The Ford Barn

d. · 12-06-2017, 06:39 PM

I have a Model A I must store outside this winter in the Raleigh, NC area, so low temps could dip into teens on occasion, certainly in the high 20's here and there.
I have opened the lower petcock and drained the water and have left the petcock open. Will this protect the block, or should I close the petcock and add some anti-freeze? the car is not running.
thank you for your suggestions.

Wilbur · 12-06-2017, 06:50 PM

I would opt for draining it and leaving the petcock open. If it was a good engine, I'd rather have good AF in it to combat corrosion. A non-runner is better off dry.

1crosscut · 12-06-2017, 07:32 PM

Poke a wire up into the drain cock to make sure it is not plugged and holding any water. Then fill it with a 50/50 mixture of distilled water and antifreeze. This will not only protect against freeze damage but will also protect against rust/corrosion.

WHN · 12-06-2017, 07:56 PM

There is more to worry about leaving a 90 year old car out side all winter than whether you can drain the engine or use anti freeze.

There is a good reason there called barn finds. Obviously just my opinion. Enjoy.

Kahuna · 12-06-2017, 08:34 PM

When I was young going to college on California, I was able to fly stand-by from Travis AFB to Hickam AFB, Hawaii (home) over holidays & breaks. I had a 52 Ford 2 door wagon. I would park the car, drain the cooling system, go on my trip.
When I returned, I would drive the car to the gas station, add water and go back to school.
I had no money for antifreeze & really didn't know what it was. I just knew I didn't want the engine to freeze. Dumb kid

barnstuf · 12-07-2017, 04:20 PM

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You have received good information from previous folks regarding the cooling system. I would like to comment on the car itself, particularly the undercarriage. There will be dampness exposure to the undercarriage, leading to rust. My son had to store an antique car outside for two years in Connecticut and he spread out a waterproof tarp, parked the car on it during storage and he had no undercarriage rust formed. He left the car itself uncovered. Winter sun is not strong enough to fade the interior the way summer sun would do. Good luck!

12-06-2017, 06:39 PM	#1
d. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 510	not running outside car/ winter protection I have a Model A I must store outside this winter in the Raleigh, NC area, so low temps could dip into teens on occasion, certainly in the high 20's here and there. I have opened the lower petcock and drained the water and have left the petcock open. Will this protect the block, or should I close the petcock and add some anti-freeze? the car is not running. thank you for your suggestions.

12-06-2017, 06:50 PM	#2
Wilbur Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Mays Landing, NJ Posts: 113	Re: not running outside car/ winter protection I would opt for draining it and leaving the petcock open. If it was a good engine, I'd rather have good AF in it to combat corrosion. A non-runner is better off dry.

12-06-2017, 07:32 PM	#3
1crosscut Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Lincoln, Nebraska Posts: 1,907	Re: not running outside car/ winter protection Poke a wire up into the drain cock to make sure it is not plugged and holding any water. Then fill it with a 50/50 mixture of distilled water and antifreeze. This will not only protect against freeze damage but will also protect against rust/corrosion. __________________ Dave / Lincoln Nebraska

12-06-2017, 07:56 PM	#4
WHN Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Connecticut Shoreline Posts: 1,819	Re: not running outside car/ winter protection There is more to worry about leaving a 90 year old car out side all winter than whether you can drain the engine or use anti freeze. There is a good reason there called barn finds. Obviously just my opinion. Enjoy.

12-06-2017, 08:34 PM	#5
Kahuna Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: NorCal Posts: 2,617	Re: not running outside car/ winter protection When I was young going to college on California, I was able to fly stand-by from Travis AFB to Hickam AFB, Hawaii (home) over holidays & breaks. I had a 52 Ford 2 door wagon. I would park the car, drain the cooling system, go on my trip. When I returned, I would drive the car to the gas station, add water and go back to school. I had no money for antifreeze & really didn't know what it was. I just knew I didn't want the engine to freeze. Dumb kid

12-07-2017, 04:20 PM	#6
barnstuf Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Cape Cod MA Posts: 2,840	Re: not running outside car/ winter protection Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) You have received good information from previous folks regarding the cooling system. I would like to comment on the car itself, particularly the undercarriage. There will be dampness exposure to the undercarriage, leading to rust. My son had to store an antique car outside for two years in Connecticut and he spread out a waterproof tarp, parked the car on it during storage and he had no undercarriage rust formed. He left the car itself uncovered. Winter sun is not strong enough to fade the interior the way summer sun would do. Good luck!