So my cars at the mechanic... (salt/snow related)

[Flared69]

getting tuned up...

and it just started snowing. No doubt, they will lay salt on the roads if they havn't already (caught a train today).

So before I store the woman for winter, I was wondering what lengths I should go to before I put that cover on.

Any tips on cleaning all the crap off will be appreciated. In a garage... suckage.

 

[paintdaddy]

If your talking about cleaning the salt and road grime off ,I would put it up on jackstands and pressure wash it good.If you dont have a pressure washer ,a small one will do fine.I have one that I use regularly thats only a 1300 psi and it does fine.After that a good wash and wax,fuel treatment and cover it up.

 

[JJU]

Don't cover it up while it's dirty, engine warm, or wet.

Definitely clean it with soap and water. It needs to be completely dry and the engine needs to be cool before you cover it up. Otherwise, there is a potential of mildew forming between the cover and paint. Let it sit for 24 hours (assuming you have a garage) before putting the cover on.

 

[74bigblock]

I always do an oil change before hand as well as a good wash and let dry. Good to have fresh blood in there in case you need to start her up.

 

[korvettekarl]

You poor folks back East. Here in Las Vegas the low today was 43 and the high should be about 65. Winter storage? Even when I was riding Harleys exclusively I never stored nuthin. I did get cold on a few occasions. It has actually snowed here a total of 5 times in the 35 years I have lived here. I do miss watching the leaves change come October. Previously lived on Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland before my father retired and moved us out west so I do vaguely remember the cold white stuff. Keep your chin up and think warm sunny thoughts.

 

[RedRagTop]

It has been around -15C here at nights now and I'm glad I didn't wait too long to put the girl away properly. Complete wash, fresh oil and lube, stabil in the gas, disconnect the battery. Guess I will find out in the spring whether a new fully charged battery will hold a charge if not hooked up for the winter...

 

[74bigblock]

Mine is still getting it's headers and side pipes installed at the shop. I am hoping the snow holds off until I can pick her up... so I don't need to worry about washing off the salt. She won't be ready until Tues/Weds, and they are predicting the S word this weekend.... gulp. :cry

 

[22229stingray81]

Hey Flared69, what shop do you use? Looks like we're in the same area, have you found a competent mechanic or just a gas station?


-Tatortot

 

[DetailingDude]

If at all possible you should pressure wash it. Get into all the nooks and crannies as best you can with whatever you're using.

Also, condition all your seals if possible.

 

[c5vetter]

Tatortot,

since you are in Alexandria, best around for anything is Tony's Corvette in Gaithersburg, MD - he is doing a "body off" resto of my 1963 Z06 - he is an AUTHORIZED GM repair facility and can do everything that a GM dealer is authorized to do

 

[22229stingray81]

c5vetter,

Thanks for the recomendation! A long shot, but does he do body painting? Ill look him up some time.

-Tatortot

 

[c5vetter]

Sure does - here's his tele: 301-987-0565 - tell him Rick with the 1963 Z06 referred you

 

[22229stingray81]

Thanks much c5vetter! My paint got ruined after last winter and is in desperate need of a full sand/prime/paint job.. Ive been shopping around, I found one around here.. they want $3500.. not too bad for everything they said they are gonna do, plus weatherstripping... Have any idea what Tony's prices are for full paint?

 

[Flared69]

Hey Flared69, what shop do you use? Looks like we're in the same area, have you found a competent mechanic or just a gas station?


-Tatortot

I'm currently using Corvette Specialists. Which is about a mile past eisenhower parallel to the beltway (not sure what street it is - its the major street with the AMC theatres distancing yourself from alexandria).

Thanks for all the info guys, I will try to jack my car up on something... going to be a ***** though in my limited space garage with two vettes sitting hip to hip.

 

[22229stingray81]

Ahh I know corvette specialist.. The Corvette body shop next to it "East Coast Corvette" is where I got my estimate. How is the work quality they do there? Prices? How about waiting list? My current corvette mechanic is amazing but I have to sometimes wait 2 weeks to get in, its very busy. Maybe I'll see you on the road sometime, I keep mine out all winter (weather permitting) Ill be looking for that blue '69 of yours.

-Tatortot

 

[Flared69]

they are ok i guess...

I think they could be a little cheaper, and the lady who handles the phones could learn a bit more about engines.

The mechanic is excellent though.

So what is the name of the place that u use? And do they store their cars inside or outside?

 

[22229stingray81]

The name of the place is called the D.A.M. garage, it stands for David A. Man, the owner and head mechanic. My family has been going to him since the early 80's and he also happened to be a corvette specialist so when I got my vette I was in luck. This guy can diagnose and fix anything, just expensive and can take a while. They store there cars outside in a private parking lot, unless interior work is being done, but I believe for severe weather such as the hurricane in september they brought the cars inside. The garage is on Richmond Highway by Mount Vernon in back of Smitties hardware, I can give you the number and exact address if youre interested. Thanks for the info on Corvette specialist, good to have a backup if needed.


-Tatortot

 

[Flared69]

YES Please!

I live right near fort hunt road. This sounds both good and convenient

 

[22229stingray81]

Sorry I took so long to get you the information, finals week are coming up. Anyways the exact shop info is:

The D.A.M Garage (David A. Mann, owner/head mechanic)
8457 Richmond Hwy.
Alexandria, VA 22309
(703) 780-7550
hours: mon-fri 8:00am-7:00pm

Tell him Nate with the white '81 vette recommended him to you if you speak to him, he has several other reliable mechanics that work there. They'll take care of youre vette, guaranteed.

If you decide to drop your vette off for some work it is a little tricky to find, turn where you see the Smitties (Schmitties? Not sure of name) off of Richmond Hwy., then take the bumpy gravel road on the right of the Smitties hardware as far back as you can, then take a left, you can't miss it, it has a bunch of vettes in the parking lot most of the time, just park anywhere. A warning- the access road is full of pot holes so take it easy, the road is county owned and refuses to repair it. Hope you find luck with them, hope I helped.

-Tatortot