Good thread this time of year--I've already started knocking things off the list--same as I'm getting my last licks in with the 'Vette before snowfall lately. The joy of travelling for work..............
Anyways, I got some Maguires leather conditioner (in the form of wipes) and some Maguires dash restoration goop. It's in a liquid form that I'm supposed to spread using a cloth. Anyone try this stuff on the forums?
I'm also thinking of changing my sprakplugs (yes on my own!!!). Is it as simple as removing the railcovers on the top of my LS2 enigne and unscrewing the plugs and then replacing with a quick-twist? Do they need to be torqued? If they're more difficult to get at, I'd be inclined to take it somewhere--I guess it would be on myt spring schedule though.
I've been reading about 40 lbs PSI on some people's tires. Would my Hankook Ventus V12s need this? I'd rather not inflate the pressure--as I might forget that I did in the spring. While I'm at it, why the plywood under the tires? Is that for a softer parking spot for months at a time? Does anyone put their baby on jacks for the winer, or does that just lead to more sag on the suspension anyways?
The CTEK smart-charger was purchased at Canadian Tire, I got my fabric softeners (I never knew these kept mice away) on-hand, so I think I'm ready for when the day comes.
Lastly--the car-cover is ominously sitting in my mud-room waiting to put the Black Beauty into hibernation.
Have I missed anything?
Cheers,
Vince.
Hey Vince,
Plugs aren't difficult at all once the rail covers are off. If you have a universal joint (did I just say that.
) for the plug wrench it helps get around a couple tight spots.
Torque is important and these non gasketted plugs don't need much -- I believe the spec is in the 12 lb range so you don't want to put much torque on the wrench when you put them back in. I used a very little copper based anti-seize on the threads (remember that stuff goes a long way so don't over use it -- it can cause a mess) Its use is important due to the aluminum heads.
Also check the gaps carefully -- the .040" spec can easily be thrown off by dropping the plug or box. Careful not to bend or touch the soft platinum center electrode -- it will deform and move easily.
I've used Meguiar's products a lot over the years and would have no qualms about using their dash and leather conditioner.
Tires would benefit from raising the pressure to 40 and by raising off the floor or parking on soft surface (pads) or on dollies. I like the dollies I have because it allows me to move the vehicle somewhat. N02 tire fills will benefit here since ordinary air has moisture in it. Costco used to do this for nothing check 'em out otherwise it's a few dollars per tire. Worth it to prevent leakage due to the wheel's aluminum oxidizing where it meets the tire.
Raising the wheels off the ground, or parking on dollies or a soft surface will help prevent flat spotting which seems to be a problem with some 'vettes.
Don't worry about the tires being hard in the spring -- You'll remember once you drive again as the suspension will seem be quite hard, and you'll notice traction is compromised somewhat due to improper contact patch. Just make it a point of adjusting pressures again in the spring. I would think you would anyway since some tires leak a little over long periods of inactivity.
Some don't bother but I always put mine away with fresh oil in the crankcase (and filter of course). I hate the old stuff sitting in the pan and all over the internals since it has been somewhat polluted with moisture and products of combustion.
If you're real ambitious, wash and wax the body and wheels before connecting the Ctek, spreading out the fabric softeners here and there, and finally covering.
It's been a great summer but still seems to have flown by. The only consolation is that spring isn't too far off once we get by Christmas and New Years.
This year I'm not going to take the 'vette off the road so quickly in case we get a late winter and fairly mild fall.
Watch those summer tires tho (if you have them) -- anything below 50 degree F (10 degree C) the grip is severely diminished on acceleration and braking.
I always fill my gas tank and put some Sta-Bil in to help keep it good until spring.
There may be some more tips I missed -- check back to the beginning of Riley's thread for details.
Enjoy the 'vette while you can. All of us will as long as we can.
Cheers,
Colin.
