My brother is going to Iraq in a few months and we are tring to figure out what we need to do to his mustang before he leaves it in storage he plans on takingthe keys to it with him cause he dosnt want anyone to drive itdoes anyone know of anything special that need to be done it is a 2000 mustang gt convertable 4.6L? he plans on changing the oil and storing it in a garage.

 

first do a complete cleaning this means under car and inside make sure to check under the seat (dropped food old candy smells and will attract vermin ) then wax the car storing a car for 12-18 months without moving it is not the best way of going about it about every two weeks the car should be started for 15 min till it gets up to normal operation temp this help burn off moisture in the engine and exhaust then drive it for a mile or so this keeps all the fluids circulated and works the brakes and transmission fluids around this lubes the seals and gaskets from drying out and leaking and helps stop little critters from making a home in the car but if the car is not going to be able to be moved full up the gas tank to the top add a fuel dryer additive you want as little air space in the tank as possible do a complete fluid change antifreeze, engine oil, transmission and brake disconnect and remove the battery or put a smart charger on it . Jack up and support the car on jack stands so the tires are off the ground (helps stops tire damage if the tire goes flat and helps stop critters from going into the car ) and put on a good car cover not a tarp you need something that breathes and will not trap moisture

 

wouldnt waxing it eat the paint i thought you only needed to wax older cars that dont have 7 layers of clear coat

 

I would encourage him to put his keys in a safe deposit box at the bank. socutmaster67 has some good advise, but I'd add a fuel stabilizer rather than a drier, remove the battery, and definatly support the car on stands. Also, plan on changing the fluids before starting or driving the car when he gets back.

 

hmm ... he'll trust you to help him figure out how to best store the car, but not with the keys?

 

Why should I wax my car if it has a clear coat finish? Clear coat finishes contain additives to reduce scratching and marring and protect the clear coat from environmental elements such as acid rain, bird droppings, tree sap, etc. These additives also cause water beading on new cars. After a few months, these surface protectants are eroded by the environmental elements. Car Wax will restore this protective layer. Furthermore, it helps reduce fading from exposure to the sun. clear coats add protection to the paint the wax is one more layer in this case more is better

the problem with the fuel stabalizer you have to make sure it is safe for o2 and the other sensors and a lot are not make sure it says on the can that it is sensor safe

 

cheap tricks are Bounce fabric softener in the glove box, trunk, under seats, and in the engine compartment...this seems to keep mice away, I can't prove it though, lol. I know some folks stuff a rag in the tail pipe(I prefer just putting a styrofoam cup over it) Depending where it is stored, but I have a fancy dehumidifier with the tube running outside in my garage with a digital humidity level and it sure keeps the moisture out, especially on them days where the concrete floor sweats. If the floor sweats at all, expect the underside of the car to rust in one day. My 2 cents, plus what the others said.