cleaning and wax job, park the wheels on carpet covered plywood pieces, plastic under the car, nylon car cover....let it sit. Never have started them, like they said, unless you can get the whole thing up to temp, but then when it cools down, it can condense and cause moisture issues around the engine (aluminum corrosion, etc..) if its cold out. http://www.mach1registry.org/forums/...winter+storage http://www.mach1registry.org/forums/...winter+storage http://www.mach1registry.org/forums/...winter+storage http://www.mach1registry.org/forums/...winter+storage http://www.mach1registry.org/forums/...winter+storage __________________ David J. Wagner Founder/Admin Member #0001 http://www.Mach1Registry.com http://www.Mach1Performance.org Amsoil T-1 Certified Independant Dealer Member, MCA '03 Mach 1, '08 V6 WIP, 76 Cobra II VIN#301788

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