Deep Blue

Hi Guys, haven't posted most of the winter....

Just curious if anyone else got up this morning, smelled the spring in the air, and gave a slight thought to bringing their 8 out of storage soon.

I sure did.

Anyone thinking of doing this in March now that it appears the harsh weather is behind us?

I may chance the first week of April for a 2004 debut.

My 1991 4Runner I've been driving all winter is killing me.

Anyone else ?

Here's my baby right now....she's dying to get out:

Murray16

where in southern ontario are you?


no time soon im guessing.... rainy for the next couple day... supposed to get colder after that.

on the other hand, the weather network knows nothing.

Deep Blue

Burlington....

I'm just praying we stay above zero for another couple of weeks, then I think we're there....

R

Len

Gee, I can't imagine not driving my RX-8 all winter.

Well maybe if I had a Ferrari 360 with Blizzaks for my winter car...

Deep Blue

I'm imagining my paint job and underbody after zero salt and sand from a Canadian winter

Makes it seem worthwhile....but still hurts!

MyRxBad

iTrader: (1)

I'm thinking I might put the insurance back on it for the begining of April.

If previous years are any indication, we are in for one more good hit from "old man winter" before it's over!

Deep Blue

Did you keep comprehensive and liability on the vehicle while in storage, and just take off collision?

MyRxBad

iTrader: (1)

Just keep comprehensive on it.

Roadrunner

Hello Deep Blue
Same here, I 've have been driving my 92 Torando Torfeo this winter and it is showing its age...I dream of the RX-8 every day.

I plan on taking the RX-8 out of hibernation on April. 1.

What car cover are you using, where did you purchase?

I have been storing my RX-8 in my garage, I could be looking for a local storage facility next winter, any suggestions? PM if you perfer.

Deep Blue

Hi Roadrunner,

I think I'm with you. I'm going to set April 1 as the date, and keep my fingers crossed. I can't take commuting with my truck anymore!

The cover is a plain old Canadian Tire bought deal. I think I paid $129.00 for it a few years back when I originally bought it for my MX-6. They are generic sizes, and are made out of a soft, breathable material. Mine is too big for the 8, but really I just want to keep the dust and bugs off while in storage inside.

I store mine at my friend's Dad's farm outside the city. He has a giant barn (one room of which is pictured above), and lets me and some others keep our cars up there free of charge.

My main trouble now is where I put the truck, as I want it for hauling things around or going up to the cottage. Commericial storage is expensive, but I suppose worthwhile if you're strapped for space.

Roadrunner

Thanks Deep Blue

Last fall, and starting next month I will store my winter beater in my Mom's Condo's under ground parking. I had her put up a notice "looking to rent a parking space" , since there are fair number of seniors in the building that no longer drive , there were 3 replies in the first day. I ended up getting a space for $10.00/month, great deal.

Deep Blue

What a great idea....I just remembered that my girlfriend has an "unused" parking space attached to her appartment, so I can do the same with my Truck for $20/month.

Thanks for the reminder! Also a great idea for RX8 storage next winter for anyone else reading....just make sure the underground parking has adequate security, etc.

Wing

Guys, what you waiting for? I've had my car out since last saturday. There will be bad days and good days for the next month or so, but on the good days I'll drive my nice car.

I've had 5 days so far I could drive it, today it rained all day so I didn't bother. Sure we will get another dump of snow but what the heck. Of course if you don't have a garage to park it this might not be an option.

Deep Blue

You're overlooking the mother of all problems: getting caught in the commute.

I've got an hour drive to TO everyday, and if I drive in with mild weather, and then the temp drops, snow falls...and the sand and salt flies....I'm stuck at work, and my whole reason for storing my 8 goes out the window!

If I worked closer to home I might chance taking it out....I'm still gonna wait for April and keep a close eye on the weather patterns!

Wing

Oh Well you check the weather everyday, chances are if they say "Sunny today high of 10" it's not going to snow!

If they say, rain with a high of +1 well it might snow so don't chance it.

That's what I'm doing. Take the safest route, it rained all day today but I didn't take the S, but I could have, they called for snow and it didn't snow. But I took the safe route.

Deep Blue

Dude, how long have you lived in Ontario? They called for snow today and it was spring conditions!

All kidding aside, I just drove up to the store with my windows down, tasted the fresh, spring air....and am now considering going the "Wing" route. I'm going to make the decision later tonight when I'm drunk, and stick to it

Spring pics may be forthcoming!

broose

I don't car how nice and how warm it gets. We need a ton of rain to get rid of all the salt and sand that's all over the roads. I'm thinking April 1st as well but it all depends on road conditions.

Wing

Yeah it seems like they have more salt in the T.O. area.

All our salt has been gone for weeks, they haven't salted in a long time.

I'll probably drive the S tomorrow

Taffy

I've been reading this thread and although I understand the rational for storage, I have been driving the 8 all winter.

My thoughts were that I will probably change the 8 after 3 years by which time the impact of winter driving would be minimal on the underbody etc.

The other bad part of driving in the winter is that the paint gets dirty so quickly and I can only clean it on the weekends. But all of this is far out weighed by driving it. Sooo much fun !!!

Any comments on this and are you storing because you intend to keep the car for a longer time?

broose

I plan on holding on to mine for quite a while which is why I am storing it. It is my second car so there's no real need to drive it in the winter. Obviously, if it was my only car, I would have no choice. I saw a black one today, actually I saw two, probably the same one twice driving around Erin Mills in Mississauga. It was nice to see one again. I hadn't seen one on the road in a while.

Deep Blue

Take an RX8 that's been through a winter, and put it up beside mine when it comes out in the spring and you'll see why some choose to store it.

It just helps you keep that "just out of the showroom" shine and finish all around. Salt degrades the look of your paint's finish, the sand and snow pound into your hood and other places...The engine compartment alone is reason to keep it away from a winter.

It is total preference really, just a matter of whether you have or can afford alternate transport in the winter....and whether you can give up the 8 for 4-5 months or so!

Taffy

Does anyone thing Zaino or the like would make a difference to the paint job if you have driven through the winter.

Right now, my 8 still looks great (when clean) and comparing pictures from when new to now, there is no difference.

I realise that pictures don't really make the best comparison, but I'm certainly happy with the way my 8 looks after driving in the winter.

Thoughts??

Deep Blue

Taffy, I'm sure your 8 looks and will be fine...I'm just **** as hell about my car's finish, etc. I had a BMW 330Ci prior to my 8, and drove it through a winter.

The things I noticed were very small - the ice scraper I had used had left marks on the rubber surrounding the windows, all of the screws holding the body molding began to rust, the tiny scratches on the rims and other places also began to corrode. I also began to notice some pitting of the finish from the salt.

I actually think the finish on the 8 is fantastic, and may be more resiliant to tough Canadian winters....but believe me, the effects of driving a car through salt and sand for a winter are noticable.

Danomite

Saw a black RX-8 on Bayview (and River?), anyone here? Nice car, bit dirty though :p

I'm hoping for April 1st or April 15th to take out mine.

Wing

It snowed today Well at least I got to go for a drive today