what should i do to keep my car looking mint for 40+ years?

 

1. Wax it.

2. Drive it in sunny weather only

3. Store it in a climate controlled garage (with no humidity)

4. Don't drive it in the winter (especially if you use salt on the roads)

5. Get a car cover for when you drive and when you store it.

It is extreme but that's the way you can do it for that length of time.

 

You got Moxie.

Gotta be a kid.



What makes you so sure you'll be around in forty years?

 

I still have my 73 Mustang Convert that I have owned since 1974. At the time I had a pretty good idea it would probably be a classic since the 73 was supposed to be the last convertible Mustang. In 1974 I removed the seats and carpet and underlayment and rustproofed the floors. That's when I found two copies of the origianl build sheets that I still have today. In 1975 I had the car professionally rust proofed by Ziebart. They are still in business today. They drilled small holes in all the body panels and used special nozzels to spray rustproofing in all the inner body panels, wheelwheels, trunk lid, hood, doors, etc. Over the years I waxed it quite a bit and eventually the paint became very thin and some minor surface rust appeared. So I stored the car in my parents barn for about 8 years while my kids were young. The last two years I have been getting in back in good running condition. I installed a new carpet last year and was amazed how rust free the floor is. In July and August of this year I began taking the fenders, bumper, mouldings, and body trim off. There is no major rust on the body, it is amazing. The worst area of rust is around the rear tailights where the original Ford paint was thin to begin with. I think it is repairable, but will check with the body shop to see if is better to replace the tail light panel. A little rust also where the bumper bolts to the body on the left side. Otherwise pretty amazing condition. Hope to have it painted and back together by the end of the year.

Good luck with your preservation!