Noob Maintenance Questions

Hi everyone!

I read this forum a lot and you guys honestly know so much it blows my mind. It's really hard for me to find CORRECT answers on car things because there's so much advice thrown around on the internet-- so I'm hoping you can assist with your expertise.

1 - what's the best way to keep all those black rubber parts from drying out? (around the windows and doors). I've heard that isn't rubber and so any oil products are actually bad for it. Haven't found a Certified Expert Answer™ yet, tho. I really want to keep that stuff looking fresh!

2 - my car is new to me and I expect to store it in a garage for extended periods of time between use (especially winter). Should I disconnect the battery leads? Is a battery tender the right move? I'm a bit worried about electricity in my garage (it's very old), but should be fine.

3 - I get anxiety attacks when I send the car to get detailed. What are the BEST products to use so I can do it myself? (soap, wax, buffer, whatever else you use). Do I need to tape off all the black parts and lights?

4 - for the winter, I am afraid of mice. How is there not a product that's like a car cover for the bottom that you drive on and tie the corners together? Should I go on Shark Tank, or is there one out there I don't know about?

Thank you all!!! (I know some of these questions get asked, but I've been through so many forum threads and these are still ones I think I need real authority to weigh in on.)

 

There have been a lot of recommendations for "Shin-Etsu Grease" from Honda. I just bought a tube and am about to try it out.

https://www.amazon.com/Honda-Genuine-Shin-Etsu-Grease/dp/B006Z9TZ9M

 

Yes! I had heard about this a long time ago but couldn't remember the name. Okay great that's super helpful to know thank you!

 

Q2 - unless you tell us what the car is the answer may vary - newer cars always tender - older cars easier to turn off

 

*adjusts fake moustache*

okay look, hear me out. It's a 1995 Nissan 300ZX. BUT! I have no good user community. It's all teenagers with Autozone bodykits and bolt-on turbos. My car is PERFECT, it is 100% stock, everything works. Last owner had it a few miles from one of the best Z shops in the country so that was easy for him, but I am more isolated. I need to know what the top-of-the-line people (you guys) do. Don't kick me out! I joined because I want to get a 308GTB also, but need to get my knowledge base higher first.

 

Yo Ω!
Dude you're worried that electricity but a car with a tank of gasoline is ok?

Anyways, my mice issue (and it was really bad) was solved with sealing the openings in the garage using the expandable foam you buy in a can and sealing every crack (especially the ones at ground level). Good luck.

 

Welcome, Dave. Please fill out your profile. Your location counts too for storage advice.

For your detail questions: https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/forums/detailing-showroom.9/

These are an easy, cheap storage solution. http://carcapsule.com/

 

What is this stuff ?? Where would it be used etc etc??

 

I use this to keep the mice away and it works great
https://www.carbag.com/carjacket/

 

So, do you have a Ferrari or not? If this is all about the Datsun....... just leave it outside, it will be fine.

If you do get a Ferrari, it's just a used car. Do what you would do when buying any car. Due diligence. You said you want a 308, but you are in the 360 section. Talk to the 308 guys. They will give you specifics on that car.

Cleaning a car. Seriously? Surely you know how to clean a car at this point in your life. Ferraris won't melt.

The mice thing. I think there is something called a Carcoon that has a floor.

 

Mid '90s 300ZX, Pretty Car. Club where I attempt to play golf, member has a pristine red turbo.

Mice. Based on my vast experience battling mice here in the "country". Nothing beats Victor Original Traps. Bait with peanut butter. Check on a regular schedule.

 

I use mothballs and bounce dryer sheets in my boat when it goes in a barn in the country for the winter

 

Layered defense would be recommended. Add some baited traps as well.

 

Took me years of living on the woods in New England to come to the same conclusion. You must be diligent in the fall. Check them every day or 2. I put them all over the garage and around the car. Unless you have empty baited and loaded traps on the floor for a week or 2 you aren’t over the problem yet. And you need to keep checking and rearming traps.

Also get them early before they reproduce and then the fun really begins.

Hate mothballs, my daughters tell me makes the car smells like an old person. Dryer sheets and mothball keeps them out of that particular area, but they just go elsewhere where you didn’t put the stuff like under the engine bay covers etc.


Sent from my iPhone using FerrariChat

 

1/ Mopar makes a product called weatherstrip lubricant, it is a silicon based flourinated lubricant, 1 oz for over $100 if you want something more economical just use a silicon based grease, usually sold as a brake lubricant (brake rubber parts are similar material) just wipe on and wipe off it will absorb into the neoprene moulding and prevent it from sticking to the glass or the body

2/ Ferrari usually have a battery disconnect under the hood - always disconnect that when storing , a battery minder is a good idea also it only sends a small trickle charge to keep the battery up it will not overheat the battery. A 2 or 10 amp charger could damage the battery after extended periods a dead battery can freeze and that is damaging it could also sulfate which is also damaging, a battery minder prevents all that. An automatic charger will also not damage a battery because it monitors itself ( a good electronic one)

 

Strangely, the OP hasn't been back since Post # 5 on Aug 31 of this year. And his question was for a car other than a Ferrari.

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Only Ferrari's get mice and dead batteries? These are common issues for any car in storage. Other people actually read these posts like me and you.

 

I was hoping that he would contribute more. At least add a photo of his '95 300zx. I always liked those and they've aged really well.

Interesting about the weatherstrip lubricant. Makes sense. Years ago I used pure glycerine for the rubber headlight trim (molded surround) on the TR-8 I had. It worked well.

 

They were a really nice car. Like he said he was learning how to take care of his future Ferrari, maybe he'll be back when he gets it. I use silicon based lubricants a lot for applications that don't involve oil. It doesn't degrade rubber or neoprene. After reading this thread I noticed an article at one of those natural household solution sites that said to repel mice you cut irish spring soap into chunks and spread them around, apparently they can't stand the smell of it. I wonder if that works well for a car. A lot of Ferrari's already smell like that from the driver.

 

Dave, you are welcome here- it is safe.
Besides, we like anybody who likes 308's ...

 

What's this stuff for?

 

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If you have a GTS rub it on the rubber top seal and rubber pins and latches. You can thank me later.
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Next time Im in TX, I plan on 'dropping by.'

 

For door/window (rubber) seal preservation.