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Triumph TR6 - Winter Storage Questions

This was my first year with my '73 TR6 and I'm storing it for the winter. I've read through many of the threads, but I have the following questions; Should I store it with the parking brake on? Is it a problem leaving it in gear?

Thanks to all in advance,
Mitch
M VandenBos

Hi Mitch
I don't think it should be stored all winter with the brake on...no chance to seize up that way.
I store mine in my unheated garage with a bit of wood with a bevelled edge resting against the rear tire..my floor has a slight slope, and I leave it in neutral.
Charlie
Charlie B.

Parking brake off, chock under wheel and a sheet of plastic under the car as a moisture barrier. Check the anti-freeze with one of those inexpensive coolant testers. Remove battery to a non-freezing area. I store my vehicles in a unheated garage and find this works best.
A buddy of mine sets a small fan on the ground just in front of his car blowing air to the back. He says the circulating air keeps the car dry.
Put some of those dryer sheets in the car, under the seats, in the trunk and in the engine bay. Mice don't like the smell! Better than moth balls and the car comes out nice and fresh smelling in the spring.
DS
Dennis Silance

Prolly overkill, but after having the piston rings rust to the cylinder walls on an air-cooled VW once, I might suggest your last run of the season end with a good oil fogging of the intake through both carbs. Also, be sure the fuel is preserved, topped off, and the fuel supply line pinched/valved shut.
Rick Orthen

I echo shutting the fuel line. Learned this a couple years back when I had a couple gallons of premium on the floor to to a stuck carb. Never though the top of the gas tank was higher then the carbs until it happened. Of course this was on a day with it was 5 degrees out. Haven't cussed like that in a long time...
Don from Jersey

Mitch,
there are some good archives on this subject and worth looking up. All ggod measures listed above , my favorite storage tips for an unheated garage include the small fan under the car blowing the length,
a fresh bag of charcoal braquettes cut open and placed in the cab(soaks up moistue ans oders)
and of course fresh oil in the engine.
Chris
Christopher T.

Thanks to all for the comments. Rick/Don, In regards to the fuel shut off; Any ideas on type of valve used? Anyone experience any problem from pinching off the fuel line for an extended period?

Mitch
M VandenBos

Mitch--IF you go with the valve, just pick out a plastic one made for lawn tractors at your favorite big box home store. I have one hanging from my pegboard from last winter (never got around to installing it). I was planning to install it at a convenient location along the frame rail near the back end.

Instead, I used one of those clamps made especially for hoses. It has rounded, curved jaws with a locking mechanism. I attached on the hose between the filter and the pump. The hose was a bit flattend but OK after 4 months or so in that condition.
Rick Orthen

Hello,

I agree with all these suggestions and I do one more thing regarding petrol. I keep the fuel tank low(it will loose its characteristics anyway), less than 1/4 and no matter that stabilizer they sell, I add 100 mL of two stroke oil in gaz tank and drive around the block to be sure that all fuel devices are oil impregnated. I kept a TR6 stored five years long without rust and carb float stuck at start-up.
Cheers,

JGC
J. G. Catford

Mitch
I put an in-line fuel shutoff back at the tank. There is a rubber hose section joining the solid line out of the tank to the line that runs along the frame to the filter. Picked it up at Home Depot. Make sure you get the correct OD connections for fuel line pipe. Not only shuts fuel off for the winter but I can change the fuel filter easier now. Remember Stabil in the fuel. I also give the engine a good fogging.
"rag top" up and latched alone with a cozy car cover. Neutral and hand brake definitely off. I also have a automatic battery tender connected all winter (+&- terminals off).
Rick C
Rick Crawford

Why would we store a perfectly good TR6 during the nicest time of the year for convertibles?

John, in sunny South Florida!
JL Bryan

John- As always,YOUR KILLING US NORTHENERS!!!
dk
DON KELLY

Today was a bit nippy even for hardy souls...24oF at start of morn, BUT a beautiful sunshiny-top down-day it's been here in Northern Alabama!!
db
Doug Baker

You can always tell it is winter when you get guys rubbin' the snow into your face.
Seems we have to endure this hecklling every year.
Just got our first inch of snow this year.
John, you know we sent the geese to get back at you.
Rick C
Rick Crawford

You yankees and canadians have cursed us! We're having a cold front coming through,just in time for Thanksgiving. Highs in the mid 70's and lows in the mid 50's. Brrrrrr!

John
JL Bryan

This thread was discussed between 13/11/2005 and 21/11/2005

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