New Vette Owner

[scheky]

Hi guys,
I'm a new 1996 owner and new to this forum. Live in Canada and never owned seasonal vehicle before. Can someone provide with any tips or suggestions on what do with my C4 before I store it for the winter? Is there anything I should ensure I do beforehand besides disconnecting the battery? The car will be stored in a garage.
Thanks in advance and happy vetting...especially you lucky ones that get to drive em' year round!!

 

[tlong]

Howdy!

Welcome aboard. Answers to any questions about your 'new' car are right here. I have a '96 too, and recomend the followong pre-storage hints:

Three smokey burnouts, exceed the speed limit by 50%, wave at every vette enthusiastically, take a friend or relative for a no-destination joy ride and put 15 coats of Zaino on it just for kicks.

Other storage suggestions will surely be along in a few. Congratulations!

 

[scheky]

Classic..thanks tlong...consider them done

 

[Legion21]

I also have a 96, welcome to the board. I also can not help you with storage ideas because I live in South Florida. It's a great place with lots of knowledgeable people


Greg

 

[Papa]

Convert?

Shecky
Welcome aboard...I've been around awhile chasing a variety of vettes to buy my first... as a new owner I wondered if you preferred the Convertible (and why) or found one that was too good to pass up? I am currently negotiating on two convertibles and a coupe trying to beat other offers and still not break the bank so to speak...good news is we can drive about 11+ months of the year on any given day....not counting spring storms, some winter ice and occasional snow and fall rains. If I can ever get the right one I'll be cruising...

 

[scheky]

Hey Papa,
Opted for the Anniversary Edition of the C4 for a few reasons. Found a decent deal but the convertible was a must for me. Due to our harsh winters up here it's nice to not have a roof above your head 12 months of the year. I'm also a bigger guy..6ft 4in (imperial system for you Americans)..lol. And found the car alot more comfortable with the roof down. It's more a weekend vehicle for me and find you turn alot more heads with the convertible. Good luck with whatever one you find....you're gonna love it regardless..I know I do.

 

[Larry's Yellow Rdstr]

Over the past 10 years or so I have had several Corvettes, including a ZR1 and a Z06. I currently have an 87 convertible and I like it the best. Cool summer nights and warm winter days make the convertible very desirable. Mine is almost a daily driver and I wake up almost every morning wanting to drive it.

I also own a 2006 Porsche 997 coupe, but I prefer driving the Vette for several reasons.

Keep the wave!!

 

[87blackroxi]

I think everyone's more excited that you got a vette and lost track of the question.:duh

Definately disconnect the battery. And I'm sure the snowbirds will chime in with the rest of the details. Although I do like tlong's ideas!!!
What about the rest of our fellow cac Canucks? Where are you guys?

 

[JRMaroon]

Just a few items to get the thread back on track

Over inflate the tires a bit to help prevent flat spotting

Apply silicone to your weather strip to prevent drying and cracking

Test your coolant performance to be sure you are protected from freezing

If you have power in your storage area you can connect a battery tender or similar device

Seal your tail pipes with platic bags and rubber bands to prevent any unwanted guest from taking up residence

Moth balls in a breathable bag may be a good idea under the hood to keep above mentioned rodents from chewing on your wiring harness

Top off your gas tank to prevent condensation from forming-Add fuel stabilizer

This is just a start. I wouldn't be surprised to see a few opinions regarding oil changes before, after or before and after storage.

Enjoy your new ride,
Jeff

 

[invinceablevett]

Congrats on your Vette.:blue:
I agree with everything JRMAROON mentioned except I have the option of starting my Vette as much as I can.It 's a little hard to resist taking off with the car.
I also put it up on stands,this gives the suspension a break during the winter.

Did you get used to the permanent smile left on your face because of your purchase?

 

[Greg Gore]

Winter Storage

Welcome to a great hobby! I also have a 96 and I really love it. To me the late C4s have a lot of Corvette heritage and seem to impart more of the raw feel of what a Corvette is all about with their excellent engineering and superb balance. I also have a C5 but it is more refined; the C4 never lets you forget you are driving a Corvette. Definately change the oil for Winter storage to prevent damage from acid formations which is normal with use. Think about what other fluids need to be changed too. If the antifreeze is a few years old it loses its corrosion preventing capability. Brake fluid will absorb moisture which is why it should be flushed and replaced periodically. Also, you should have cold climate power steering fluid in your car. The GM part number is 12345866 and this fluid is recommended by Gordon Killebrew (former GM Corvette engineer) for all C4 Corvettes because it is a synthetic. The GM part number for their fuel conditioner is 12345104. If you do decide to start the engine periodically be sure to run it long enough to warm the oil and exhaust to dissipate all water condensation which will contribute to acids in the oil and cause premature exhaust system corrosion. 1.2 gals of water is formed for every gal of gasoline burned which is why you see water running out of the exhaust tips after a cold start.

Regards, Greg

 

[scheky]

Thanks Greg...
Great info....greatly appreciated.

Happy Motoring
Todd

 

[fredk]

Congrats on the new car, from a fellow Cdn I fill my tank, add fuel stabil., buy a good car cover, check tire pressure, change oil in the spring, and start it once a month. That way you get to sit in it and remember how it feels.

 

[DRTH VTR]

This is from another part of the CAC website. Maybe it will be useful.
http://corvetteactioncenter.com/tech/care/storage.html
Don't forget to wave!
Jim

 

[jimmers]

I live in canada aswell and started a thread similar to this a week or 2 ago. Alot of good tips in it.
http://corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?t=74003

 

[partspup]

I would like to add to the list for winterizing I place "bounce strips" inside my vette it helps to keep rodents out also, I sprinkle moth balls around the garage, with glue boards on the floor. You would be surprised at the number of spiders I catch in them. I start mine every three weeks and let it run for 20 minutes, as someelse said it gives me a chance to sit in it while waiting on summer to come.

Good luck and enjoy, Keep the wave

 

[scheky]

Thanks guys..
A ton of useful information....any suggestions from the Canadians on where to get a good corvette cover?

Cheers

 

[Samauriwarrior]

If you REALLY have to store it!!!

Hi guys,
I'm a new 1996 owner and new to this forum. Live in Canada and never owned seasonal vehicle before. Can someone provide with any tips or suggestions on what do with my C4 before I store it for the winter? Is there anything I should ensure I do beforehand besides disconnecting the battery? The car will be stored in a garage.
Thanks in advance and happy vetting...especially you lucky ones that get to drive em' year round!!

Welcome to . It really is a good place to find advice, support and a few laughs. I suggest you check the following site out for storage advice along with all the good tips from fellow CAC'ers. Good Luck.

http://corvetteactioncenter.com/tech/care/storage.html