winter storage/preservation

Other technical Issues with the Triumph 2000 range
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valencia
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winter storage/preservation

#1 Post by valencia » Thu Nov 21, 2024 5:47 pm

I was just wondering now that the bad weather is upon us and many Triumphs might going into hibernation for a few months, how do others store and preserve the car over winter, I often have trouble with a stuck clutch slave cylinder and corrosion on the brake discs, I try to mitigate the clutch issue with occasional pumping of the pedal and I lightly coat the brake discs with wd40 or similar. I've also just sheeted up the car as it's so cold-when it gets warmer ( this weekend forcasted apparently) the car would just attract a large amount of warmer, moist air and get quite wet. I also charge the battery every couple of weeks but it will only go out for a drive now if it's dry and no salt.
I take my hat off to those daily drivers with no garage.

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Re: winter storage/preservation

#2 Post by Clifford Pope » Fri Nov 22, 2024 11:06 am

I often find clutch and brake master cylinders can have a momentary stiffness when first operating after a long period of disuse. It's not a bad idea just to press the pedals occasionaly.

Leave a window open a few inches to let a bit of air in to circulate (I'm assuming yours is garaged). I find leather upholstery tends to get a bloom over winter.

Watch out for mice making nests or chewing upholstery or wiring. A tray of bait might be a wise precaution. I've had wiring insulation gnawed in the past, but strangely they seem to prefer the challenge of completely stripping live mains cables in the barn to handling a mere 12 volts:)

It's said that tyres can develop a permanent flat spot, but in practice the old custom of putting a car up on bricks is just too much fag. Years ago I did have a car that developed a very bouncy ride on one wheel, which took a few days of use to fade away.

I'm sure it makes sense to never put away a car with wet brakes, but apart from that I don't bother. Any surface rust quickly clears as soon as it's driven. Genuine cast iron drums and disks don't really rust, unlike modern mild steel replacements, which also wear out rapidly.

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valencia
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Re: winter storage/preservation

#3 Post by valencia » Fri Nov 22, 2024 6:16 pm

Thanks Clifford,
you have made it sound all nice and easy, so maybe I'm worrying a bit too much. The rodents don't seem to be a problem in my garage maybe as I'm in there quite a lot (or so my wife claims!) . I'll keep on top of the pedals as well and try and squeeze in the occasional run out too, it'll soon be spring :)

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Re: winter storage/preservation

#4 Post by Forkie » Sat Dec 14, 2024 9:10 pm

Just to add to 'tyre flat spots' - mine was stored away ( dry garage) for 14 years, rears removed but stood on the fronts for all that time - tyres when storage started were albut new at the time - maybe 200 miles covered. When it finally came out and started rolling again the tyres were fine - no flat spots, no nothing. I only changed them soon after purely for the age of them from storage.
As an aside, my car had not detiorated at all after 14 years ' in storage' - in a dry, but un- heated garage. In my experience dryness is the key, keeping her dry is a must. I cannot stress that more. B.L. stuff do not like dampness👀
As i stand today , i periodically start the car, and let it get up to normal temperature before switching off . I also leave a couple of windows down a tad, have a purpose made breathable cover over it, and also have a couple of those ' moisture away' tubs ( you remove the silver foil tops first ) inside the car to do just that - absorb any moisture - they work a treat. I change them as required, or more often if needed. It all helps!
Member Number 7392 04/07

1975 TRIUMPH 2500S AUTO ESTATE IN BRG!

DON'T TIDY UP - LEAVE IT WHERE IT FELL!!

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valencia
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Re: winter storage/preservation

#5 Post by valencia » Sat Dec 21, 2024 9:21 pm

Thanks Forkie,
you are spot on about the effects of damp air and there's plenty of that where I live in Lancashire ! I covered the car with a large dust sheet and numerous sets of old curtains a few weeks ago when it was very cold but dry, whereas if I'd have waited for the warmer wetter days to return the car would have been coated in condensation.
I started it and ran it 2 days ago, moved back and forward a few times so the clutch slave hasn't stuck yet like in the past, although it took a while to start as the carbs needed priming. As an aside but still relevent I had 2 trees blow down in the garden, so out comes the petrol chainsaw to dispose of the resulting mess, but as I have not used the saw for a couple of years it was wouldn't start, so out comes the plug, clean the air filter, blow down with compressed air and a good squirt of brake cleaner inside the carb and it was good to go.
It's along winter though, so it'll be a while before the car emerges again.

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Re: winter storage/preservation

#6 Post by Forkie » Sun Dec 22, 2024 5:33 pm

A long winter is correct - it has been shocking down here - Cornwall- and we not even half way through yet!!
When the car has been stood 'un-used' for more than a few days ,before going for a start i always manually prime the carbs, disconect the central coil lead and turn it over without choke until the oil light goes out. As soon as it does, i reconnect the coil lead pull out the choke and almost everytime she fires and runs instantly. Always a very satisfying moment to hear that engine running again :D . The weather is meant to improve somewhat towards the end of the week so hoping to have it out - im like you - see no sense in taking it out in horrendous wind and rain.
Cover wise - in the long term storage of mine i also had it covered with old ( but clean) sheets - but when they were finally removed i was surprised with just how much ' grime' had got through and had properly adhered mainly to the tops of the doors and rear wings - was a bit of a mission to clean it back. This new breathable cover is really good - nothing gets through it. When i lift up a corner for any reason the paintwork is still as clean as it was when last buffed and covered.
I also leave the handbrake off, and mine being an Auto i leave it in Neutral - that allows me to ' shove it to and fro' periodically whenever i am out there , to keep it free so to speak without the need to remove the cover to get in to start it etc etc.
Member Number 7392 04/07

1975 TRIUMPH 2500S AUTO ESTATE IN BRG!

DON'T TIDY UP - LEAVE IT WHERE IT FELL!!

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