Date: Mon, 6 Oct 2003 10:08:02 -0500
Reply-To: Andrew Gies <andrew_gies@CANGENE.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Andrew Gies <andrew_gies@CANGENE.COM>
Subject: Re: winterizing
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Thanks for the info Daniel, I have searched the archives, and found little
info on storing the van for the winter, put plenty on winter tires - sorta
ironic 'eh?
Anyhow, I just drove my Westy to its winter home (Kenora, North Western
Ontario). Next weekend I intend on doing the final preps for a cold, snowy
Kenora winter. The only stuff that I have had previous experience with
seasonal storage are lawnmowers and snowblowers - so bear with me, and pass
along any comments/concerns my way!
This is what I plan on doing:
- removing the battery
- changing the oil/filter
- removing the sparkplugs, oiling up the cylinders, turning over the engine,
and replacing the spark plugs
- putting the van on jack-stands to alleviate the pressure on the tires
- mouse proofing
- cleaning top to bottom and wax/polish exterior.
- buying one of those large, cheap blue tarps to cover the van through the
winter
- any other tips?
On an unrelated note, I am also going to try and remove the interior of the
van to look for hidden rust, and prep for some springtime rust/sound
proofing.
What is the estimated time required to remove the interior (behind the front
sides anyway) of a Westy? Is this a weekend or a day job? I have a
Bentley, but no previous experience doing this.
Andrew
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Daniel Stevens [mailto:dosteven@SYR.EDU]
> Sent: Monday, October 06, 2003 9:27 AM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: winterizing
>
>
> just a friendly remiinder to everyone getting ready for
> winter and some of us already there (saw heavy snows in Utah)..
>
>
> putting your van up for winter storage a few pointers...
>
>
> the front fresh air grill behind the upper rad grill, mice
> can get thru here and ruin your heater core never get the
> stink out. create a better blockage with $5 in hardware cloth/wire. .
>
> the places the plumbing passes thru the body, get some
> plumbers putty, it'll last for years and mice really don't
> want to chew thru it..
>
> your engine intake, either a screen gaurd with hardware cloth
> in the aircleaner intake, or a few of the SS brillo pads and
> a BIG YELLO POST-IT to keep critters from livin ontop your
> aircleaner for the winter.
>
> your Flue vents.. though it's quite high, you will be
> surprised how high a mouse can jump to get thru a hole
> smaller then you'd think they could fit..
> I saw a nice cover made from a near exact fir tupperware bowl
> and a bolt/wingnut..
>
> same thing goes for your Exhaust pipe, mice CAN and will jump
> into here, and it's a grand lil hotel ..
>
> place a 5x7 steno note with all your winterizing items so you
> don't forget to remove them in the spring.. after all we
> can't put red and yelo flags like the airforce does for
> planes in storage/hanger
>
> gas stabilizer, nuff said
>
> gas antifreeze so that the water still in there doesn't sit
> and create bad internal rust.
>
> a thourough car wash. many rust check places (ziebart here)
> have lifts and pressure washing services.. not a bad time to
> get it undercoated again (does need to be refreshed every few
> years anyways)
>
> cover the windshield. to save from hail damage.. an ounce of
> preventon is worth..
>
> armor all the sidewalls of the tires.. well your preferred
> rubber proctant.
>
> this is a good time to give fresh wax to the paint and care
> for the poptop, possibly inspect closely your windshield
> seals for bubbbles under the seal..
>
> your fresh/grey water tanks.. and LINES. a frozen sink trap
> is more then an ounce of antifreeze (RV type for water systems. )
>
> if you have theoutside space and it's not an eye sore, a van
> sized car cover is years more life to the body.. keep the
> grass from underneath, it promotes moisture on the body/frame
> (esp EXHAUSTS) and contact with grass creates an
> electrolosis reaction and corrodes body/exhaust parts
> quicker. KILL the LAWN not the VAN
>
> Add in and share your personal winterizing tips with the group.
>
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