Car Storage

[David W.]

I was wondering what is the best way or place to store old cars that are only occasionally used.
I was shocked at how much condensation I found on the engine when checking antifreeze today. This car is stored in a large old brick farm barn. It has doors but these are by no means air tight! but there is not enough air movement to dry anything inside. The car is covered with old bed sheets so perhaps a proper cover is the way to start?
I could build another garage and if I did would it be best to insulate and install a form of heating (just enough to maintain a constant temperature) which wouldn't cost the earth to run. Also any thoughts on garage doors, the tin up and over ones are cold and let in drafts!
Thanks in advance.
DW
edited to say, yes it has antifreeze, it's an Aston, sorry []

 

[38F3E1]

You want a dry heated environment or a de-humidified environment. Either way the aim should be to maintain humidity between 40% and 60% all year round. You can buy cheap humidity meters to monitor it.

The reason you are finding condensation is that humidity in an unheated space will typically be between 70-95% at this time of year. Long term it's not good for your car.

Ian.

 

[38F3E1]

BTW you can buy ready made cocoons for cars from various manufacturers but they do lack de-humidification so are not totally effective IMO. A combination of a cocoon and a small de-humidifier inside it such as a Ruby-Dry would seem to meet the requirements you have.

Ian.

 

[David W.]

Thanks Ian, I was thinking of something along the lines of a timber frame garage with feather lap boards on the outside with fiberglass then plaster board so "warm" materials with garage door perhaps sprayed on the inside with insulation foam (I have a friend who does this in containers). This construction with a little heat may do the job. I just need to find some DIY time in the spring! Alternatively get an insulated container, but this would not look as nice!
DW

 

[38F3E1]

That design would work fine. Then install a Ruby-Dry and you will then not need to heat it unless you wish to. Either way have the unit to keep the moisture at the correct level at all times.

Here's a pic of the unit (on the floor to the left of my car).

Ian.

 

[Guest]

I`ve been using a Carcoon since 1999 during the winter months, works just fine, pump the tires up and extra 50%. The Carcoon comes with a battery condition monitor. I run it around once a month, and it starts first time.

Michael

 

[2.4te]

Ian- Have you tried a conventional dehumidifier? Wondered how the Ruby-Dry compares. Just read up on the Ruby-dry, hadn't heard of that principle before. I have a Wickes' (Ebac) model. Thanks.

 

[38F3E1]

Yes I have used conventional units. I have an industrial Ebac unit in some other garages. They work perfectly well.

The Ruby-Dry seems to be the first small absorbtion unit that has become available. Large industrial absorbtion units have been available for a long time but have always been very expensive. When buying my Ebac four years ago there was a vast difference in price so easy choice.

The advantages of absorbtion units is they work very efficiently down to low temperatures and you don't have to worry about them freezing like standard units will below about 5 degrees C. Also there is no gas in them to leak out, compressors, etc so much simpler technology. So far very impressed with the Ruby-Dry. Not worth changing to if you already have a conventional unit but worthy of consideration if buying new.

Ian.

 

[2.4te]

Thanks Ian.