Antique cars are also referred to as classic cars. They are considered of great value and owning one of them is therefore not only a joy but also an investment of some form, especially if the intention of the owner is to sell it in future. If one owns an antique car, it is important for them to take good care of it. One of the ways to ensure that the antique car is in excellent state is to store it properly. Being an antique, the car has most probably not been used for a long time. Inactivity is not good for a car. Rotting rubber, rusted metal, blistering paint, upholstery with mildew, locked up brakes, dead batteries and cracked fiberglass; there is an endless list of possibilities on what could go wrong with a car just from sitting there.
Storing an antique car is not very difficult. The first step is to ensure that the car has been given a proper detailing. Make sure that all the filth in the undercarriage and body parts has been washed off completely. Wax the whole car but do not polish the chromed surfaces until the time when the car is removed from storage. All rubber should be lubricated and the upholstery properly vacuumed. Step 2 involves changing the fluids. Fluids should be drained before the car cools down. Oil especially, picks chemical contaminants as well as particles when it is still warm but protective gloves should be worn to avoid burns.
For cars with lube fittings, it is important to keep the universal joints filled with new grease. The steering as well as suspension fittings should all have fresh grease applied on them. The brake system should be also bled and refilled with clean fluid. If the car is going to be inactive for six months or more, the fuel tank should be drained. Once this is done, the engine should be started and the remaining gas ran out to ensure it does not clog the carburetors. Gasoline stabilizer can be used to stop the deterioration of fuel if storage is for a few months. The cooling system should also be completely drained, the petcock left open and the radiator cap left off so that there is free air circulation. The heater should be drained and the heater hoses disconnected. Ensure that the drained fluids of the car are properly disposed.
To ensure that the battery survives, it should be removed, washed with water and baking water solution then stored in a dry place on a shelf and not concrete. The tires should also be removed and stored with cardboard between them. The clutch should also be depressed and locked in position, pressing a 2 x 4 against it and the seat frame. Lastly, the windows should be rolled down for circulation, baking soda placed in to absorb moisture and a plastic bag cover the carburetor to keep moisture out. The tailpipe should be stuffed with an old rag to keep the vermin out and the car covered preferably with a cotton flannel fabric.