Had a similar issue with my old Camaro—thought the garage was enough, but moisture crept in anyway. Couple quick thoughts:
- Did you notice any rust or just condensation build-up?
- Curious if your dehumidifier bumped up your electricity bill noticeably.
- I'm still debating between a dehumidifier or just improving ventilation... seems like there's pros and cons either way.
City rules aside, moisture control is definitely something worth figuring out early on.
Had a similar moisture headache with my dad's old Mustang. We thought the garage was solid enough, but after one particularly rainy spring, we found condensation had quietly done its thing. At first, it was just a bit of dampness on the windows and chrome trim, but eventually, we spotted some tiny rust spots forming near the wheel wells. Nothing major, thankfully, but enough to make us realize we had to act fast.
We debated the dehumidifier route too, but honestly, I was hesitant about leaving something electrical running unattended for long stretches—especially when we were away on road trips. Plus, I'd heard from a buddy that his electricity bill jumped noticeably after installing one in his garage. Not crazy high, but enough to make him grumble every month when the bill came in.
In the end, we opted for improving ventilation instead. Installed a couple of passive vents and a small solar-powered fan to keep air circulating. It wasn't perfect—still had to check regularly—but it did help keep things drier without adding much to our monthly expenses or anxiety levels. I guess it depends on your climate and how often you're around to monitor things.
City rules can be frustrating for sure, but moisture control is one of those sneaky issues that can really bite you if you're not careful. Better safe than sorry, especially with classics that aren't getting driven daily.
Did the solar-powered fan make a noticeable difference right away, or did it take a while? I've thought about something similar but wasn't sure it'd be effective enough, especially during cloudy stretches...
I've wondered about that myself—seems like a cool idea, but yeah, cloudy days make me skeptical too. A buddy of mine put one in his storage shed last summer. He said it wasn't like an instant miracle or anything, but after a day or two he noticed the humidity and stuffiness definitely eased up. The key seemed to be having a decent battery backup or something similar to keep it going when the sun's hiding out for a bit.
Personally, I'd probably go for it if I found one on sale or second-hand. But full price? Eh, I'd hesitate. Maybe pairing it with another cheap solution—like those moisture-absorbing packs from the hardware store—could help bridge the cloudy stretches without breaking the bank. Either way, it's gotta be better than nothing at all, especially if you're storing something valuable like a classic car...
"Maybe pairing it with another cheap solution—like those moisture-absorbing packs from the hardware store—could help bridge the cloudy stretches without breaking the bank."
I agree with this approach, but I'd caution against relying solely on moisture packs for long-term storage, especially if you're dealing with a valuable classic car. Packs can help temporarily, but they're not a permanent fix. From an insurance perspective, I've seen a fair share of claims related to rust and mold damage due to inadequate humidity control. Solar-powered ventilation is definitely helpful, but as you mentioned, cloudy days can be problematic.
If you're serious about protecting your investment, I'd recommend considering a hybrid solution—solar ventilation paired with a reliable electric backup system. It might seem like an upfront expense, but compared to potential restoration costs or depreciation due to damage, it's worth the peace of mind. I've had clients who initially hesitated at the cost but later appreciated the investment after avoiding costly repairs down the line. Just my two cents...
