I drove her to a cold storage today. Stabilled and fueled her up. Removed the battery and snugged her up under her cover. I will miss her...

 

...yep me too, two weeks ago. Did you leave your handbrake disengaged? Some folks overinflate the tires (I do) up to 37 p.s.i parked on wood.

 

Mine has been in the garage for over a month. Only because it needs a e test. Other wise it would still be on the road as the weather has been good. Have been racking up the km's on the Gencoupe instead.

 

Hi Guys!
Well, I took my last run on Tuesday. Another gift of a sunny day and top down weather. This month I managed to get out on some great drives - including a re-create of the jaunt that I missed out in Prince Edward County. I just took a brief run through Halton/Caledon and made the pass through Belfountain (Forks of the Credit) to Highway 10 about 3 times. I just love that little stretch of road. Didn't see our 180 although I thought of dropping in to buy him a coffee - but I got scared of the new rotary he wrote about. Last night I used my topsider to change out the oil and put in a new filter. Interestingly, my Mann fleece filter came with a new drain plug - BONUS! Although because of the topsider, I'll not likely use it if ever - but it's good to have.

So, with that, I began the task of putting it to bed for the winter. Interestingly, I had written recently about my apparent drop in fuel economy. Unexplained and concerning. It seemed to drop off substantially. And so I took the airbox off and removed the brand new K&N's to inspect, clean and re-oil for winter storage. Now I know that everyone will say that there is no need to do this when I've only put on 8000 miles this summer. (pretty good I thought!). Anyway, I was glad that I did. While they were clean to the eye, inside each pleat after the cleaner loosened the dirt, there was a WHACK of flying ants in there! It was pretty plugged up. I was shocked but I must have driven through a bunch of them on one of my drives. I remember seeing clouds of bugs (like murmurations of birds) for several miles just south of Collingwood. Regardless, the filters were replete with nasty flying ant parts and it took two serious cleaning/drying efforts and careful but serious tapping onto clean paper to dislodge and get them clean again. They are drying now before I put the oil back on and re-install. I'm sorry to have to put her away but I am intrigued to see what the fuel economy holds for next spring.

Here is my routine. (attached as a PDF). I'd love to hear some feedback on my process - especially any adds or deletes that others would recommend.
The only thing that I might attempt is to Claybar the windshield. Mine has some pitting that shows up in bright sunlight. That process might clean it up a bit. I'm reluctant to Claybar the paint because it seems pretty much flawless even with 48k miles on it - and I think I am fussy!

The only thing that I might try to do this winter is to take the front right wheel in for some checking. When balanced last spring, after the new Hankooks when on, the dealer told me the wheel was out of round (probably hit a pothole at some point). He said it balanced but had a "hop" in it. I do notice a tiny shake above about 80-85 mph but it goes away above that. Nothing below 80 and the tire wear seems perfect after 8000 miles. So, I sent a pm to a member about one of his front wheels but haven't heard back.

One other thing that I'd like to get opinions on is the placement of the Slasher stripes. Beaner kindly gave me a set and I will put them on this winter. I've seen them both under the door and behind the door (seems this is the most popular spot). Any comments? Also this winter, Mario has provided me with some chrome accent upgrades that I will sport under the tail lights and on the grille bars. They are held on with what looks like 3m tape. They should be secure. I really like Mario's deployment. The only thing I'm wondering is if they will come off without leaving any damage in the event that I want to return it to stock at some point. Again, I'd always appreciate your comments? Too, I wonder if the Slasher stripes can be removed cleanly. Any thoughts?

Question for 180: I have my safety kit and I've tried securing it with double-sided velcro but it keeps coming loose and flopping around. Any suggestions other than sewing one piece of Velcro right into the carpet! Too, I've tried several different types of velcro tape (always cleaned the surface with Alcohol) to hold my ScanGuage II onto the dash - but it won't stay either, especially in the sun or if I run the heater. Suggestions?

 

Looks like you're outside ... I think I would run a length of line under the car to both the grommets, just to secure the cover in case of a gust of wind. Because it appears to be a public lot, you might consider a liight cable and lock. Of course anyone who wanted to, just needs to cut the cover off, but it will stop curiosity seekers. Just sayin ..

 

Handbrake is off, tizz an automatic. I left the tires as is. She's getting new rubber in the spring. Good point.. I'l remember that for next year...tks!

 

It's indoors... formerly a warehouse now mostly used for winter storage. You have a good point about locking it. I didn't think it was necessary. When I took the battery off, I realized that I had to leave at least 1 door unlocked, otherwise there's no way back in w/o the vacuum pump working. I tried the door look cyl. but it seems to only operate the vac system and not have a mechanical linkage!!! is it broken?

 

I am SO glad I live where I can drive mine year around. But I guess you guys appreciate yours more - when you have to put them away like a hibernating bear for months at a time.


I bet that first drive in the spring is a special ride!

 

We hibernate in our cars all winter.

 

hi John, its no problem they are removable, using a hair dryer if need be. if you decide to not put them on, please mail them back to me, or bring them with you to the party and i'll pass them along to another Crossy owner. By the way, where is the video of our trip to Collingwood in September...Shell really wants to see it

 

John, remember that any decal that is on the car for an extended period will show the effects of the paint fading over the time the decal is in place when it is removed. It is quite amazing what this can look like in an obvious spot.

My car had its final wash of the year today and I only have to fill it with fuel, add the fuel stabilizer, pump up the tires and she is prepped for winter. No battery tender for me, a few starts and run ups to temp will keep her happy. The garage stays about the freezing point even in the cold snaps.

My son has been told to move the Mustang and then there will be room for two Crossfires.

 

Dave, can I come up on Monday and we'll do an oil change on the 6 with your topsider? I'll bring my compressor and we can drink coffee while the real work is being done for us... it sort of makes you feel like a man ... except that you begin to develop a strange hankering for quiche.

I can't wait to see your car.

Meanwhile, Mario, I managed to get the software issues with my camera sorted out with Cisco and I'll try to put together a short montage of the videos tonight. I haven't even looked at them yet myself. It will be a good reminder of warmer days!

Enjoy the drive, Dave. Where are you coming back from?

 

Florida, and I leave tomorrow am.