Preserve Your Classic Car: Expert Storage Tips, Cover Options, and DIY Solutions

Storing your classic car properly is crucial to keeping it in pristine condition and running smoothly. Without the right storage, all your hard work maintaining your car can go to waste, especially in harsh winter conditions. Rust, rodents, and moisture damage are just a few of the risks your classic car faces when left unprotected.

In this blog, we'll dive into expert tips for storing your classic car, explore different cover options to shield it from the elements, and offer some DIY solutions for those without a garage. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a new classic car owner, these tips will help you keep your cherished vehicle in top shape all year round. Let's get started!

Expert Storage Tips

Preparing Your Car for Storage

Thorough Cleaning: Start by giving your car a good wash and detail, both inside and out. Even if it looks clean, small debris can damage the exterior and interior surfaces over time. A detailed clean helps keep your car looking pristine and preserves its condition while in storage.

Fluid Maintenance: Change your car’s fluids before storing it. Add a fuel stabiliser to the tank to prevent the petrol from going stale. Run the engine for a few minutes to ensure the stabiliser circulates throughout the system.

Battery Care: Remove the battery and store it separately. Use a trickle charger to keep it topped up. This prevents the battery from dying and extends its life.

Tyre Maintenance: Check your tyre pressure and inflate them slightly above the normal level to prevent flat spots. Consider placing your car on jack stands to take the weight off the tyres entirely.

Choosing the Right Storage Facility

Climate Control: A heated storage space is ideal for keeping your classic car in top condition. Fluctuating temperatures can cause materials like vinyl and leather to expand and contract, leading to wear and tear. Keeping the storage space at a steady 50 degrees Fahrenheit (around 10 degrees Celsius) is perfect for maintaining your car’s condition.

Security Measures: Choose a storage facility with strong security measures. Look for features like CCTV, alarms, and secure access to ensure your car is safe from theft and vandalism.

Facility Tour: Before committing, visit the storage facility. Check the cleanliness and condition of the space, and ask for references from other classic car owners who use the facility.

Long-Term Storage Preparations

Last-Minute Drive: Before storing your car, take it for a 30-minute drive. This helps evaporate any moisture in the system and keeps everything running smoothly.

Protect the Engine: Use a rust inhibitor to protect the engine’s internal components. Ensure all moving parts are well lubricated to prevent them from seizing up over time.

Ventilation and Drainage: Make sure the storage space has proper ventilation to avoid the build-up of moisture. If possible, choose a space with floor drainage, allowing you to wash the car inside and protect it from corrosive elements like salt.

By following these tips, you'll ensure your classic car stays in great shape during its time in storage.

Cover Options for Your Classic Car

Car Covers

The simplest and most affordable way to protect your classic car is with an outdoor car cover. These covers come in various types, but the key is to choose one that’s breathable. A breathable cover prevents moisture from getting trapped underneath, which can cause rust and mildew.

• Standard Covers: You can find basic, effective covers from as little as £55 at Halfords. These are great for quick and easy protection.
• Custom-Fitted Covers: For a snug fit, consider a custom-fitted cover from companies like Hamilton Classic or Specialised Covers, starting around £175. These are tailored to your car’s exact dimensions, offering better protection and a more secure fit.

While car covers are convenient and don’t take up much space, they have their downsides. The underside of your car remains exposed to the damp air, and they don’t add much to your car’s security. Also, despite claims that condensation will evaporate, it’s wise to air your car occasionally to prevent moisture build-up.

Portable Garages

If you want to work on your car during the winter and keep it safe, a portable garage could be your answer. These are essentially large tents with a metal frame and a waterproof cover. They come in various sizes and prices, ranging from less than £300 to over £700, from brands like Clarke and Sealey.

• Setup: You can pitch them on any surface, but you’ll need to anchor the supports to the ground or use weights if you can’t peg them in. You’ll also need a decent amount of space and some patience to set one up.
• Protection: Portable garages will shield your car from the worst weather. However, they won’t protect against humidity unless you add power and a dehumidifier.

These garages offer good protection, but remember they need proper anchoring and space.

Advanced Solutions

For those who want to go a step further, there are advanced storage options like the Carcoon and Car Shield.

• Carcoon: The Carcoon is like a protective bubble for your car. It uses two layers of waterproof material with an air gap in between. Air continuously flows around your car to prevent condensation, filtered through carbon to remove water and fuel vapour. The UV reflective outer layer protects your paintwork from sun damage, and the insulation keeps frost at bay. The Carcoon requires constant power to stay inflated and costs between £539 and £800, depending on the size. While it’s more time-consuming to set up than a cover, it offers excellent protection.
• Car Shield: Similar to the Carcoon, the Car Shield provides circulating air refreshed five times an hour inside a thick PVC cocoon. It even has a window to check on your car. The standard version starts at £619, while the Ultimate Outdoor Car Shield, which includes a rigid structure for easy access, costs £2,499. This setup combines the benefits of a garage and a cocoon, offering top-tier protection without building a climate-controlled garage.

These advanced options are pricier and more involved but provide superior protection for your classic car.

DIY Solutions

If you don't have a garage, don't worry! Here are some practical DIY solutions to keep your classic car protected.

Car Ports

One of the best options for a more permanent solution is a car port. You can find many home-assembly car ports starting around £1,500 from companies like Nucrete and Palram. They’re easy to set up and don’t require hiring builders. A car port will keep rain, snow, and bird droppings off your car, protecting your paintwork.

If you’re handy with tools, building your own car port can be a rewarding project. There are plenty of downloadable plans available online to guide you through the process. This option allows you to customise the car port to suit your specific needs and space.

While a car port offers great protection, it doesn’t completely seal your car from the elements. Pair it with a breathable car cover to add an extra layer of defence against moisture and dust.

Moisture Barriers

Moisture is a classic car’s worst enemy. To combat this, you can use a thick sheet of plastic or foam insulation as a moisture barrier. Lay the plastic sheet on the ground before parking your car on it. This simple step can prevent ground moisture from attacking your car’s underbody, exhaust system, and brake components.

If you can’t use plastic sheeting, consider parking your car on a gravel surface instead of concrete. Gravel helps reduce moisture levels by allowing water to drain away more effectively. New concrete, in particular, can hold a lot of moisture, which isn’t good for your car. Gravel is a low-cost solution that’s easy to implement and offers better moisture control.

By taking these DIY steps, you can significantly improve the protection of your classic car even without a garage. Remember, every bit of effort you put into safeguarding your car will pay off in the long run, ensuring it remains in top condition.

Conclusion

Storing your classic car properly is crucial to keeping it in top condition. Whether you’re dealing with harsh winters or simply need to keep your cherished vehicle safe while you’re away, the right preparation can make all the difference.

Start with the basics: clean your car thoroughly, change the fluids, and use a high-quality fuel stabiliser. If you’re opting for storage, choose a facility that offers climate control and security to keep your car safe from the elements and potential theft.

When it comes to covering your car, you’ve got options. Breathable car covers offer a simple and cost-effective solution, while portable garages and advanced systems like Carcoon and Car Shield provide more robust protection. For those who prefer DIY solutions, a car port or moisture barriers like plastic sheeting can be effective.

By taking these steps, you ensure that your classic car remains in pristine condition, ready to hit the road when you are. Share your own storage tips and experiences in the comments—your insights could help fellow classic car enthusiasts!