Living in upstate New York (and I suspect Michigan has similar weather), I have been storing my wife's non-stovebolt convertible in a non heated garage for the past six years and this year my ‘52 Chevy 3100. Moisture during the winter has never been a issue. I place moisture absorbers inside the vehicle and they were never full when I opened the vehicle in the spring. Winter storage lasts from the first snow in November (so as to avoid the salt) thru mud season in April. The biggest issue with moisture, is in the spring when I open the garage door and every piece of metal, which is much cooler then the ambient air temperature, within minutes condensates. The cool concrete walls condensate puddles of water on the floor to the point I was positive that the contractor who built my garage didn’t seal the walls and floor properly. As long as the garage door was closed it wasn’t an issue.

The biggest issue I’ve encountered was a dead battery. In NY a dead battery in freezing temperatures cracks the battery. Since then, I place trickle chargers on all of my batteries. My preference is Battery Tenders by Deltran. I don’t disconnect the battery in my wife’s vehicle as it reset all the codes but I will disconnect the battery on my ‘52.

I have also learned my lesson with ethanol gas and I use nothing but non-ethanol gas. If your truck is a daily driver, you can use ethanol gas during the year but run the last tank or two with non-ethanol if available. I also treat my gas prior to storage with stabol.


Phil
Moderator, The Engine Shop, Interiors and Project Journals

1952 Chevrolet 3100, Three on the Tree, 4:11 torque tube
Updated to: ‘59 235 w/hydraulic lifters, 12v w/alternator, HEI, PCV and Power front Disc Brakes
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