Storing Vintage Equipment

[Semanon]

My collection continues to grow. It's nowhere near the size of some of the AK regulars, but has grown to where it needs some management (or...eek!...thinning). Currently, unused amps and receivers sit flat on shelves in the garage, stacked no more than two high with plastic draped over the top and between them. The garage is my shop and is more or less temp controlled - it never gets really cold, hot or humid. Obviously, I want to access then to rotate them in and out of service and to exercise/service them.

Any thought on how to effectively store them? How do others store their overflow?
- In plastic bags? Silica gel?
- Cardboard boxes?
- Plastic bins?
- Custom boxes?
- Stored tilted up on their sides?
- Sell it?

Thanks for the input!

 

[just dave]

how much do you have?

 

[goodolpg]

I keep my extras in about the same manner you do. I use wax paper for tops and fronts to try to keep dust from collecting on knobs or inside vents.
I put my heaviest pieces on the bottom with one or two much lighter pieces on top.
Everything is inside my house so temps are moderate year round.

 

[grillebilly]

Fast temperature changes are the worst thing for metals. They can "sweat" and cause corrosion. I also wouldn't make the container completely air tight. Whatever it is stored in needs some, if only just a small amount, of air so it can adjust to temperature and humidity levels.
This has always been my method of storing machined metals, and I follow these guidelines with audio gear.

 

[OMGCat!]

I keep all of mine boxed. Most have the original shipping stuff but the few that don’t get new boxes.
I have a strip of VCI (Volatile corrosion inhibitor) paper in each for a bit of added protection.

 

[Semanon]

how much do you have?

I have about 8 plus a few preamps and processors. Somehow more seem to keep appearing.

 

[Mr.Jim]

No high humidity areas !

 

[Semanon]

Volatile corrosion inhibitor

Love that! Thanks.

 

[restorer-john]

I poly bag each piece of gear with a silica gel large bag inside. Either boxed and stacked or stood on their left hand sides (transformer down) on carpeted shelves. Easy to grab.

 

[Zenith4me]

No high humidity areas !

I will soon be moving to Florida and of course will experience high humidity. I have lot's of gear that is currently in boxes preparing for the move. Not all of it is going to be in my listening room and will likely will need to be stored in the garage.

Any advice for how to store it safely?