Long Term Storage or sell it?

[TexasAviator]

I may have orders in a few weeks for a 3-4 year assignment to a small but beautiful Pacific Island. I can only take the family Suburban or Pickup. What would be my best move? There are a lot of what-ifs still to be determined but would like your alls honest opinion.

I would love to store it but all my family is scattered to across the state and dont have anyone I can really trust with such a car. I was thinking of letting the military store it but again I dont trust them either. My only option is long term storage.

The other option is to sell it. Its done sans paint and body but I am not giving it away and doubt I would get what I want for it. If I did sell it that money would go into savings for another project when I get back from said Island.

Any inputs would be graciously received. If the orders dont come, no worries but I want to have some countermeasures in place if the day comes in the next few weeks.

Brandon

[CDXXVII]

If you are still happy with the idea of owning a Cobra and you are happy with your build so far, I would say store it.

On the other hand, if you have lost interest or are leaning towards a different project then it's better to take the hit now than later. You will certainly take a loss selling it as is.

[BadAsp427]

Long Term Storage.... You just put your blood, sweat and perhaps some tears into this build. I'm sure you could find a storage place that would be reasonable in price to make it worth keeping... Or you could send it off for paint and body at Whitby's.... I hear they take about 18 month or more to compete a paint job... and if you don't push them perhaps even longer... Then you only have to pay for storage for the time after they are done

[TexasAviator]

I love and adore this car. I cant wait to get paint on it. I only have a few hundred miles on it and everything is working as advertised. It really is a reliable 4 season car here in Texas.

[GoDadGo]

I vote to store it if I get a vote.

Do you have friends and/or family in the area that might be willing to give up a spot in their garage for a long term hold over?

Also, Thank You & All Our Veterans For Doing Your Best To Keep Us Safe!

[cgundermann]

Brandon, with your pride and love for your car - only one answer Pard.

Long term storage.

Chris

[TexasAviator]

ok, I cant really sell it, it was more for inputs for those have been in a sell situation. This is going to be a crazy move, I have to sell, store, and put my entire life on hold. Comes with tons of stress but this could be the chance of a lifetime for my family and my flying career.

[Barrel]

Long Term Storage.... You just put your blood, sweat and perhaps some tears into this build. I'm sure you could find a storage place that would be reasonable in price to make it worth keeping... Or you could send it off for paint and body at Whitby's.... I hear they take about 18 month or more to compete a paint job... and if you don't push them perhaps even longer... Then you only have to pay for storage for the time after they are done

This is exactly what I would do in this situation, especially if I was determined not to abandon the project and keep it moving ahead whilst I was away.

[Jacob McCrea]

What does long-term storage cost compared to a reasonable estimate of your out-of-pocket losses if you sold it as-is? I would guess that storage would be less, but that's nothing but a wild guess.

All that said, it's a hell of a thing to let go, for a loss or otherwise, after you've put the work into it.

[Driver_WT]

Well, my build was a long term project (life and work get in the way some times, and I was traveling a lot for work), so my build took almost 10 years. That is 2 to 3 times your storage time. I had the car stored in the garage and worked on it a little at a time, then a big push at the end to get it done. I would keep it. Find some place secure to store it and it will be there when you get back. What happen is you sell it, then a few things change in your life and you use the cash for something else in the mean time.

Wade

[j.miller]

What ! You don't have a younger brother to leave it in his capable hands for safe keeping ?....YEAH! WE ALL KNOW HOW THAT STORY ENDS....starts with "I swerved to miss a dog"...da bat

[Papa]

Brandon,

Rent yourself a climate controlled storage unit and put that puppy on jack stands until you come back.

Dave

[Itchief]

I agreed with Papa if you can locate a storage unit for around $100/month (you may be able to get a better deal if you work a long term rate) and have an agreed value insurance policy for storing the vehicle, you may end up better off than trying to sell

Prep the motor, put it on jack stands and put out a bunch of Mice/rat poison

Good luck

Rick

[TexasAviator]

.
.
I was hoping that someone would come on here and tell me they sold theirs and regret it everyday of their life. I guess those that sell probably arent very active on the boards, so...

What does long-term storage cost compared to a reasonable estimate of your out-of-pocket losses if you sold it as-is? I would guess that storage would be less, but that's nothing but a wild guess.

All that said, it's a hell of a thing to let go, for a loss or otherwise, after you've put the work into it.

Agreed, I am going to go check around here for storage options. I will have to come back to get the car but at least I know its in a mild climate and low crime area.

Well, my build was a long term project (life and work get in the way some times, and I was traveling a lot for work), so my build took almost 10 years. That is 2 to 3 times your storage time. I had the car stored in the garage and worked on it a little at a time, then a big push at the end to get it done. I would keep it. Find some place secure to store it and it will be there when you get back. What happen is you sell it, then a few things change in your life and you use the cash for something else in the mean time.

Wade

Great point. I have in my estimate around 39000 in it but with help from FFR, members on here, and selling a project car I feel I have come in closer to 25000 not counting time invested. I really dont want to sell it, the title is misleading. What I was hoping for was people that did sell it and tell me they wish they hadn't. That is probably wishful thinking as those who have sold it arent active on the forum anymore.

What ! You don't have a younger brother to leave it in his capable hands for safe keeping ?....YEAH! WE ALL KNOW HOW THAT STORY ENDS....starts with "I swerved to miss a dog"...da bat

I do have family and I love them dearly but I dont trust them. I could set the rev limiter on the Fitech super low (2k) and hope for the best... I was thinking of shipping it to a painter and let them work on it at their pace. I would of course keep insurance on it through Hagerty at agreed value. Wink Wink.

Brandon,

Rent yourself a climate controlled storage unit and put that puppy on jack stands until you come back.

Dave

This may be my best option. I could then also store all my expensive tools, toys, and garage gear knowing its not going to get stolen in the move. It seems to happen a lot to military and overseas assignments.

I agreed with Papa if you can locate a storage unit for around $100/month (you may be able to get a better deal if you work a long term rate) and have an agreed value insurance policy for storing the vehicle, you may end up better off than trying to sell

Prep the motor, put it on jack stands and put out a bunch of Mice/rat poison

Good luck

Rick

Thanks Rick, I have a brother in West Virginia but he lives in Moorefield, other side of the Appalachians from you. I feel the storage option in Texas may be the best option as the weather here is mild all year round. Gets a bit hot but nothing I would worry about compared to the times I lived in Iraq (140 degrees!).

[Al_C]

In my mind, this isn't even a question. Of course, this isn't my decision... Nevertheless, store it. Think "mothball", as in what your current employer would do. I'm with Papa and the others on their long term storage ideas.

[BadAsp427]

https://www.carbag.com/

[Mark Eaton]

Dude, Part of your soul is in that car. Keep it.

[Bob Cowan]

I stored my '69 Mustang FB for 2 1/2 years while I was overseas. Really glad I did, too.

[Itchief]

Brandon

I’ve been to Moorefield a few times doing IT/telecom/networking for the Army NG it’s very nice county up there along the Potomac river.

Good luck with your new assignment I don’t think that you will regret keeping the roadster

Rick CW5(R)

[NAZ]

I stored a car while deployed -- wish I knew more about storage back then. Two tips: if you cover the car in plastic don't let it touch the paint (plastic over a car cover should be OK). They make those plastic car covers so it sounded like the way to go but a couple of years baking, sweating, freezing, thawing and mix in lots of dust and when I got home the paint was ruined. I loved that car. And pull the plugs and liberally apply fogging oil (comes in a spray can) to the cylinders to keep them from rusting. Good luck on your new assignment.

[Higgybulin]

Another for keep it! It'll be something to look forward to....good luck!

[j.miller]

You want me to paint it ?.....I will throw in a year of storage. That's "Southern California Storage" That's some premium shiz right there son...da Bat

[Jeff Kleiner]

Unless it poses a financial hardship shove it plus your tools and equipment into a storage unit and keep it all insured.

Jeff

[cgundermann]

You want me to paint it ?.....I will throw in a year of storage. That's "Southern California Storage" That's some premium shiz right there son...da Bat

Damn Brandon, that's a hell of an offer + a smoking hot paint job!

Premium includes free rattlesnakes...

Chris

[DavidW]

Keep it!

You want me to paint it ?.....I will throw in a year of storage. That's "Southern California Storage" That's some premium shiz right there son...da Bat

That sounds like a great deal, maybe negotiate 2 years storage ; )

Long Term Storage.... You just put your blood, sweat and perhaps some tears into this build. I'm sure you could find a storage place that would be reasonable in price to make it worth keeping... Or you could send it off for paint and body at Whitby's.... I hear they take about 18 month or more to compete a paint job... and if you don't push them perhaps even longer... Then you only have to pay for storage for the time after they are done

Thats another great idea, it might be finished when you get back.

[merim123]

4 years is a long time for tires to be sitting in storage, gas in the tank, etc. Is it a show stopper, no it is not. Storage around here (chicago) would run about 150/mo and that is not going to be climate controlled. That would be over 200/mo. So for 48mos you are looking at a minimum of 6k for storage. You should try selling it as is and see what you can get offer wise, you will build it faster next time

[Big Blocker]

Buy Miller some rum and he gets real easy to talk to . . . Maybe he'll store it for longer if the rum keeps coming on a monthly basis . . . AND, you'll get one of the best paint guys doing your car - no debating that Jeff is one of the best there is for our cars.

I'd seriously think about that offered deal from Miller . . .

Doc

Disclaimer: Don't really know if Miller drinks rum as much as I'm suggesting here, but his signature usually mentions drinking, women . . . Ha-Ha-Ha!

[rich grsc]

Buy Miller some rum and he gets real easy to talk to . . . Maybe he'll store it for longer if the rum keeps coming on a monthly basis . . . AND, you'll get one of the best paint guys doing your car - no debating that Jeff is one of the best there is for our cars.

I'd seriously think about that offered deal from Miller . . .

Doc

Disclaimer: Don't really know if Miller drinks rum as much as I'm suggesting here, but his signature usually mentions drinking, women . . . Ha-Ha-Ha!

And then we wouldn't hear him go on an on about "why's the rum always gone?"

[j.miller]

Feeling just a little picked on......I'll give ya 20 minutes to knock it off or $20 to keep it up....you choose....AND WHERE THE HELL IS MY RUM !!!...da bat

[jroberts]

Did you look into how much to taking it with you? It might be as cost effective as selling it (most likely at a loss) or storing it and having the pay rent.

[Royteamcobra]

Add it to your household goods shipment to said island as a "loveseat", not additional auto.
Randy

[Yama-Bro]

If it was me, in your situation, I'd do the storage...but if you really enjoyed the build and could afford to do another when you get back, you could sell it and start fresh on another. I'm sure there'd be several things you'd do different now that you've built one and learned the ins and outs of the car.

[dwheeler]

Is it not allowed for you to have 2 vehicles on the island? I was wondering if the cost of shipping it there yourself would be approximately the same as the long term storage.

[j.miller]

Hey ! Claim it as your wife's "Emotional Support Vehicle" ….. Hell! They might even let you take it on the plane ! jus workin the angles

[Papa]

Brandon,

Would that island be Okinawa by chance? I spent a year there and loved it. I spent pretty much all my free time SCUBA diving.

Dave

[Richard Oben]

insure the crap out of it, takes tons of pictures and have the military do it. JMHO, Richard.

[RAMRobAZ]

PM sent on a buy option.

[Packer fan]

I would store it for free as long as you left me the keys so I could rotate �� the tires for you.

[TexasAviator]

Well, just like the Air Force to leave you hanging. I got orders this week gents. Looks like I will be moving to a small tropical Island in the pacific for a few years. Sand, Surf, Sun, and I am sure plenty of work to go along with it.

Now is the hard question. If I keep it, store it, and I get another assignment to Europe (very possible) the car is going to sit indefinitely. I have about 22-25 thousand in the car not including the stuff I sold off on parts cars I had laying around. Then I have thousands in storage fees. I also dont want to burden one of our faithful forum painters to expectations of free storage. This is starting to sound like I should sell it.

I will know more in the coming weeks as I am talking to some interested buyers due to this thread.

[NAZ]

Sand, surf, sun... The first time I visited an AF base I knew I should have joined the AF. Huge bases, great PX, movie theaters, and big EM clubs. It was like club med.

The Army was almost as bad as the Marines for facilities and assignments in places even the locals never heard of. And were the AF had busses to transport their personnel we had LPC's (Leather Personnel Carriers -- boots to the civilians out there).

Have fun, don't volunteer for anything, and always look busy.