You’ve put serious time, money, and heart into your classic. Whether it’s a show-ready ’69 Camaro or a meticulously restored muscle car, the last thing you want is to pull it out of storage and find cracked seals, dead cells, or surface rust. Make sure you know and adhere to the following essential tips so you can store your classic car properly and protect everything you’ve worked for.
Choose the Right Storage Environment
Temperature swings and humidity are the two biggest threats to a stored classic. A climate-controlled space is ideal, but at a minimum, you want somewhere dry and enclosed. A lot of car enthusiasts love steel buildings for storage because of their durability and affordable yet effective insulation options.
Clean the Car Before Putting It Away
Don’t store a dirty car, as many lingering substances (such as road salt and bird droppings) are corrosive. Contaminants sitting on the paint or metal for months accelerate deterioration. So wash and wax the exterior, clean the interior thoroughly, and don’t forget the undercarriage.
Handle the Fuel System
Old fuel left in the tank can gum up carburetors and fuel lines. Either drain the tank completely or fill it to the top and add a quality fuel stabilizer. A full tank prevents condensation from forming inside, which causes rust.
Pull the Battery or Keep It Conditioned
A battery left sitting goes dead or becomes permanently damaged. Either disconnect your car’s battery and store it somewhere temperature-controlled, or connect it to a trickle charger.
Protect the Tires and Suspension
Tires develop flat spots when a car sits in one position too long. If you’re storing for more than a month, either inflate the tires above the recommended PSI or get the car up on jack stands to take the weight off the rubber entirely. This also relieves pressure on the suspension components, which helps everything last longer.
Use a Breathable Car Cover
A car cover protects against dust and light scratches, but you’ve got to use the right kind. Plastic and other non-breathable covers trap moisture underneath, which promotes rust and mildew. Go with a soft, breathable cover that lets air circulate while still keeping debris off the paint.
And there you have it—six essential tips to know before storing your classic car. If you follow this advice, your beauty should stay in great shape and be ready to wow at a show or go for a drive around town whenever you are.
