Questions and Answers
Car Storage
Q. Am going to bring my 1982 Honda Prelude of out storage after six years and was wondering what kinds of things to expect or have done besides the usual tune-up, change all fluids, replace all hoses, etc. Did not find any storage tips in your forum - perhaps you could advise another forum or tips? Perhaps there is interest in placing cars into and getting them ready after long-term storage?
Thanks!!
SteveA. You have a good idea where to start to bring it out of storage Steve. All of these things should be done. A lot depends on where it was stored. If it was parked out in back of the garage, you can expect some problems with the brakes. The rotors and drums will have rusted to the pads and shoes. This will make it hard to move, if it will move at all. Also the brake fluid will have evaporated out so the system will be dry. This will cause you problems with dry seals. When you refill the system, you may find the calipers and wheel cylinders no longer work or leak.
It's also possible that the engine will not turn over. The oil film that normally coats the inside of the engine will have long since drained into the oil pan. This may have caused the pistons to freeze to the cylinder walls. You'll also want to check all the rubber components such as the control arm, strut and sway bar bushings for deterioration as well.
There are no hard or fast rules about bringing a car out of storage although there is a lot of suggestions on putting it into storage. I would look the car over pretty well before taking it out on the road.
