Home > Triumph Motorsport > Car Preparation > How to overwinter a racecar ?

A MessageBoard dedicated all aspects Triumph Motorsport, including TRR/TSSC Racing, Trials, Hillclimb and Rallying

Section : Car Preparation

How to overwinter a racecar ?

Posted By : David Styles, 14-Sep-2005, 03:23pm

Hi all..

Last year I was close to where the racecar was being stored over winter, this year I've ended up 250 miles away...
(tis a long story involving high winds and barn roofs)

I'm not going to have a chance to start it and drive it backwards and forwards once a fortnight..

I'm wondering if the clutch will seize,.. should I put some oil down the bores etc etc..

any good tips on storing it ? I already plan to pop it on 4 axle stands and take all 4 wheels off..

is that even a good idea or will it affect me dampers / springs ?

As always any help gratefully received...

PS> Next year I'm definately racing more often than this year.. but I expect my house will have walls, ceilings and heating and such stuff,.. so my priorities will be able to be different !

Followups :

How to overwinter a racecar ?

Posted By : John Davies, 14-Sep-2005, 06:44pm

Dave,
This is one of those 'Supermaarket Sweep Qs, isn't it? Everyone has thjeir favourites, it's up to you to grab the ones thta take your fancy.

My votes, on top of those you mention:
Drain the tank of petrol, or add one of those storage additives.
Top up water to 50% antifreeze
Mothballs in the footwells/seats (I'm not joking! Keeps mice away too!)
Remove battery OR use a low current topup charger.
Polish and leave it on.
Is 'bird strike' a risk where you store it? Cover!
But leave windows open.

An idea that I have not tried - a low wattage mains light bulb, a 10W nitelight, IN the car on a cheap time switch, to come on at night. Adds a little warmth and could deter vermin.

Store your removed wheels in the dark - light attacks rubber.
Change all fluids in spring.
If you Google for 'car winter storage' there are lots of sites offering even more advice!

Enough - others suggestions?

John
- How to overwinter a racecar ?
  
  Posted By : David Styles, 15-Sep-2005, 10:16am
  
  thanks...
  
  at least it'll be in a garage... I especially like the mothballs idea !
  - How to overwinter a racecar ?
    
    Posted By : Michael Davis, 15-Sep-2005, 11:18am
    
    Usual method as I understand it...
    
    1) Stick it in the garage after the last race of the season
    2) Make list of all the things you're going to do to it over the winter to make it much faster for next year
    3) Wait until first race entry for next season drops through the letterbox, then realise you have four weeks left and you haven't done anything on your list yet
    
    At least that's the way it worked for me last winter...
    - How to overwinter a racecar ?
      
      Posted By : David Styles, 15-Sep-2005, 11:24am
      
      well, at least I have the list ready....
      
      but I already know for a fact that I won't be ticking anything off !
      - How to overwinter a racecar ?
        
        Posted By : Andy Vowell, 15-Sep-2005, 10:25pm
        
        Bung it in the garage.
        
        Sulk for 6 months
        
        Fire it up in April for the first race.