HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN YOUR CARS?
HOW DO THE LARGE COLLECTORS MAINTAIN THEIR CARS?
There is always ongoing conversation about how to maintain your cars.
GAS, ENGINE, INJECTORS, BATTERY, OIL, PAINT, INTERIOR, TIRES, STORAGE/GARAGE
How do you do it?
Misc information from the web & my lifelong experiences……..
GAS:
If cars have not been started or driven there is a high probability the fuel pumps will be bad.
Here is what a bad GMMG fuel pump looks like. (Hard plastic that falls apart when touched & corrosion on parts)
Fuel pump from Bobby Labonte Blackbird #38
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The shelf life of gasoline varies based on storage conditions and whether additives are used:
• Regular gasoline: Typically lasts 3 to 6 months without stabilizers.
• Premium gasoline: Can last up to 9 months.
• With fuel stabilizers: Gasoline can be stored for up to 3 years.
• Proper storage in an airtight and light proof container can also help prolong its shelf life.
• For best results, consider using a fuel stabilizer and store gasoline in a cool, dry place.
AIR FILTERS: Matt insisted on paper (factory) air filters & hated FRAM or other reusable filters.
Some use higher octane AV Gas.
The shelf life of Aviation Gas (AVGAS) can vary based on storage conditions, but generally:
• AVGAS can last 8-10 years if stored properly and uncontaminated.
• It is engineered for greater stability and can last up to 12 months without significant degradation under optimal conditions.
• Factors such as temperature, humidity, and exposure to light can significantly affect its quality and usability.
• Proper storage in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture, is essential to maintain its shelf life.
Overall, AVGAS is designed to be a long-lasting fuel, but proper handling and storage are crucial for maintaining its quality.
• What is the cost of AVGAS? $4 to $7 per gallon
• The cost of AVGAS (Aviation Gasoline) can vary significantly based on location and other factors. Generally, in the United States, AVGAS prices range from $4 to $7 per gallon. However, prices can be higher at smaller airports and may vary due to supply and demand conditions.
MAINTAIN GOOD FUEL / INJECTOR ADDITIVES:
Products like Sea Foam, Stabil, fuel stabilizers & injector cleaners are often used.
For discussion………
What does this mean?
Fuel life may be 3 to 12 months. If the cars are not driven enough the fuel goes bad.
One option is to drain the tank every year if using Premium Non ethanol gas.
With AVGAS maybe drain every 3 years.
What should I do?
ENGINE PERFORMANCE:
If you have an old tune on your GMMG you can wake it up with new software programming & a dyno tune.
Companies like Hawk’s, NicKey & Vengeance can wake up your GMMG.
OIL: Matt Murphy informed me to use Synthetic oil with Zinc for larger GMMG motors.
I use oil with zinc in all my GMMG’s.
BATTERIES: Do you use battery tenders? Why or why not?
PAINT: A good detail shop can do paint correction & professional ceramic coat seal.
There are new ceramic coat wax products for those that want to do it @ home.
INTERIOR: Keep the leather soft with leather cleaner & conditioner.
Do NOT use Armor All. WHY? Armor All tends to dry out leather & marine vinyl & eventually it cracked.
Armor All plastic cleaner is OK under the hood.
TIRES: What do you inflate to for winter storage?
TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY: High humidity is about the worst thing for cars.
Some put carpet under the cars. Not good if the floors sweat & humidity level is not controlled. The carpet will hold a lot of humidity under the car.
Running a dehumidifier & fans help.
COVERING CARS: Here is a cool cover…… Nyle Wing – Dick Harell #2
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Jim Smith January 29, 2026[/b]