PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - Longterm Car Storage

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Longterm Car Storage

I need advice on storing a vehicle for long periods of time. Heres the car. 1984 300D - Imgur

I'll be leaving for active duty USAF in a few months and refuse to sell my TD Benz. The 78 Non Turbo and the Civic I'll be more than likely selling.

We have a two-bay garage and my neighbors have a barn, both of which are visible in the photos. I doubt my dad is going to give up a bay for a car he doesn't have any interest in and the old barn isn't really ideal because of mice, lack of good weather and temperature protection.

The basics of storing a car I've got down

Clean it, Wax it, Cover it
Fresh fluids, oil, washer, brakes
Top off the diesel tank
Parking brake off
Battery disconnect switch
I won't raise it off the tires, my dad agreed to drive it for an hour or so by-weekly

Have any advice? I'd totally be willing to spend $1600-2000 into the investment of building car size shed myself. Having my own workspace would actually be great, I'm 23 and my dad hates when I change my own oil, he about lost it when I changed a cylinder head... lol sigh. I keep a clean workspace, he just doesn't understand cars. Anyway, If the barn shows itself to be a good option, is there a way to isolate it from the rodents/moisture?

How long is long term? ( Sitting how long at a clip, how much total time. )

Barn is not a good idea due to dampness and mice.

Driving the car until the motor is warmed up is a good idea, 1/2 hour would be enough depending on air temp. Some run the motor at idle for 15 min and call it good, this is actually worse than letting it sit as nothing gets hot enough to burn off moisture.

Think about a car tent with a floor.

My 97 SL320 sits in a dry unheated garage through the 4 - 5 month winter with no prep other than checking / charging the battery every few months ( it has a few computers that use power to keep the memory alive )

Agreed the barn is a bad idea. I was thinking of building an attached style carport onto the side of the garage, http://images.coolhouseplans.com/chp/images/domains2/carport5.jpg, but really that's not any better than the barn as far as protection haha.

I'll be at NAS Pensacola for a few years in training, I'm not sure what my lifestyle will be like yet, so its hard to tell if I'll want the car with me there.

You'll probably want the car down there, if not immediately then after a short time. If your duty there includes initial entry training, they probably won't want you to have a car, but after the initial training is completed, a car starts being a very good thing to have.

Have you considered ?

NAS Pensacola Housing :: NAS Pensacola, FL: Self Storage and Moving Housing & Relocation Information

Uncle Bob's Self Storage - 980 North Navy Boulevard, Pensacola, FL 32507

I would consider any option within 50 miles of base.
Use the local military network for research.
You may find a local (off base) service family willing to rent extra garage space.

If none of these appeal to you, or hurricane damage is a serious concern = leave it in PA and buy a motorcycle or cheap local beater.

http://harrisburg.craigslist.org/cto/3941430043.html

http://gulfport.craigslist.org/ctd/3929144798.html

http://panamacity.craigslist.org/cto/3905063901.html

http://gulfport.craigslist.org/cto/3905403918.html

.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AwfulMechanic (Post 3185593)

Clean it, Wax it, Cover it
Fresh fluids, oil, washer, brakes
Top off the diesel tank
Parking brake off
Battery disconnect switch
I won't raise it off the tires, my dad agreed to drive it for an hour or so by-weekly

Quote:

Originally Posted by AwfulMechanic (Post 3185604)

Addition of Power Service additive to the fuel fill. I would probably opt to place the car on jackstands. You may or may not want to remove the wheels from it at that time and store/seal them separately.

One economical way to seal the car would be to shrink-wrap it, so it is sealed from insect and rodent intrusion. Wouldn't be all that hard to do.

Why wouldn't you want the car with you in Pensacola?

Depending on the condition/miles on the car, you might want to cash-in the money now, since you won't be using it for several years as you stated. Then buy another car when you return.

Quote:

Originally Posted by whunter (Post 3185613)

I would consider any option within 50 miles of base.

.

I didn't even think of or consider storage down there! That is something I'll really think into. Having the 300D and my motorcycle down there would be a dream.

Personally I would take the car down to Pensacola with you. I lived in the Gulfport area for 7 years and it was a nice area to cruise in an old Diesel.

I think you guys have me almost convinced at this point to take the Benz with me. Ya know, why the hell did I buy it if I'm not going to USE it and LOVE the thing haha. I won't be home probably %80 of the time for the first year or so, but it would probably be very beneficial to have with me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AwfulMechanic (Post 3185637)

Unless you do not need a car, or cannot have one where you'll be billeted? Or, will you live off-base.....or do you even know yet?

Something jumped out at me. You said your dad will drive it weekly or so, and that he "doesn't understand cars". If he's not going to know what (insert expensive sounding noise of your worst nightmare) is and pull over and shut her down RFN if needed, go ahead and put it up on stands and don't let him drive it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AwfulMechanic (Post 3185637)

Take it with you. One of the great things about most larger military bases (NAS Pensacola included) is the hobby shop. You can rent a lift, rent tools, and get help if you get in over your head. Linky: autohobby

Quote:

Originally Posted by AwfulMechanic (Post 3185604)

My oldest son is a Navy pilot who trained in Pensacola 4 years ago after the academy. He definately needed a car there, using it daily as he lived off base. Even if your living on base, there's lots to see and do in the Florida panhandle. I'd take my car with me.

Shrink wrapping never works. Mothballs, and rat poison do work, but you will be left with dead critters in the car.

Maybe get some critter repellant (usually sold to repel deer/skunks/etc.) and spray the tires/suspension where they would climb up?

Perhaps your Dad has been a cat person all these years and never knew it? A few indoor/outdoor kitties would keep the mice away, especially if you left the windows down and put a pillow in the front seat.

I agree about the wheels, I like the Bundts better also. The 85 300D I bought for the wife that I just finished an engine swap in has the same wheels. Anyone know what they are OE fitment to? I cant seem to find this 15" wheel in many places.