Long term storage of project vehicle

[M1Accord]

I have a SUV/Pickup truck that has strong engine and transmission but very old body. While it runs strong, it drives very poorly and need a lot of work such as ball-joints, tires, new doors, new hood, etc. Therefore, I took the tag and insurance off it and put it in my garage to slowly working on it. What is the best way of keeping the engine and transmission as well as other components such as the 4x4 and brake system from rotting away in my garage. I want to work on it from time to time and slowly replacing parts as my skill progress. Basically, I am turning it into a project. Worst case scenario, I wait till it no longer needs to be inspected to be road-legal. It is still road legal now because the inspection is still good but the passenger door won't close.

Any suggestion would be helpful. I plan on starting it and let it runs for 5 minutes twice a week.

 

[JHZR2]

Bad idea.

Put the battery on a float charger. Start and run the AC for a few minutes once every few months.

The only thing to do is run AC once every few months. If AC doesnt work, then just let it sit.

 

[Chris142]

Letting it run 5 minutes will just make condensation. It needs to run 30 minutes or so.

 

[Scott_Tucker]

Agreed. The only reason to run it is if the AC works to keep seals lubed.

I recommend plugging the exhaust pipe and intake well so rodents don't get in. That's very common on cars that sit.

 

[SteveSRT8]

Running an engine at idle with no load is the BEST way to create acids in the oil. If you cannot DRIVE it for at least 30 minutes or so I wouldn't even start it.

 

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted By: Chris142
Letting it run 5 minutes will just make condensation. It needs to run 30 minutes or so.


Way too long, IMO. The warmup at idle is too slow.

 

[TFB1]

I'd change the oil, run it long enough to be sure it was up to temp(be sure the exhaust system is dry) and never start it again unless it was absolutely necessary... When necessary to start, I'd run it at 2K RPMs for 20-30 minutes...

My '69 Fairlane often sets six months or more without being started(last ran in Oct), I've owned it since '73 never a issue...

 

[01rangerxl]

Is this your Bronco? How long are you thinking you may be storing it? Years?

I would not run it if you can't drive it around. Idling or revving the engine in park probably won't be doing you any good and will require a lot more maintenance than proper storage. I think 5 minutes twice a week definitely could do more harm than good.

A priority for me would be getting the fuel out. There's a Schrader valve on the fuel rail you can use to get the fuel out (be careful), or you can remove the fuse for the fuel pump and run it until it dies. Fuel stabilizer is only effective for a year. All gas goes bad eventually and will leave a mess behind.

I'd change the engine oil and remove the battery. Keep mothballs under the vehicle to keep creatures away. Other than that a Bronco will not need much prep for storage.