Gen 6 ZL1 Winter Storage

DansZL1-1LE · 08-17-2023, 09:10 PM

Hello, I am a new Gen 6 ZL1 owner in the Great State of Wisconsin. I am thinking about winter storage. It will be stored in an un-heated pole-barn. I have the 1LE Goodyear's with all the cold weather warnings on storage temperatures and heat soak before flexing. I have seen solutions for Tire Cradles and Guniwheels (45S). I have purchased Lift Pads for the Pinch Welds to jack the car, but not sure where to place Jack Stands if I want to put it on stands over winter. Also considering buying Gen 5 damaged Rims/Tires to use just for storage (not sure they will fit over my Brembos!).

Any advice for us northerners who store cars with these types of tires in cold weather would be appreciated.

PS, winter storage is not new to me, I know about Stabil for fuel. I will not disconnect the battery this time, I'll use a trickle charger.

Thanks!

Jetrep · 08-17-2023, 09:23 PM

Hello!

I’m in Florida but have a similar issue as we get a fair amount of heavy rains in the afternoon and I’m not taking my baby out in that with stupid Florida drivers. So my car sits as well. I’ve driven it 3 times since April

I’d consider putting a cheap wheel set and tires on yours so if you need to move it in a hurry you’d be able to do so. The trickle is a good idea. I’d also go on a bi weekly routine of starting the car and letting it run for 10-15 minutes to keep the oil, coolant, and fuel systems well circulated.

Ohh. And pls keep that cold white stuff with you!!!

hawk02 · 08-17-2023, 10:30 PM

I snowbird to Florida every winter. My ZL1 gets stored in an unheated 20' x 10' public storage unit starting around the middle of November until the following May. About 5 1/2 months in total.

Here's my storage procedure:

Wash and detail car
Make sure the car has a full tank of gas.
Inflate tires to 38 psi.
Disconnect the battery. (don't have the ability to use a trickle charger or I would do that instead)
Cover the trunk latch with a microfiber towel so it won't latch.
Put a half dozen dryer sheets under the hood and 10 packets of Granpa Gus's Mouse Repellent packets around the perimeter of the car.
Cover ZL1 with a plastic disposable car cover.
Tell it goodbye and say I'll see you next spring

I've done this procedure for the past two years. The car started right up and runs just fine when I returned in May.

CalgaryZL1 · 08-18-2023, 02:36 AM

Mice would be my biggest concern, if you can get wheels off the ground would be my suggestion. maybe look into a quick jack and place something to deter them from climbing the legs on the lift and or jackstands and what hawk02 recommended. In a cold weather climate storage situation I wouldn’t recommend starting the car weekly or biweekly it will be unnecessary wear and tear and introduced condensation into your systems.

LeonardS · 08-18-2023, 05:46 AM

I would remove the wheels and tires. Store them in a warm area.

hawk02 · 08-18-2023, 07:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CalgaryZL1

Mice would be my biggest concern, if you can get wheels off the ground would be my suggestion. maybe look into a quick jack and place something to deter them from climbing the legs on the lift and or jackstands and what hawk02 recommended. In a cold weather climate storage situation I wouldn’t recommend starting the car weekly or biweekly it will be unnecessary wear and tear and introduced condensation into your systems.

Having the wheels off the ground for an extended period puts a lot stress on the suspension. Not something I'm comfortable with.

I totally agree don't start the car if you're not going to drive it somewhere.

I owned a 5th gen ZL1 prior to my 6th gen. I've gone through 10 winters with summer performance tires. As long as you don't drive the car when outside temps drop below 20 degrees the rubber won't crack just sitting in the garage. No need to pull the tires off and store them in a basement or heated area. They'll be fine. My rule is the car is parked at 35 degrees and below.

JSH · 08-18-2023, 09:15 AM

Store it, why? I drive mine all winter when temps are >40F.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DansZL1-1LE

Hello, I am a new Gen 6 ZL1 owner in the Great State of Wisconsin. I am thinking about winter storage. It will be stored in an un-heated pole-barn. I have the 1LE Goodyear's with all the cold weather warnings on storage temperatures and heat soak before flexing. I have seen solutions for Tire Cradles and Guniwheels (45S). I have purchased Lift Pads for the Pinch Welds to jack the car, but not sure where to place Jack Stands if I want to put it on stands over winter. Also considering buying Gen 5 damaged Rims/Tires to use just for storage (not sure they will fit over my Brembos!).

Any advice for us northerners who store cars with these types of tires in cold weather would be appreciated.

PS, winter storage is not new to me, I know about Stabil for fuel. I will not disconnect the battery this time, I'll use a trickle charger.

Thanks!

302crossram · 08-18-2023, 09:24 AM

https://www.calcarcover.com/product/...age-bubble/684

Goaty · 08-21-2023, 10:56 AM

I'm in NY and I just bought a set of Michelin all seasons that I'll use in winter. I'm going to store the Goodyears in my basement as I don't have a heated garage.

MT-SS1LE · 08-21-2023, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSH

Store it, why? I drive mine all winter when temps are >40F.

Here in MT they spray a horrible brine solution on the roads during winter. That sh*t corrodes any exposed metal in minutes it seems. No way I would expose my car to that. My truck and Jeep already have a lot of rust and that is with me pressure washing the undercarriage on a weekly basis. Sucks to have to put it away for 6 months, but the alternative is worse imho.

RamAir02 · 08-21-2023, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hawk02

Having the wheels off the ground for an extended period puts a lot stress on the suspension. Not something I'm comfortable with.

I totally agree don't start the car if you're not going to drive it somewhere.

I owned a 5th gen ZL1 prior to my 6th gen. I've gone through 10 winters with summer performance tires. As long as you don't drive the car when outside temps drop below 20 degrees the rubber won't crack just sitting in the garage. No need to pull the tires off and store them in a basement or heated area. They'll be fine. My rule is the car is parked at 35 degrees and below.

If you want to get it off the ground, but worry about stress on the suspension, you could always consider wheel cribs

Jus Cruisin · 08-21-2023, 01:04 PM

I just add Stabil, tires at 40 psi, plug in the Battery Tender and cover it. Tires on carpet.

Rock-It Man · 08-21-2023, 05:43 PM

Yeah, I would put the summer tires and wheels indoors but install some other wheels and tires rather than leave the suspension hanging.

Other than that, make sure you hook up a battery tender and put Sta-Bil in before filling the gas tank. And do not do not do not start the car while storing.

And do everything you can to kill mice in the building.

I have been storing Cameros for 6 months of winter since 2010.

08-17-2023, 09:10 PM	#1
DansZL1-1LE Drives: Chevy Camaro ZL1 1LE Join Date: Aug 2023 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 21	Gen 6 ZL1 Winter Storage Hello, I am a new Gen 6 ZL1 owner in the Great State of Wisconsin. I am thinking about winter storage. It will be stored in an un-heated pole-barn. I have the 1LE Goodyear's with all the cold weather warnings on storage temperatures and heat soak before flexing. I have seen solutions for Tire Cradles and Guniwheels (45S). I have purchased Lift Pads for the Pinch Welds to jack the car, but not sure where to place Jack Stands if I want to put it on stands over winter. Also considering buying Gen 5 damaged Rims/Tires to use just for storage (not sure they will fit over my Brembos!). Any advice for us northerners who store cars with these types of tires in cold weather would be appreciated. PS, winter storage is not new to me, I know about Stabil for fuel. I will not disconnect the battery this time, I'll use a trickle charger. Thanks!

08-17-2023, 10:30 PM	#3
hawk02 Coupe Newbie Drives: '23 CT5-V BW, '21 Corvette HTC Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 3,442 View My Garage	I snowbird to Florida every winter. My ZL1 gets stored in an unheated 20' x 10' public storage unit starting around the middle of November until the following May. About 5 1/2 months in total. Here's my storage procedure: Wash and detail car Make sure the car has a full tank of gas. Inflate tires to 38 psi. Disconnect the battery. (don't have the ability to use a trickle charger or I would do that instead) Cover the trunk latch with a microfiber towel so it won't latch. Put a half dozen dryer sheets under the hood and 10 packets of Granpa Gus's Mouse Repellent packets around the perimeter of the car. Cover ZL1 with a plastic disposable car cover. Tell it goodbye and say I'll see you next spring I've done this procedure for the past two years. The car started right up and runs just fine when I returned in May. __________________ Last edited by hawk02; 08-18-2023 at 07:45 AM.

08-18-2023, 05:46 AM	#5
LeonardS Drives: 1969 Z28,1992 Z28,1994 Z28,1999 SS Join Date: Oct 2021 Location: Jamestown, ND Posts: 1,154	I would remove the wheels and tires. Store them in a warm area. __________________ 24 2SS 1LE, Riptide Blue, A10, PDR. Picked up 11/5/23, 560 miles. 23 ZLE Rapid Blue, M6. 6/27/22 TPW. Off assembly line on July 12th, 2022. To Dealer August 6th. Delivered August 8th. 129 miles. 99 SS Vert, Hugger Orange, A4, 806 miles 94 Z28, Black, M6, 595 miles 92 Z28, last car built at Van Nuys Plant, Red, A4, 125 miles www.last1992camaro.com 69 Z28, Dusk Blue, M4 29 Ford Business Coupe 28 Ford Pickup 24 GMC Denali 2500HD CCSB 4x4 22 Jeep Grand Cherokee 13 Ford F150 Crew Cab 4x4

08-21-2023, 01:04 PM	#12
Jus Cruisin Old Gearhead Drives: 2023 GMC Sierra Denali Ultimate Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: MI Posts: 546	I just add Stabil, tires at 40 psi, plug in the Battery Tender and cover it. Tires on carpet. Attached Images __________________ 2023 Camaro ZL1 convertible - black - SOLD 2023 GMC Sierra Denali Ultimate - black

08-17-2023, 09:23 PM	#2
Jetrep Drives: ZL1 1LE, bolt, scary flatbed, hhr, Join Date: Apr 2023 Location: Florida Posts: 89	Hello! I’m in Florida but have a similar issue as we get a fair amount of heavy rains in the afternoon and I’m not taking my baby out in that with stupid Florida drivers. So my car sits as well. I’ve driven it 3 times since April I’d consider putting a cheap wheel set and tires on yours so if you need to move it in a hurry you’d be able to do so. The trickle is a good idea. I’d also go on a bi weekly routine of starting the car and letting it run for 10-15 minutes to keep the oil, coolant, and fuel systems well circulated. Ohh. And pls keep that cold white stuff with you!!!

08-18-2023, 02:36 AM	#4
CalgaryZL1 Drives: 2020 Chevy Camaro ZL1 Join Date: Apr 2023 Location: Calgary Canada Posts: 1,652	Mice would be my biggest concern, if you can get wheels off the ground would be my suggestion. maybe look into a quick jack and place something to deter them from climbing the legs on the lift and or jackstands and what hawk02 recommended. In a cold weather climate storage situation I wouldn’t recommend starting the car weekly or biweekly it will be unnecessary wear and tear and introduced condensation into your systems.

08-18-2023, 09:24 AM	#8
302crossram Drives: 2023 Sharkskin 2SS Join Date: Oct 2022 Location: NWFL Posts: 760	https://www.calcarcover.com/product/...age-bubble/684

08-21-2023, 10:56 AM	#9
Goaty Drives: 2023 ZL1 Join Date: Jun 2023 Location: NY Posts: 4	I'm in NY and I just bought a set of Michelin all seasons that I'll use in winter. I'm going to store the Goodyears in my basement as I don't have a heated garage.

08-21-2023, 05:43 PM	#13
Rock-It Man 376 cubic inches of fun Drives: 2023 Camaro ZL1 A10 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: MA Posts: 4,043 View My Garage	Yeah, I would put the summer tires and wheels indoors but install some other wheels and tires rather than leave the suspension hanging. Other than that, make sure you hook up a battery tender and put Sta-Bil in before filling the gas tank. And do not do not do not start the car while storing. And do everything you can to kill mice in the building. I have been storing Cameros for 6 months of winter since 2010.

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