Classic Car Storage Options: How to Tuck In Your Oldtimer

Owning a classic car means more than just having a great-looking vehicle that can take you from point A to point B. As any enthusiast will tell you, classic car ownership is a lifelong hobby. Even after you've finished extensively restoring and repainting your oldtimer, there will always be something more to do. That's part of the fun of owning a muscle car.

For example, the older technologies used in muscle cars and hot rods make them less resistant to harsh weather than their newer counterparts. That's why, in order to prevent the metal from rusting and the paint from fading or peeling, you need to carefully plan your classic car storage in Orange County.

Last month, we explained why storing a classic car correctly is important, and how to choose a storage unit for a classic car. Now we'll delve deeper into those topics and tell you how to store a muscle car without a garage. Read on to learn more.

Can you keep a classic car outside?

Leaving your classic car outside during the periods when you're driving it on a daily basis isn't going to kill it, but it's not the ideal scenario either. Unless you live in a very mild climate, your parked oldtimer is going to get covered in snow, rain, and direct sunlight on a regular basis.

Needless to say, old cars lack the corrosion protection that newer models have. Their body will eventually rust and crack if they're exposed to the elements on a daily basis. This goes double if you live in a region like Orange County, which has wet winters and hot, dry summers.

Storing a classic car outside for a prolonged period of time is also possible, but you must take care to do it correctly. If you don't have a garage, and you're not sure if you'll be able to store your oldtimer outside properly, consider using a reputable storage facility.

Can I park a car in a storage unit?

This depends on whether your area has a general storage company that offers indoor drive-up storage units that maintain healthy temperatures. If this is the case, you can indeed keep your classic car there for months or even years.

That being said, unless you're going to be coming by often to check on the car and run the engine to ensure it doesn't get damaged by the prolonged hibernation, a storage unit may not be the most cost-efficient choice.

This is because general storage companies don't have on-site car mechanics who can deal with any problems your vehicle may experience during the time it spends in storage. Because of this, it's always best to turn to a specialized classic car storage service.

How do you store a car outside?

If you decide to store a car outside for more than a few days, consider investing in a quality car cover. There are inflatable and zip-able covers that can envelop your entire car (including the underside). Some even have temperature and humidity controllers which can help keep the plastic and rubber trim in good shape.

Where can I find dependable classic car storage in Orange County?

Do you live in an area where parking space is in high demand, such as Buena Park? Or do you wish to make sure your cherished muscle car is in good hands while in storage? Whatever your situation, feel free to reach out to Chimera Motors today.

As Orange County's top classic car restoration and storage company, we're uniquely qualified to provide the ideal storage conditions for your precious oldtimer.