Re: Long term storage-Myths??

Posted by Tim Cole On 2016/12/18 20:22:16

I think Ross Miller's point about shock absorbers is well taken. Good shocks reduce wear throughout the suspension. However, it does depend heavily on metallurgy. For example, I had a Dodge that I drove for years with worn out non-existent shocks and nothing broke. The 51 and later Packards don't seem to sag very much in the front, but the earlier cars are a disaster. People knock the safety-flex front end, but once the springs sag they beat the daylights out of the kingpins and frame.

Automobile manufacturers inflate tires on inventory to the maximum sidewall pressure for storage. Informed mobile home owners know to move the vehicle after returning from a long trip to avoid damaging the wheel bearings.

I certainly would rather have someone follow precautions and then tell me it makes no difference then tell them to store the car as they would junk and then call me up to tell me that my advice ruined their car.

I was suddenly called overseas for a few years and stored my modern car. It hated it. I oiled the cylinders so the motor didn't smoke but the tires had flat spots and the wheel bearings were noisy. The master cylinder was bypassing as well. If I had more time I would have done a better job, but when I got back I could buy four new ones if I wanted.

Travelling is my biggest weakness. When I get a call about some far away situation that involves boats and planes and dealing with crazy bastards I can't resist. If I could just get one more big adventure in before I croak that would be great.