What's the best type of garage for a classic?

budfox

Happy New Year!!

I found a garage (eventually)..and I'm wondering what folks' thoughts are on the best type of classic storage and what you do to store your car?

A friend of mine who used to collect American classics swore by the open ended garage (typically wooden) to allow air to circulate.

I read from time to time in the classified ads about cars "stored in heated garage"...obviously this is expensive...

The carcoons seem great but not so if you use it on the dry weekends during winter...more for longer term storage...

So, the garage I found is cavity block, un-insulated or heated. Gaps at the bottom of the garage door so air does get through. It's a cold spot to work in as there's no insulation. It is dry and I wouldn't say that it's damp either but it's not 100% in moisture free environment. Obviously we're not California or S France. I dont see the benefit of a dehumidifier as there is small amount of air coming around....

The ground seems OK so probably no need for a plastic ground sheet, other than being really on safe side to stop moisture coming upwards.....

Fairly dust free so would you leave the cover off? Windows open a small bit?

Having written all this, I think I know the answer but there's better experts with more experience here than I!!

What do you think? Interested in any steps fellow owners take when storing....

BTW, what's fair monthly price to park/store a car in Dublin? (water and power point and some room for a bench)....

thanks.....

elaverty

I was going to ask this aswell,found this when i did a search,,,but alas no replys,,have you had any luck on anymore advice for storeing,id agree with what you have suggested,i wonder should you lift wheels of ground and use axle stands to keep the weight of the tyres and maybe cover the tyres to keep the light of them to stop them perishing,and yea leave windows open a bit to stop mildew,anymore tips.Im planing on it being lieing up for about 10yrs or so,but would like to start it up and bring for a spin maybe twice a year,,,

mk1esc

my opinion on the matter

a garage will have moisture in it as there is no heat or any sort of insulation...if you use a dehumidifier on a timer (as they can build up alot of water pretty quick in the storage tank) this will reduce your costs on power....
how secure is the garage? is it on private land or within a storage group with other cars?? i wouldnt use a cover over a car unless its a really good one that can breath, cheap ones will hold the mositure....
ive got a cairoport for my mk2 escort mexico, i leave the windows open a tad and front zipper open for air movement even though the fans do this but i still find a small bit of dampness on the trim....its a very good piece of kit...expensive to buy but cheap to run....
as for my garage its not a great one to start with...its damp and the doors are not great but its in my back garden...it keep the wind and rain of me when im in there...but id like to redo the whole thing at some point
it all depends on the car owner themselves really and how much are you willing to pay out for your pride n joy....

as for elaverty im not sure what your up to with your 10 yr plan...can ya give some more info like the car....whay leave a car lieing up for 10 yrs???? to gain value etc???? take the wheels of the car if thats your plan and put some sort of block under each strut/ axle to stop the inserts getting damaged....tyres will go over time anyway

dont know if that my opinion is of any use

elaverty

Ive a 1995 Mercedes S280 that i have aquired and have no need to use it at present,and am going to leave it stored in my shed for approx 10 yrs,but would plan on driveing it 2/3 times a year just to keep it ticking over,,or maybe it would be better to leave it stored full time and not bother bringing it for a spin as i would have to wash it ever time i parked it up again,,,just wondering whats the best way to store it really,,,,