Putting the Bronco in storage for a while: To-do list?

[Ksm]

Well the Bronco is going into storage. I keep fixing issues and they keep breaking again. Yes, this is how it goes with antique vehicles but for my family right now we need to stop dumping $ into the Bronco. So what all do I need to do if I plan on putting it in storage and not drive it for about a year (or possible more)?

Honestly it hasn't been driven much in the last 3-4 years. Just back and forth to the repair shop. The gas is old and probably the oil too. One of the tires popped (I have the full size spare on now). And the gas gauge doesn't work at all.

How do I drain the gas myself and what else should I do before it goes down for it's nap?

 

[Broncobowsher]

I would drain the gas. You are asking how, my answer would be to siphon. Not out the filler neck, disconnect the rubber line at the pump and siphon there. That will pull from the pickup and get near the bottom of the tank.

Once done draining the gas, put in 5 gallons of aviation gas. AV gas is a great pickling fuel. It stays stable for years.
Change the oil and run it once. Old oil can be acidic and eat bearing just sitting there. Fresh oil will have the best additives to keeping the inside of the engine fresh.

How is the coolant? If fresh and bright, leave it. If it is going bad, it will eat the cooling system while stored.

The last run before parking, the marine department will have a product called "fogging oil" in a spray can. Take the air cleaner off crack the throttle to a fast idle and start spraying it in. The engine will smoke. You are oiling the top of the engine to prevent corrosion. As you are spraying and making a smoke show pull the coil wire and kill the engine. Put the air cleaner back on.

At this point you have the fuel system as stable as you can ask for. The fresh oil will keep the bearings from being eaten from inside. The fogged top end will keep humidity from sticking the engine. Normally I would say jackstands, but it sounds like the tires are junk anyways.

Walk away and keep telling people who knock on the door "I'm not selling. I am going to restore it someday"

 

[Slowleak]

Take the battery out too. Depending on where it is stored you may need to defend it against rodent squatters…

 

[LUBr LuvR]

After parking in storage, contact your insurance agency (yeah, sore subject) and inquire about removing collision, but keeping comprehensive on it. Will save some on premiums while stored. Be sure to add it back prior to driving once you’re ready to get it back on the road.

***May want to check with the tag office first. Some states will require you to turn in your tag if you drop collision. Depending on the savings, the above may or not be worth your while.

 

[Broncobowsher]

I've never heard of a state requiring you to have collision.
It is Liability that is the minimum legal in most states.
Still worth checking the state. Cali for example can get ugly if you don't change to non-op and let it expire. You are on the hook for all back registration and late fees. To prevent that ugly, it just takes converting the tag to non-op before things expire.

 

[Wild horse 75]

I would also take some time to clean it really well. Like underneath and under the hood. Keep dirt from holding moisture against metal to prevent rust. I would also look at getting a desiccant system for the interior to keep it from getting too musty.

 

[Speedrdr]

While we’re discussing fluids, check your brake fluid. It can (and most likely will) attract H2O and will cause you issues at the time you resume operations.

Randy

 

[Ksm]

Well I have a big list to work on. Thanks everyone!

 

[LUBr LuvR]

I've never heard of a state requiring you to have collision.
It is Liability that is the minimum legal in most states.
Still worth checking the state. Cali for example can get ugly if you don't change to non-op and let it expire. You are on the hook for all back registration and late fees. To prevent that ugly, it just takes converting the tag to non-op before things expire.

The state doesn’t require you to have collision. But when one got parked until repairs could be made (current registration) I called Hagerty to drop the driving/liability portion of the insurance until it’s back on the road. Got a nasty-gram from the DMV stating there would be a fine and to turn in my tag since they were notified of the change. Had full insurance reinstated, rather than deal with the DMV drama.

 

[Slowleak]

That happened to my Dad years ago. He parked one of his vehicles and let the coverage expire since he wasn’t driving it. The DMV revoked his registration and suspended his drivers license. He didn’t even know it until he got stopped for a routine license check. The fees to get everything reinstated were more than liability coverage…..

 

[Torkman66]

One other thing. Pests like mice , squirrels, rats love to nest in parked cars. Mice can get into about any storage place. They love to chew up wiring harnesses to make nesting. Simply get a couple 6” Tupperware containers and some moth balls. Put 10 or so moth balls in the container, no lid. Put one on floorboard of pass and drivers side. Rodents won’t get near it.

 

[Yeller]

If I can get to town in the next month I can help you drain the gas, or we can have a video call and get it accomplished, it won’t be super difficult.

 

[nvrstuk]

I will absolutely TIMES TWO the rodents. Do more than moth balls which is a good start. Put some mouse KILLER out there. Something that will kill squirrels also. They can cause $800+ damage to a wiring harness in parts alone in no time.

DeCon used to be good, not as effective as it used to be but you HAVE to put several 4"x6" containers of it out there. They will ruin carpet, seats, floor mats...

I put it all over in my barn around my winter/summer toys. Cats have never gotten into it.

Write down on your calendar every 2 months to put more out.,..

 

[Yeller]

^^^^ this

 

[Speedrdr]

I put out a double portion of rat/mice “food” AND rat traps. Both have been effective. Just have to be careful where the poison goes so my dogs can’t get into it. They are smart enough to avoid the traps. Lol

Randy

 

[RudyF6]

While we’re discussing fluids, check your brake fluid. It can (and most likely will) attract H2O and will cause you issues at the time you resume operations.

Randy

Guess what I'm doing to my 73 that's been sitting for 30+ years?
Didn't even pop the lid and look, just bought new everything between the pedal and the drums!