My vert has summer rubber on it and I'm planning to leave the car in the garage over the long rain laden winter in the pacific northwest. I have never owned a ragtop before. Is it best to store the car with the top up or down? Does it matter? Are people using car covers if they store the car with the top down?

 

You always want to store with top up, this way fabric doesn't crease.

I suggest you also do following:

1. Change engine oil before storage
2. Store with a full fuel tank and add fuel stabilizer (e.g. Stabil)
3. Disconnect battery or use battery tender
4. Over inflate tires by 5 PSI or so
5. Leave dryer sheets inside the car, on top of wheels and so on to dissuade critters from chewing on soy wiring.

 

I suggest that you bring it to me for storage. I'll store it in my garage and exercise it on the many warm days that we have in the winter. No need for over inflating tires or using dryer sheets. The summer rubber will be just fine once I warm it up.

 

Excellent advice IMO.

Dave

 

I would not disconnect the battery. Use a battery manager instead. There are rounded tire rests to keep the radials from getting a flat spot although I find the extra pressure helps a lot. My Jaguar service guy suggested plywood under the tires. Definitely keep the top up or the fabric will contract. As to critters, there are many suggestions, but I think a sealed garage is the best answer.

I am negative on car covers. Rodents like the darkness and covers just create an enjoyable habitat for the little *******s. Some folks leave the bonnet up or put a light under the car to ward them off. I have one neighbor who opens the hood (it's an American car) when he parks in the driveway.

 

Thanks guys. I'll store it with the roof up. I don't have critter infestation in my garage so I think I'm good there. I'm not too worried about the tires either. They have 26k miles on them and need to be replaced next season. Just looking at the gas pedal will make the car fishtail like mad. Need some sticky rubber on there next season.

 

I highly recommend Michelin Pilot 4S.

 

I'm thinking of getting a cover so the jag doesn't get all dusty when I store it for the winter. I don't have an infestation of mice but I have seen a mouse or two in the garage over the years and the possibility of them chewing on wires concerns me.

 

Check out their PermaBag product - a sealed bag with humidity control:
https://www.autopyjama.com/shop/overview

I may consider this as I'm moving from a commercial storage facility to a neighbor's barn for storage this winter.