Hi all,

Since I stopped driving my cherished 1986 1000S, I have only posted a single message on the forums. I am nonetheless hoping some people might be able to offer some advice on storing my car as I will be moving abroad for three years.

It has been SORNed for a little over four years however it is in good (not great but good) condition as I have made sure to start it regularly and prohibit any tall grass from growing under and around it while it has been parked. It has also been properly covered since it was taken off the road.

I would like to restore it to the best possible condition in the future, however at this point I would like to store it (preferably indoors). I have been researching classic car storage facilities however the cost is quite high. In light of my aim to carry out a full restoration in future, I am not concerned with some of the services offered by some businesses such as advanced humidity control, or regular washing/maintenance procedures, etc.

If these places are the only solution, then I will find a way to finance this storage service, however I was wondering if anyone had a cheaper and/or smarter solution in regards to storing a vehicle for three years?

Alternatively, I could have it restored while I am abroad and then drive it again as soon as I get back. While I have not yet researched restoration services, has anyone here on the forum had a car (Panda or otherwise) restored by a professional service? If so, are there any services people would recommend?

I really appreciate any input, advice or help which anyone can offer.

Thank you very much indeed,

Gary.

Our very own VmanC runs a business restoring Pandas That may be the way to go.

He is on holiday for a few days but you can contact him via his website

Where are you based Gary?

The obvious long term storage without paying a fortune for a pampering service is a lockup garage. It depends how much you're willing to pay of course?

For restoration work there are people on the forum who might be able to help depending on what you need (what sort of work do you need doing?) & where you are.

Thank you very much for the quick replies.

scout said:

Our very own @VmanC runs a business restoring Pandas That may be the way to go.

He is on holiday for a few days but you can contact him via his website

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Thanks for the link – it looks great! In the scheme of things his location is within a realistic distance too. I’ll contact him right away.

Palio said:

Where are you based Gary?

The obvious long term storage without paying a fortune for a pampering service is a lockup garage. It depends how much you're willing to pay of course?

For restoration work there are people on the forum who might be able to help depending on what you need (what sort of work do you need doing?) & where you are.

Click to expand...

I’m based in Hertfordshire. A lockup garage is great idea. I’ll look into renting and possibly purchasing too. While I would be a fool to say “I’ll pay anything”, I am willing to pay a fair sum to store the car.

In terms of restoration, the central issue is chassis rust (the majority of deterioration being at the rear of the car) and bodywork issues – the doors being the worst (unsurprisingly I guess). There are some minor interior trim issues and also a couple of electrical faults: the fuel gauge and clock. The engine, gearbox, suspension and steering are all sound (as best I can tell having not driven the car properly for a few years). Also, the brakes function but not well.

If there are people willing to carry out some of this work I would be very happy to discuss such with them, either here on the forum or via email/phone.

Thank you very much again for your help, I am very grateful for the help and ideas.

1986_1000S said:

Thank you very much for the quick replies.




Thanks for the link – it looks great! In the scheme of things his location is within a realistic distance too. I’ll contact him right away.



I’m based in Hertfordshire. A lockup garage is great idea. I’ll look into renting and possibly purchasing too. While I would be a fool to say “I’ll pay anything”, I am willing to pay a fair sum to store the car.

In terms of restoration, the central issue is chassis rust (the majority of deterioration being at the rear of the car) and bodywork issues – the doors being the worst (unsurprisingly I guess). There are some minor interior trim issues and also a couple of electrical faults: the fuel gauge and clock. The engine, gearbox, suspension and steering are all sound (as best I can tell having not driven the car properly for a few years). Also, the brakes function but not well.

If there are people willing to carry out some of this work I would be very happy to discuss such with them, either here on the forum or via email/phone.

Thank you very much again for your help, I am very grateful for the help and ideas.

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Vernon VmanC is definitely worth speaking to as already mentioned, as might be Freddie panda1408 who's done cracking work on his own Panda's and may be interested in branching out.

I'm just across in Bucks - where in Herts are you?

Hi Gary,

Please feel free to send me a PM if you would like to discuss the work on your Panda. I would be more than happy to carry out all of things you mention.

As far as storage goes a lockup garage is a good idea but another option is to maybe ask local farmers if they have space in a barn/shed or a business that has warehouse space? I think the most important thing is you get somewhere that is as dry as possible and has good airflow.

Regards
Freddy

panda1408 said:

Hi Gary,

Please feel free to send me a PM if you would like to discuss the work on your Panda. I would be more than happy to carry out all of things you mention.

As far as storage goes a lockup garage is a good idea but another option is to maybe ask local farmers if they have space in a barn/shed or a business that has warehouse space? I think the most important thing is you get somewhere that is as dry as possible and has good airflow.

Regards
Freddy

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Sorry Freddy I misspelt your name - that's the trouble with having a car called Freddie!!!

Palio said:

Sorry Freddy I misspelt your name - that's the trouble with having a car called Freddie!!!

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No worries Gavin Happens alot, the trouble with having a name spelt the less common way!

Hang on guys....I restored my panda too, so why don't I get a mention??

Oh...could it be that I'm about to go abroad for three years too....

Seriously, i will be putting my pride and joy in a lock up in the next couple of weeks as I got a good rental price from someone I know. There is a place in Newbury which offers a good classic car storage for £60 a month.

As the others have said Vern or Freddy are the guys who really know their stuff and do quality work...