Declaring the mini SORN, what preparations?

[Mini_Lund]

Hi all,

I am declaring the mini SORN for the next couple of years, I am dry storing it in a spacious wooden garage. What preparations are needed to prolong the bodywork? I will remove all of the carpets and I have cleaned all of the cow muck from underneath! My circumstances have changed as my girlfriend is going to Durham University (160 mile away from home) so have bought myself an Audi TDi. I will be keeping the mini and plan to restore it in the near future, so no offers please!

Tom

[AndrewW-G]

Once you've finished digging holes in my garage this weekend . . . . .waxoyl the underneath, and place trays of cat litter in the car and underneath it to absorb some of the moisture that will be present

If the car isn’t going to be started or moved for some time, you may want to remove the wheels (put the car on blocks / stands in such a way as to keep the suspension under its normal static load) don’t park it with the hand brake on and put some grease proof paper between the brake pads and discs to prevent them rusting on.

If funds permit or you can find one on ebay, get a storeage bubble.

If you fancy selling it, I can offer a used Butterfinger wrapper that somebody left in my truck . . . .

[Extra 300 Driver]

A fine spray of engine oil all over it, wheel arches, boot and under the bonnet. Put it on axel stands and put a bit engine oil in the bores. place a large bowl of salt in the cabin, to abosorb the moisture and also remove the battery.

[Skyedriver]

Extra 300 Driver said:

A fine spray of engine oil all over it, wheel arches, boot and under the bonnet. Put it on axel stands and put a bit engine oil in the bores. place a large bowl of salt in the cabin, to abosorb the moisture and also remove the battery.

Remember that used engine oil contains nasties that will rot your bodywork etc
Try GT85 etc
I bought a m/bike a few years ago, it was 20 year old, the original wheels had been spayed in waxoyl when new and were spotless chrome underneath still

[Extra 300 Driver]

Skyedriver said:

Remember that used engine oil contains nasties that will rot your bodywork etc
Try GT85 etc
I bought a m/bike a few years ago, it was 20 year old, the original wheels had been spayed in waxoyl when new and were spotless chrome underneath still

Whish is why I didnt say used. You dont want to introduce carbon to steel.

[Cooperman]

Some of the valves are always open and moisture can actually get into the bores. Remove the plugs and spray a load of Waxoyl into each cylinder to keep the bores and valves from getting a coating of rust.