Laying up for winter?
Discussion
What do you think about taking Tivs off the road in winter? When I had a Griff 500 a couple of years ago I used it thoughout, although not every day. I avoided salty roads and days when ice could be about, but otherwise no problems. I now have a 1999 T Chimp 4ltr. It is not my daily driver and I have a nice warm garage to keep it tucked up in. The impression I get from other owners is that laying up can do more harm than good, and more regular use equals more reliability (within reason). My gut reaction is to use the Chimp selectively through the winter. What do others think?
There's laying it up for winter, and there's "laying it up for winter" i.e, a right way and a wrong way.
I've owned a few classic cars and garaged them over winter, and over the years picked up lots of tips. A lot of these points for TVRs are in the Steve Heath books, things like pre lay-up routines, and how best to start an engine that's not been started for weeks/months. It's all really good advice and well worth following.
Store a car the right way, and it'll not have new problems in the new year/spring.
Next you'll be telling us how many thrashing days there are until Christmas.
The summer can't be over yet!
Jezer, your gut reaction to use the Chimp selectively throughout the winter is absolutely right, but don't ever put it in the garage soaking wet. If it's just a bit wet show it the chamois before locking up.
There's one golden rule here for heated garages. Buy a fan (min 12" diameter), mount it high up, and leave it on all winter.
Leave the door open for about 30 mins when you put the car in, because even if it looks dry it often isn't. The underside will usually be damp, and the extra air (helped by the fan) will stop excessive condensation. Happy winter !
..Winter driving can be excellent fun!!
I normally ar*e about more than I probably should in the Griff especially if its been snowing..I cant resist a half hour skid pan session at my local superstore car park..which is normally empty on such days as most of the grey-power are crippled with arthritis and unable to drive the Metro/Clio for their shopping and have to rely on the delivery services... leaving it free to liberally sprinkle with carbon deposits...weeheeee..
In the same vein, has anyone used a car storage company? I am returning to work abroad for a few months over the winter, and do not want to leave the Griff sitting in the lock-up. Fernhurst can do storage, and there is a place called Manor Car Storage north of London. Anyone out there made use of similar facilities?
quote:
In the same vein, has anyone used a car storage company? I am returning to work abroad for a few months over the winter, and do not want to leave the Griff sitting in the lock-up. Fernhurst can do storage, and there is a place called Manor Car Storage north of London. Anyone out there made use of similar facilities?
Thinking of putting mine in storage for a year or so (as above - can't and won't sell my Griff for less than 16K) but have seen this web site which, compared to others I have looked at seems a fair price. They do some good services for you too at a little extra cost. Web site : www.manorcarstorage.com/
When I lay up for winter, I always run the beast up for 15 minutes at least once a week and if its not crap weather drive around the block. I also run up all electrics, heater and cooling fans, just to keep it all moving around. Hang on, thats what I do in the summer as well. Whats happening here.
Rich...Gassing Station | General TVR Stuff & Gossip | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff