'98 Limited - in Storage for a year

[Asmara]

So, I've searched the internet and found a million different ideas on how to store a vehicle for an extended period of time.

I got lucky and there are no vehicle age import restrictions at my next posting, so I can bring my '98 Limited. Unfortunately, it looks like I'm going to have to put it in storage for a year (it will sit in a container in Europe) while I undergo long term training.

So the question is, has anybody done this before? Any tips or concerns. There's a wide range of theories on the internet and none seem to agree. The most common response is to put in some fuel stabilizer and disconnect the battery. I actually have to drive it into the container and climb out the back hatch so some of the more radical ideas are out.

Incidentally, the car will be going to Turkey next. 4 continents so far and there is actually a reason to use the 4x4 in Turkey.

 

[JohnsD90]

So, I've searched the internet and found a million different ideas on how to store a vehicle for an extended period of time.

I got lucky and there are no vehicle age import restrictions at my next posting, so I can bring my '98 Limited. Unfortunately, it looks like I'm going to have to put it in storage for a year (it will sit in a container in Europe) while I undergo long term training.

So the question is, has anybody done this before? Any tips or concerns. There's a wide range of theories on the internet and none seem to agree. The most common response is to put in some fuel stabilizer and disconnect the battery. I actually have to drive it into the container and climb out the back hatch so some of the more radical ideas are out.

Incidentally, the car will be going to Turkey next. 4 continents so far and there is actually a reason to use the 4x4 in Turkey.

Here you will have to scan through this thread, it is mostly about defenders but it will certainly help you on your importation questions. And make sure there is no mud on the vehicle or else they will ship it back.

The D-90 Source - Whats legal? Frame Swaps, Importing, etc

 

[TheDurk]

Uhh, How will you disconnect the battery (just curious)? Your options are extremely limited. I'd also over-pressure my tires some, maybe 45 psi, to fight flat spots developing or slow leaks. Too high, and I'd worry about the container being in the sun and temp driving pressure way too high. A full gas tank will fight condensation if it's sitting somewhere cold. But then you'd probably want to dump that gas at pickup, even with stabilizer. Leave e-brake off (shoes might stick to drum) and block clutch pedal down (if a manual.) If you have a choice, don't drive in the rain before storing. Lube the heck out of everything--don't forget the bellcranks on the brake drums, hood latch linkage, throttle cables linkages, etc.

I've brought two cars out of long-term storage, a '64 Bug and a '79 Dodge Polara (Brazil model, really a Hillman Avenger). Tires, batteries and fresh gas were main issues. The Bug was on its rims and had been for four or five years. It was hysterical test driving the thing. Even over-pressured, it clunked along like a circus clown car with square wheels while spewing smoke and back-firing at 1AM in downtown São Paulo. Had to get new tires. The Dodge (18 months in a garage) just needed a battery, fresh gas, tune-up and a little fight to unstick the clutch (hence the block idea). The one flat tire became a spare. Good luck and stay safe.

 

[theizzardking]

so it's going to sit in a container for a year? or be in storage for year? big difference there...

i'd get some of this stuff,
Rust Inhibitor, Rust Preventative, LPS 3 – LPS Laboratories

and coat the whole underneath in it as well as any bare metal, i ship stuff international via container alot and you wouldn't believe some of the crap i've seen happen to stuff, even things like 20 ton weldments get screwed up some how. also you are going to want to chain your rig to the sides of the containers, throwing a few chocks in there isn't going to cut it either, ships in open seas get alot of side to side movement, which can be a problem.
think of the runner just sitting in a salt water tub for a year.....

as for the tires thing it's a good idea to try an combat flat spots, i'd almost buy a cheap set and count on them getting a flat spot (think about a car sitting for a year in a container...the humidity/temp and everything else is going to rocket up and down causing some problems)


really letting it sit in a container for a year next to the ocean is not going to be good for it no matter what you do, the micro environment your creating inside of the container is going to be super harsh....really it seems like you;d be better off just having a loved one ship it when you need it, or proceed if you plan on using to get around Europe(germany, most likely?) which is what i suggest you should do having a car in europe is unbeatable you can drive through 5 countries in a day....hell you can even just drive it to turkey if you wanted to might be way better then flying....

 

[Asmara]

Thanks

Thanks for the tips. I hadn't thought about how to disconnect the battery. I could probably install a temporary battery disconnect in the cabin.

As I understand it, it will sit in a container for a year but it's possible they will take it out of the container and put it in a warehouse.

I had one other brilliant idea that I hope will work out. I'm assuming it's cheaper to ship it back to the US and then on to Turkey than it will be to pay for storage in Europe for a year.

Still doing the research. If I get any official guidance from the USG on what they do to store the vehicle, I'll post it back here. Unfortunately, I'm bound by US regulations on what I can do unless I want to go out of pocket. US regs don't normally take into consideration what is smart. :bash:

 

[theizzardking]

i've shipped a few vw buses to the u.k., it's always cheaper todo a roll on service, where you just drive the truck on and they secure it down with chains and then they roll it off on the other side, check into that as well.

i know off topic

but read 3 posts down
TheSamba.com :: View topic - theizzardking - [email protected] - Jason Izzard

try and contact that guy "street boy" i think he paid 800 to have his vw shipped from seattle to england and trust me with all of the hell we went through that guy has international vehicle shipping down, lol

i have a few companies and other people you can chat with about international car shipping, i've just never been the guy footing the bill, i just find the buses and drive them to get shipped abroad.

let me know if your wanting to talk to some of them and i'll put you in contact.

 

[gratefulneal]

Asmara

"I had one other brilliant idea that I hope will work out. I'm assuming it's cheaper to ship it back to the US and then on to Turkey than it will be to pay for storage in Europe for a year. "

x 2...think that is your best bet whether out of pocket or not...have someoneat home take care if here in the US and then you won't have any of the "storage" mechanical issues....just trusting your ride to someone else for a year is a HUGE commitment - almost like getting married....

good luck-