What to do when laying up a 4200 or GS for a couple of months

[foibles]

I am planning on ‘laying up' my two GS for 2-3 months each. I'm not entirely sure what is best.

Car 1 is to be put into private secure storage. It is a dry, well ventilated and temperate garage (5 degrees overnight, 15 degrees at day, low humidity) with alarm – however I want to ensure it is safe both from theft and from battery drain. Is it recommended that disable the battery only (which nullifies the alarm), or should I both disable the battery and disconnect? I presume it is also best to drop the windows 4-5cm (it's a spyder) given power is being disconnected.

Car 2 is to be placed in a motor exhibition for 2 months………..it's also a Spyder, but I am a bit conflicted as to whether I show this in its fullest glory (boot open, hood open, doors open, windows down, roof off), or the conservative option (all locked and shut) or some mix in between. Patrons do pay money for entry, so I would like to give them their money's worth – I'm just cautious of finding some fat kid's strawberry shake discolouring the bottom of the driver's seat when I return (I'll be leaving it with the custodians for the duration). In this case, clearly disabling the battery but not disconnecting seems appropriate.

Essentially...for car 1...is disabling the battery 'enough', or would you also disconnect and remove the battery?

 

[Contigo]

Car 1, if the Private storage company are any good they will have provisioned for the connection of a battery conditioner in the form of a main socket. If not then turn the battery isolator knob in the trunk.

Car 2, I'd be concerned and ask to see how they intend to protect the car from said fat kid's strawberry shake

 

[philw696]

How did you know Dem was going to be there Phil ?

 

[Corranga]

Turning the isolator switch essentially disconnects the battery, no point in actually disconnecting it. Obviously, as others have pointed out, a battery conditioner would be best.

Is it worth over inflating the tyres to keep them round assuming neither is going to be moving in this time?

I part mine up over the winter and don't bother, but then I try to at least start and move the cars every month or so.

Also, might be worth checking the manual boot locks / getting some lubricant in them (maybe dry lube like graphite powder?) to ensure you can get to the batteries afterwards!

 

[Khamsin433]

My 4200 just came out of storage after 20 months and was on a ctek charger. I.e. Fits in with your scenario 1.

Was managed by them and fired up on a regular basis. Oh and taken out for annual service and Mot.

Strawberry milkshake does not compute....

Bal