storing my mk1... good idea or not?

[GemGTI]

Now I've got 2 cars, I'm finding it hard to pay out all the time for repairs to the golf. I really don't want to sell my car.  I was wondering, would it do the car any harm to store her over the winter months? Garage for say 8 months of the year? Then I wouldn't have to pay tax and insurance would be cheaper. Plus I wouldn't have to pay for the repairs. Just wondered if I would then end up with twice the repairs if I stored it as it wouldn't be getting used.

Cheers, Gem 

[...joe]

if you are going to store it try to get a place that dry and warm, and before it goes away, get it waxoyled and coat the engine etc in wd40 or something, should fend off the worst of it.

ask tobz as he stores his mk2 over winter.

[clipperjay]

Had the same problem with the cab the brakes will tend to seize up during storage so I back off the pads so they don't touch and bind against the discs. I've heard people use de-ionised water for there rads so not to build up sedament in the water system and clog the water pump! Also full service of oil change before storing as old oil picks up moisture more easily.

Jay

[houston]

you can get storage oil, doesnt soak up moisture at all, just dont run your car with it in, get a little dehumidifier box from b&q, cost bout 10 quid and put this inside your car, stops mould growing if any damp gets in, leave your windows open a touch so it can breath.

if you can i would slacken all belts (obviously not timing belt) saves them cracking under load when you come to run your car again

[curlie467]

Yeah, it will be fine, store in a dry garage (carpeted?), rust inhibitor in the rad, back off brake pads, leave handbrake off, remove wheels and leave it on axle stands (if there are any traces of damp then this will prevent travel of damp up the car), cover the car also to stop it getting covered in sh!te. Disconnect battery unless alarmed, if it is then use a good charger (ctek) that you can leave connected all winter.

[GemGTI]

what about if I wanted to store it for longer than just winter, ie the next three years? Just don't want to get rid now I've spent so much money on her, but can't afford to run her just now 

[BobbyT]

i leave mine for three - four months when i go away and its a right state when i get back, but my garage is damp which is really bad for the old gal but if you follow the above advice it should be ok, have you waxoiled in all the panels? its an easy job with a can of the stuff and helps keep the tin worm at bay! 

[RandomJord]

Nah sod it gem sell it to me!

[GemGTI]

serious? 

[Len]

Gem - Definitely DONT sell it to jord! He'll only keep it 5 minutes!