You’ve dreamed about it for years. Now, the time is finally here -you can finally buy that classic car you’ve wanted since you got your driver’s license.
There’s only one small problem. You don’t have a garage.
How, then, can you protect your investment from hailstorms, theft, or even the occasional neighborhood kid with a carton of eggs in tow? And if you’re unable to protect your $20,000 to $30,000 classic car between the four walls of a weather-proof garage, is it wise to purchase a classic car in the first place?
Don’t give up just yet. Responsible classic car ownership is possible, even if you don’t own a garage (or don’t have room in your existing garage for your 1965 Mustang)
Ready to explore classic car storage options that will keep your vehicle in prime condition? Buckle your seatbelt.
Challenges of Storing a Classic Car Outdoors
Storing a classic car outdoors might be a great way to show it off and seal bragging rights with the neighbors, but there are several challenges classic car owners will run up against — should they choose to store their classic car outdoors.
Weather-related issues, theft, vandalism, and rust are primary concerns for owners of vintage vehicles that don’t have a garage.
Weather-related issues
Classic cars are more susceptible to weather-related exterior damage than newer cars, given that the paint protection used in the past is very different from what is used today – and much less effective at stopping UV damage.
Exposure to extreme temperatures and direct sunlight may lead to paint fading and discoloration, as well as cracking and weakening of the dashboard and other interior materials.
Rain and snow can also cause or increase rust and corrosion on the car’s body and mechanical components.
Theft and vandalism
Classic cars can be magnets for thieves and vandals. Storing a classic car outdoors can increase the risk of theft and vandalism.
Authorities have reported that storing your classic car in low-trafficked areas, areas with minimal lighting, and areas that aren’t under surveillance all increase the chances of someone stealing or vandalizing your classic car.
Rust and corrosion
Rust and corrosion are common problems for classic cars stored outdoors.
Whether it’s a new vehicle or a vintage one, rust can have a significant impact on vehicle value and lifespan. A silent killer, rust will corrode your classic vehicle’s exterior, leaving little more than a pile of dust in its wake.
To prevent rust–and by extension, corrosion–regular cleaning and maintenance is a must. As a classic car owner, you’ll also need to do your due diligence to keep your vehicle out of environments that facilitate rust-induced corrosion, aka, the harsh outdoor elements.
Essential Tips for Protecting Your Classic Car Without a Garage
While storing a classic car outdoors may not be ideal, there are essential tips that can help protect your vehicle in the absence of a garage. These tips will allow you to keep your dream of classic car ownership alive.
Regular cleaning and maintenance
Regular cleaning and maintenance are vital for preventing rust and preserving the vehicle’s paint condition. When storing outside, you’ll still need to wash your car on a weekly basis, followed by re-waxing at intervals of 3-6 months.
Regular waxing can also reduce the detrimental effects of the sun’s UV rays, as it creates a shield to help protect against dust, bugs, bird droppings, rain spots, and more.
Invest in quality car covers and sunshades
Using a quality car cover and sunshade plays a critical role in safeguarding your classic car from weather damage, UV rays, and other outdoor hazards.
When selecting an outdoor car cover, choose a breathable material that will prevent moisture from accumulating underneath and ruining your vintage paint job.
Note that a cover can shield your classic car from threats like rain, snow, tree sap, and bird droppings, but not hail or branches.
Sunshades can be installed on the windshield and windows to diminish the amount of UV rays that infiltrate your classic car’s interior, resulting in upholstery damage or a cracked dashboard.
A word of warning here: most quality car covers and sunshades are fitted to specific car makes and models. Because these covers and sunshades offer customized protection, you can expect a high price tag. Unfortunately, finding affordable solutions for classic cars when it comes to these kinds of protection proves difficult.
Choose secure parking spots
Selecting secure parking spots is another essential aspect of responsible classic car ownership. By parking your car in a well-lit, secure area with minimal exposure to the elements, you can attempt to deter theft and vandalism and minimize potential damage to your car.
Check insurance coverage
Ensuring you have adequate insurance coverage for your classic car is of utmost importance, especially when it’s stored outdoors.
Because most standard car insurance policies don’t account for how much a classic car is truly worth, you’ll need to invest in classic car-specific insurance.
But what exactly is classic car insurance, and how does it differ from regular car insurance? Check out this resource here.
It’s crucial to review and adjust your insurance coverage as needed to guarantee appropriate protection for your car. If you can’t avoid storing your classic car outdoors–be it for budget-related reasons or convenience-driven reasons–your classic car insurance plan isn’t the place to cut costs.
On the other hand, full-coverage insurance may not be a worthwhile investment when you account for factors like the age of your classic car–as the cost of insuring a vehicle that’s between 10 and 15 years old “represents 105% of the car’s value,” generally speaking.
Storage Options for Classic Cars
For classic car enthusiasts who do not have access to a garage, there are other car storage options available that can provide protection from the elements and potential theft (along with other additional benefits).
Carports and portable garages
Carports and portable garages provide a fairly cost-effective and adaptable means of shielding classic cars from the elements.
A carport is a semi-permanent structure that is affixed to the ground, offering some protection from rain, snow, and bird droppings while leaving the sides exposed. Constructing a carport on your property can be a practical solution for those with a driveway but lacking a garage, but will usually require building permits and a considerable budget to complete.
A less permanent solution, the portable garage, is essentially a large tent with a metallic frame and a waterproof covering. While they can safeguard your car from rain and some sun damage, a portable garage may be unsuccessful in offering protection from wind, hail, or humidity.
Both carports and portable garages offer more protection than storing your classic car in your driveway–even with a car cover–but still offer nowhere near the protection of a traditional garage space.
Traditional storage facilities
If you want to shield your classic car from lurking threats (extreme weather, theft, or vandalism), consider storing your older vehicle in a traditional storage unit. These facilities not only offer secure storage, but climate-controlled storage options, too.
Now, you may be wondering:“Can I park a car in a storage unit?”
While some professional storage facilities prohibit vehicle storage in their rental units, others welcome long-term vehicle storage.
But what size of storage unit do I need when storing a classic car? Both a 10’x20’ and a 10’x30’ storage unit can fit a full-sized vehicle.
To find classic car-friendly storage in your area (that isn’t exorbitantly priced), use a peer-to-peer storage marketplace like Neighbor
While professional storage may cost more than parking on the curb, options like covered car storage and indoor car storage can safeguard vintage vehicles from weather-related damage, theft, and vandalism–all of which can translate to hefty repair fees.
Having swerved around costly repairs, indoor storage options are well worth the investment for classic car owners seeking peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
Don’t let your lack of a garage interfere with your dream of classic car ownership. With classic car storage options available for less than $50, there’s no reason to relegate your vintage ride to your uncovered driveway.
If a carport or portable garage isn’t enough to quell your anxieties, you can rent out private garages through peer-to-peer storage marketplaces. Sure, you may not have a garage–but maybe your neighbor does.
FAQ: What is the best way to store a classic car?
The best way to store a classic car is in an indoor storage unit with climate control features, as this option will keep your vehicle out of the elements (be it direct sunlight or a December blizzard).
If the investment opportunity is what initially attracted you to the world of classic cars, selecting the right storage solution is a critical step toward preserving your classic car’s long-term value.
