need tips

[danfarm]

I'm putting my 02 T-Bird to bed for the winter, anyone have any advice for winter storage, like hardtop on and soft top down ? Battery taken out? any other tips?
Dan

[redbirdsal]

Re: need tips

Here you go Dan:

http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7432&highlight=winterizing

If you want to use the Search function on the dark blue tool bar above, you can enter "winter storage" , or just "winterizing."

You'd be hard pressed to find a topic that hasn't been discussed here over the years.

[02-T-Bird]

Re: need tips

I put the hard top on for the winter and install the cover. I go in about the first of every month, remove the cover, start her up and let it come up to temprature. I then drive her around the garage, under ground parking lot, a few times then park it and cover it back up. Never have removed the battery.

Ted

[Leroy]

Re: need tips

Full tank of gas and don't use any additives like Stable in your gas, they contain alcohol and will ruin the seals in your fuel pumps. Use a battery tender if possible, otherwise don't arm the alarm, it will drain the battery. If possible start the car occasionally and let it run till warmed up. I keep my car covered with a fitted cover and garaged and try not to open the door if there has been a drastic increase in temperature and humidity outside as it will cause the car to sweat. First thing in the Spring I take it in for new oil and filter, battery check and check and rotate the tires. I've been doing it this way for four years with no problems. Leroy

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[boss21078]

Re: need tips

Leroy,
I just looked at my bottle of Stay-bil and it says, Does not contain alcohol. Also I don't know where you get your gas, but here in Maryland almost all gas sold contains 10% ethanol. Probably is a good idea not to put in any additives containing more alcohol into gas which already has it in it, which may cause some problems. Hopefully the 10% ethanol gas will not destroy our fuel pumps or anything else in our TBirds.

Bob B.

[Southern]

Re: need tips

By spring the ethanol would have probably evaporated.

I've used Stabil for many years in boats, compete with carburetors and rubber fuel lines etc and never had a lick of trouble.
The idea is not to put it into the gas tank and walk away.......run the car a few miles. Get the Stabil well mixed and distributed around the delivery system....in the fuel pump.. in the lines etc.......

[Ediron]

Re: need tips

Move to Florida use the Bird year round and forget about all the above

[MATBird]

Re: need tips

I've used Stabil for over 40 years and never had a problem

[Sealy]

Re: need tips

Move to Florida use the Bird year round and forget about all the above

Good suggestion, but not state specific. There are always days that you just need a good T-Bird run. Nothing better for you than a top down jaunt on a crisp, sunny day. I hate to even put the hard top on, but that's another story.

[Rondor]

Re: need tips

Move to Florida use the Bird year round and forget about all the above

Amen Bro' and yes it's ethanol that's the killer not Stabil. Leaving battery in is essential and I would use a battery tender. But leaving a Bird sit for 4-6 months is just nothing but cruelty. Almost as bad as driving on salt YUK And people actually choose to live in the north???

[04birdman]

Re: need tips

i live on the snowy side of washington state...i put the 04 away with a full tank of gas.....once a month i back it out of the garage,let it warm up....if the streets are clear enough i drive it around the block a few times...if not i back and forth it in the drive way....cars need to be ran...

[bottomtime]

Re: need tips

Amen Bro' and yes it's ethanol that's the killer not Stabil. Leaving battery in is essential and I would use a battery tender. But leaving a Bird sit for 4-6 months is just nothing but cruelty. Almost as bad as driving on salt YUK And people actually choose to live in the north???

You are absolutely correct Ron, about gas stabilizer, as it has no alcohol in it. Matter of fact is has, on the plus side, a chemical that reduces and/or prevents the corrosion that condensation (water) and alcohol can and does create The alcohol in the gas is what creates corrosion and softening of rubber seals.

[keithwand]

Re: need tips

The following is my list

Items to Do
Thunderbird
Bounce towels throughout & under hood
Charcoal briquets in pan throughout
Place towel under wiper blades
Lower windows 1-2 inches prox.
Remove mats
Add Stabil & fill tank w/ gas. 1oz/2.5 gal (7oz/full)
Wash and Cover
Plug in battery tender and add paper mat w/note
2 Desicants inside car, 1 in trunk.
Add odorizer
Lockout garage door at button and bar on door
Run car with A/C off, vent blower high

This is what I do when I store my car for the summer.

[keithwand]

Re: need tips

Oh well that did not come out as planned. I tried to copy and paste a spreadsheet but you get the idea.

[Sealy]

Re: need tips

This is what I do when I store my car for the summer.

Up here, we use our cars in the summer.

Also, you seem to be hung up on the odor factor - have you ever thought about just giving up burritos?