R52 Storing a conv't outside in winter...
#1
Storing a conv't outside in winter...
I have room on my driveway to park/store my 2005 outside in the winter - but a bit nervous about what the snow and ice and frigid temps might do to the 12 year old top.
Of course I can cover it - but not sure what kind of cover is recommended for this situation.
I also could store it inside, but it'll cost me. With the money I'd save on inside storage I can get some mods/repairs done in the spring.
Just looking for input/advice if anyone else has had this decision to make...
Thanks!
Of course I can cover it - but not sure what kind of cover is recommended for this situation.
I also could store it inside, but it'll cost me. With the money I'd save on inside storage I can get some mods/repairs done in the spring.
Just looking for input/advice if anyone else has had this decision to make...
Thanks!
#3
Thinking that a cover that was water resistant and breathable would work well. My bigger concern would be squirrels chewing on electrical wires. With the cover, you have created an excellent winter home for mice and a coffee break spot for squirrels. If you do, I would try to figure out how you can block/plug off the outside air vent so they do not crawl in and use that area for the outhouse.
Moth ***** are good for keeping critters out but then you have to contend with the smell yourself.
Moth ***** are good for keeping critters out but then you have to contend with the smell yourself.
#4
#5
Clean it good, and get a good car cover. Here is one for the Convertible MINI R52. 82110395485 . Has the fabric sewn in to fit the r52 antenna up front.
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-mini-parts/car-cover-gray-black-outdoor/82110395485/
I would start it up and run it every once in a while, otherwise, you would have to take the battery cable off when it sets. I would watch about those critters as they love the gen 1 MINI spark plug wires and getting into the cabin filter area.
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-mini-parts/car-cover-gray-black-outdoor/82110395485/
I would start it up and run it every once in a while, otherwise, you would have to take the battery cable off when it sets. I would watch about those critters as they love the gen 1 MINI spark plug wires and getting into the cabin filter area.
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#6
Clean it good, and get a good car cover. Here is one for the Convertible MINI R52. 82110395485 . Has the fabric sewn in to fit the r52 antenna up front.
I would start it up and run it every once in a while, otherwise, you would have to take the battery cable off when it sets. I would watch about those critters as they love the gen 1 MINI spark plug wires and getting into the cabin filter area.
I would start it up and run it every once in a while, otherwise, you would have to take the battery cable off when it sets. I would watch about those critters as they love the gen 1 MINI spark plug wires and getting into the cabin filter area.
Regards,
Jerry
#7
yep.
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#8
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You might consider starting it up occasionally and taking it out in the neighborhood for a short drive. This will at least keep the rotors from getting so rusty they need to be replaced next Spring. I have an R52 that doesn't get driven much in the winter....I keep it licensed, so driving it on dry days isn't a problem. I keep it outside under a cover - the ECS cover looks like a good one.
Last edited by bugeye1031; 11-12-2017 at 02:08 PM. Reason: added a comment
#10
+1 starting it up and driving it around helps. I do this with my R58 JCW when stored. On a clear dry day I take it out.
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#11
Thanks for all the tips! - Actually gonna keep it indoors in a friend's nice and dry garage for very cheap...
I'm thinking I should put some sta-bil into it, and take the battery out...tires are gonna
be replaced in the spring anyhow. How can I prevent mice from getting into it?
(It is a nice garage, so I wouldn't expect any, but still...)
Anything else to consider?
I'm thinking I should put some sta-bil into it, and take the battery out...tires are gonna
be replaced in the spring anyhow. How can I prevent mice from getting into it?
(It is a nice garage, so I wouldn't expect any, but still...)
Anything else to consider?
#12
A cat walks around the house. I think people put mouse traps down or peppermint oil or cedar wood.
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#13
Thanks for all the tips! - Actually gonna keep it indoors in a friend's nice and dry garage for very cheap...
I'm thinking I should put some sta-bil into it, and take the battery out...tires are gonna
be replaced in the spring anyhow. How can I prevent mice from getting into it?
(It is a nice garage, so I wouldn't expect any, but still...)
Anything else to consider?
I'm thinking I should put some sta-bil into it, and take the battery out...tires are gonna
be replaced in the spring anyhow. How can I prevent mice from getting into it?
(It is a nice garage, so I wouldn't expect any, but still...)
Anything else to consider?
And if possible, drive it very gently at least a short distance every two weeks.
#14
Yes, I would second the start up and drive it around the block or so.
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#15
I have a battery tender on mine, use sta-bil in the fuel and put a pair of mouse traps underneath.
My plan is to get a cover for next winter. While I don't know how that will help. Covers look impressive and may help me actually cut back on driving it every day the temperature gets above freezing. At this point the sta-bil and the battery tender are not helping much since I seem to drive it more than I planned.
My plan is to get a cover for next winter. While I don't know how that will help. Covers look impressive and may help me actually cut back on driving it every day the temperature gets above freezing. At this point the sta-bil and the battery tender are not helping much since I seem to drive it more than I planned.
#16
#17
Related questions:
Is there any real benefit to using a cover if it is stored inside a cold garage?
To answer my own question: Yes. The road salt blows in from the driveway and the other car coming and going. There is now a fine dust on the MINI that has not been out of the garage.
Is there any benefit of a Indoor cover over an outdoor cover if it is going to be stored inside?
Is there any real benefit to using a cover if it is stored inside a cold garage?
To answer my own question: Yes. The road salt blows in from the driveway and the other car coming and going. There is now a fine dust on the MINI that has not been out of the garage.
Is there any benefit of a Indoor cover over an outdoor cover if it is going to be stored inside?
Last edited by miniCPA; 01-14-2018 at 02:27 PM.
#18
#19
Indoor cover just does not have that waterproof material, its more like spandex.
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Customer Service Hours: 8am-8pm EST|Sales Team Hours: 8am-11pm | SAT 10am-7pm 800.924.5172