Storing your car

[paulmccallick]

I currently pay quite a bit to store my low milage 83 SC in a heated garage. I could save a good click by putting it in a covered, but open space (enclosed on three sides with a generous roof overhang).

I think I know the answer to this, but is it that much better for it to be indoors? Why?

[wholberg]

In Seattle, I think the problem would be mold. You would need to ensure that the interior stays dry. If you store it outside, why not store it in one of those inflatable car balloons? If you can ensure that the air going in is dry it should be ok

[wcc]

I wouldn't store it outside period... I would rather give up a spot in my own garage and scrap my windows or start the car and kick on the defroster. If you started your car to thaw it out you would still be ahead of paying someone to store your summer car for you.

There are just too many issues with storing it outside. The obvious one is that it will subjected to the elements all the time. If you get some good wind the car cover can work on your paint. It will definitely get more condensation due to the temp changes. I could go on, but I wouldn't do it.

Just my 2cents.....

[makotosun]

Plus there is always the issue of security. Locked inside, or at risk outside. Inside = no critters (cats, possums, etc) sleeping on the roof! If you have enclosed available, it is the best choice.

[Phoenix]

You could explore using an outdoor car capsule. I looked into these before we bought our house with its nice oversized 2 car garage. They seem sturdy and appear to solve many of the outdoor storage issues.

The cost of this one is $550 so if you're paying more than $90 / month for a 6 month storage season (easily done around me), one of these could pay for itself in the first season. Thereafter cost would only be the nominal electricity costs.

http://www.autopn.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=225575

No affiliation here whatsoever. I just think these are a unique solution.

[paulmccallick]

Ok, I feel dirty for even thinking about it. I guess I need to buy a house huh?

[911mot]

Sounds like you need a carcoon

[Kroggers]

Hay, that Carcoon solution looks good. I have a similar problem here in Sweden. I only have a car-port, and have drawn blanks on renting a garage space for the winter What size would fit our beloved 911's?? I am still (desperately) trying to find a garage to rent before the snow hits us, but as a last solution I could probably consider a Carcoon!?!

[madmmac]

I have a 16ft Carcapsule for mine. You could get away with a 14ft model I think

[Kroggers]

So this size would work - 470cm x 180cm 15'5" x 5'11" ??

[madmmac]

Yes, no problem

[Kroggers]

madmmac, do you store your car outside in the winter with the Carcoon?

[madmmac]

I have an inside Carcapsule....different brand....got it on E-bay for $90.00 plus shipping. Could not pass it up.

[randywebb]

Does that have a continuous fan?

If it is made of vinyl it will outgas some really bad acids... one reason photographers won't use vinyl for slide or neg storage.

Vinyl is also a real high pollution toxic plastic to produce...

If I didn't have a garage, or had a lot of dirt and dust dropping on cars in my garage, I might be tempted to knock together some 2x2's and put Visqueen over the frame.

[madmmac]

Yes it has a continuos fan that they say uses a $1.50 a month in electricity. It is made of vinyl and the air is fully changed 3 to 4 times an hour. I built a pvc frame around the car so when I drop the air to take the car out, it does not touch the paint at all. I have small kids, dogs, cats and other such wildlife roaming in my garage. It does supply some much needed banging into protection also.

[kdubb]

Originally posted by madmmac
Yes it has a continuos fan that they say uses a $1.50 a month in electricity. It is made of vinyl and the air is fully changed 3 to 4 times an hour. I built a pvc frame around the car so when I drop the air to take the car out, it does not touch the paint at all. I have small kids, dogs, cats and other such wildlife roaming in my garage. It does supply some much needed banging into protection also.

madmmac....do you have pictures of the pvc frame? If so, please post.

[madmmac]

This is the only one I have and it does not show much. I was really looking for the rear light diffuser. I have to leave town but I can get some more on Friday if you are interested. I made a few mods before I finally got it right. It has to be pretty darn close to correct or it will not work. It looks from this pic that it would touch the car but it does not...rubs a bit on the rubber of the tail when I flip it back down and that's it.