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MG TD TF 1500 - Storage Question

I am considering storing the TD in a dry barn for the winter (price is right!)I've read somewhere that a container of pipe tabacco in each footwell helps to keep out mice, this would be a good substitute to having the car smell like moth balls in the spring, but does it work? Anyone heard of this or better yet, have experience?
Robert Dougherty

Robert, I see that John Twist's article of the month is on winter storage (universitymotorsltd.com). He suggests the old style moth balls. Unless you plan to check on the car frequently, I think I would stay with the proven method.
Regards,
Dennis
D F Sexton

After reading the age thread, it sounds like many of us are starting to smell like moth balls, you might want to loan you car to some of the posters in this forum!

JUST KIDDING! I couldn't resist!

( I figured I had to beat David Sheward to the punch!! )

cheers,
Evan
Evan Ford - TD 27621

Robert,
I've used moth balls placed in plastic cups for the past 20 or so years with no mouse damage,,, foot wells, engine compartment, near voltage reg, boot etc ,,, and the first drive in the spring will remove all traces of the smell,,,, I would also recommend a plastic sheet on under the car as a moisture barrier...
Steve
Steve

Also, don't forget to plug up the tailpipe. I use a tin-metal cap that I fabricated ( took about 5 minutes). I found out the hard way that it is a favorite nesting spot for mice.
Cheers, Rob
Rob Silverman

Try a 1 gal jug of ammonia with the top off and placed in the footwell. I learned from our local city animal control people that critters hate the smell of the stuff. I have done this for several years and never had any problems. You can also try strips of fabric softener material in the engine compartment.
colin stafford

I found that the plastic lid from a 35mm film container is a perfect and snug fit over the chrome exhaust tip on my TD.

Larry
Larry Shoer

I keep my TD in a garage, and just put a ring of mouse poison around the cement on the floor. Not only keeps the mice out of the car, but out of the other things in the garage.
Bruce Cunha

For long term storage you can't beat aviation fuel, it evaporates without a trace and leaves no varnish. For just over the Winter Stabil will work just fine.
D Clark

D,
Actually, I've found that aviation fuel (100LL) works great all season long! I run about 2 gallons a tank through the TD, he loves the extra pep and stays much cooler. In the B I run a full tank as often as I can since she was originally designed to run on 98 octane or higher. Of course it helps that I have a small airport using airport transfers tonbridge about 1/4 mile from the house!
Thanks to all for the tips, I'll use the moth balls.
Another question, I intend to have a good breathable cover on the car, do I need the sidecurtains in?
Robert Dougherty

This thread was discussed between 06/10/2003 and 17/10/2003

MG TD TF 1500 index

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