Thread: Winter Storage for your Custom Ride or Street Rod

Well not everyone can live in California. In California the weather stays pretty good all year round. Not so in the northern climes where winter chills hit, snow banks build and you are unlikely to drive your prized classic vehicle. It’s amazing the difference in appearance and longevity of standard utility cars that are not driven in the winter – and put up on blocks so to say. What are the correct and best methods and procedures for winter time storage of vehicles – the do’s and don’ts of winter storage?

First and foremost prevent any damage to your car from the cold weather. If possible the car may be stored in a heated environment. Regardless though there are certain steps that should be ensued less somehow the car is subjected to colder weather and temperatures. First of all top off the fuel tank. . You may think that since your car is sitting over the winter there is no need to waste the cash to fill up the gas tank – especially at today’s high and even exorbitant gasoline fuel costs. You may rationalize that in all likelihood the fuel may not be there or may unusable in the spring.



However fuel and water don’t mix well and any water that has accumulated in the tank is a breeding ground for corrosion in the gasoline tank of your car. Rust particles in fuel lines can then lead to clogged fuel lines, filters and carburetors. Amazingly a simple , and relatively inexpensive insurance plan against there terrors to your classic vehicle is a fuel tank of gas along with a fuel stabilizer – which can be easily bought at any auto parts store.



Next check your ethylene glycol radiator anti-freeze that it is sufficient for the worst and coldest winter weather. It never hurts to play it safe. In addition don’t forget your windshield washer reservoir. During the course of the summer – water may have been added to the mixture or perhaps a summer bug removal windshield washer fluid was used. It’s best to drain the windshield washer reservoir with the pump and then refill it with suitable winter ready windshield washer fluid. Otherwise fluid may freeze and puncture the reservoir. Its hard enough to find odd parts for classic cars why tempt fate.

Next in terms of storage – it can be inside or even outside. Heated inside is always best but may be costly. Regardless the car should be carefully and thoroughly washed.


Waxing the car is always a good idea. Moisture can be held and trapped in dirt on the car and be a focus for rust and corrosion. It can be a good idea to purchase a cover for the car. In effect it is in a “cocoon”. The key is allow for good ventilation both in the cocoon and as well in the direct storage areas.



Lastly you may want to reduce the insurance coverage on your auto over the winter to save costs. Since the car is not going to be driven there is no need for the standard auto insurance that includes driving and collusion perils. Fire and theft may be the only insurance coverage that you need. By reducing your insurance coverage to this level you may even save the funds needed for the winter storage of your classic vehicle.

Good luck on keeping your Custom Car nice and clean and warm too... See you next season at your local car show or cruise!

Not trying to be a smart ass but the cars made it to now! T's A,s Fat fender cars upwards of 90 years. Why not drive them and then clean them.

Once again great information that iz very useful. DRLOWZ knowz!! That would be a cool quote for you man!!

I have a true down to earth Quote as a real builder:
" what we don't have we buy,
what we can't buy we make
if we can't make it, it doesn't exist
if it doesn't exist, we dont need it"
From Nick my first employer

Well we have all our babies stashed away in the garage. Unfortunately not heated ( to expensive ) but at least they are out of the weather.