I have a tin top!!!!

[richandhazel]

I'm now the proud owner of a Mk1 Golf GTI, 1982, 1600cc.
I acquired the vehicle for spares, however, I have had a good look round the car, underneath etc., and realise now that it is too good to scrap.
I haven't got the time to restore it to its former glory just yet so I'm asking for advice as to the best way of storing the car in my garden and preserving the shell (I'm afraid the cabrio has pride of place in the garage).
I imagine I'll need to buy a descent ground sheet or something to prevent rising damp and a descent cover. Any other suggestions or advice?
   

[richandhazel]

First pics:-

[tinman]

I have a really dumb suggestion - but I'll say it anyway.

Once you've located where you want the car to sit, why not use the clear polythene sheets that you can get and literally wrap the whole the car up.

(The polythene i'm thinking about come on a roll about 18"-24" high, and you wind it round whatever your are packing - usually pallets and stuff.)

Final job of mothballing the car is to put a cover from Halfords on and and secure it down.

Also, as a suggestion, find packs of Silicon and leave them in the interior to soak up any moisture that may get there.

Regarsd,
Tin

[richandhazel]

Thats an idea, although I think it would be difficult to wrap it up in such a way that it would be completely sealed.....but worth considering.  
Also, don't some of these covers come with a 'vent' to allow air flow with no moisture ingress? Whats the idea behind that? And is it necessary?  

[a9wyn]

i agree with tinman when we send aero-engines back to operators after overhaul we wrap these engines in cling-film and polythene with bags of silica-gel attached to the engine core first togethr with an humidity sticker inserted this protects the engine for at least a year in all weathers so it should work for a car?

[Glen]

Another daft (or not) suggestion I saw a car on tv once whos owner smeared the bodywork in engine oil to repel any moisture, rain etc, as for the underneath you could spray it with waxoil thats good stuff. My mate used to spray it inside his doors and sills using the special tube supplied, might be worth a go?

[Glen]

Or just spray the underneath with engine oil, used stuff would be thin enough

[Justins145bhpMK1]

If I was you id put some sort of membrane down on the ground. go round the car and cover any exposed rust with an appropriate agent and then go mad with silicone spray, back to black or similar that should repel moisture then get a good cover that breathes. sILICONE IS A GOOD IDEA FOR THE INTERIOR, PLUS you would be wise to air the car once in a while as well. Doesnt look too bad from your pics, good purchase!!!

[richandhazel]

Thanks everyone, got a few pointers there.
Really would prefer to delve straight into it but I'm pretty sure I'd have a divorce on my hands after the amount of time I have already put into the cabrio.

[golfvr6]

Yep i know what you mean, these women just can't be pleased