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maintenance on 4x4?

Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 12:57 pm
by vanbox
my GQ shorty is now only used for weekend playing. just wandering what i can do to it while its sitting in the shed doing nothing to help prolong the life of it.

the only thing i came up with was to d/c the batteries.

anything else? suggestions?


cheers

PAUL

Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 1:32 pm
by j-top paj
start it everynow and then

Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 1:32 pm
by j-top paj
start it everynow and then

Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 3:46 pm
by Highway-Star
If its gonna sit for really long periods, block all vital holes to stop mud wasps moving in (dad does it to his outboard).

Put it on stands, that way the tyres dont get flat spots.

DONT put a tarp over it! Did this to dads old datsun 1200 ute, it sweated the paint off the bonnet (probably bas re-spray).

Definitly take it for a drive around (the yeard at least) regulalry to keep the oil circulating in all places, etc. Do it in 4WD with hubs locked too. And use the brakes, to clean the rotors etc.

If you cant take it for a spin, at least turn the engine over (by hand if you must).

You could also put it in an airtight container and polish it each day, but that might be too far ;) .[/b]

Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 3:51 pm
by j-top paj
Highway-Star wrote:
You could also put it in an airtight container and polish it each day, but that might be too far ;) .[/b]
:lol:

Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 4:35 pm
by jet-6
Get a trickle charger, i have one on my motorbike, it sits for 12 months at a time, and it is always ready to go

Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 7:51 pm
by DIRTY ROCK STAR
For the same amount of trouble you could always drive it more and have more fun wheeling!

Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2007 8:47 am
by Zam
Highway-Star wrote: You could also put it in an airtight container and polish it each day, but that might be too far ;) .[/b]

Hahahaha, its not a HT Monaro or Phase III GT, hahahhaa

Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2007 8:51 am
by Pinball
Highway-Star wrote:You could also put it in an airtight container and polish it each day, but that might be too far ;) .[/b]
But i saw on the antique roadshow that this actually reduces the value of the object, for starters you are removing the natural patina of age that gives it character and you also risk damaging the original coating! ;)

Spock

Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2007 1:17 pm
by Highway-Star
Pinball wrote:
Highway-Star wrote:You could also put it in an airtight container and polish it each day, but that might be too far ;) .[/b]
But i saw on the antique roadshow that this actually reduces the value of the object, for starters you are removing the natural patina of age that gives it character and you also risk damaging the original coating! ;)

Spock
Thats like on crusin' a few weeks ago. Some bloke had an original GT Falcon (XY I think). And there was discussion as to if it should be left as is (terrible), or 'restored' to its former glory. I'm used to the whole antique stuff, Mums into the old china and furniture etc. Dad watches that bloody antique roadshow religiously.

I think a GQ might be a tad different to a 300 year old lump of tree that resembles a piece of furntiture? I'd rather have the GQ, heaps more fun, and practicle :) .

Give me the HT GTS Monaro anyday. I love those things, the GTHO is great, but the HK-HT-HG Monaros are it! Or a GTR-XU1 Torana. I'm a Holden freak, can't help it (I do respect a good old ford though). After Holden comes Suzuki, funny that...

If Vanbox's GQ is gettin used for 'weekend playin', I dont reckon he'd be too worried about the 'patina', or the original coating. Also vanbox, I reckon sitting it in the shed is prolonging its life anyway; as opposed to sliding over rocks, submerging it in mud, and banging into trees.

Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2007 4:22 pm
by vanbox
all valuable points and some things i didnt think about. i wish i could get out there and use it everyday, would be a load of fun. but it does sit in the shed for usually a minimum of 2 wks :cry: sometimes up to a month. :bad-words:

i should really clean it though, cause at the moment it has about 3 months worth of mud, dust and dirt on/in it from various parts of this great country. thanks for all the info guys!

PAUL

Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2007 7:31 pm
by brentz
Highway-Star wrote:If its gonna sit for really long periods, block all vital holes to stop mud wasps moving in (dad does it to his outboard).

Put it on stands, that way the tyres dont get flat spots.
;) .[/b]

i like those 2 ideas very smart :idea: