Storing Jeep doors during the off-season or while doing repairs can be a challenge. Jeep doors are large, awkwardly shaped, and need to be stored properly to prevent damage. As a Jeep owner, you want to keep your doors in great condition for when you need them. With some basic supplies and a little creativity, you can easily store your Jeep doors yourself in a few different ways.
Should You Store Jeep Doors Inside or Outside?
When choosing where to store your Jeep doors, you’ll need to decide between storing them indoors or outdoors. There are advantages and disadvantages to both options:
Indoors
Storing doors inside offers protection from the elements like rain, snow, sun damage, etc. Indoors, the doors won’t be exposed to moisture, dirt, or temperature fluctuations that could cause condensation buildup, corrosion, or warping. The climate-controlled environment helps preserve the condition of the doors. Storing inside does require dedicated indoor space and climate control usage.
Outdoors
Outdoor storage takes up less interior space and doesn’t use electricity for climate control. However, the doors are unprotected from weather, dirt, debris, and potential damage from lawn equipment if stored outside. Condensation can build up from temperature changes and high humidity. The doors may corrode or warp if left outside long term. Outdoor storage requires being diligent about checking on the doors and covering them adequately.
Prepping Your Jeep Doors for Storage
Properly preparing your Jeep doors for storage is important to help prevent damage and deterioration while in storage. Here are some tips:
Clean the Doors
Give the doors a thorough cleaning before storage. Wash off dirt, mud, road grime, salt, etc. with soap and water. Be sure to get into crevices and dry completely. This prevents contaminants from damaging the doors while in storage.
Inspect for Damage
Check the doors for any existing damage like dents, cracks, holes, rust spots, etc. Make repairs if needed so further damage doesn’t occur in storage.
Lubricate Hinges
Use a silicone lubricant on all hinge pins and moving parts. This prevents rust and helps the doors function properly when taking them out of storage.
Protect Against Corrosion
Apply a wax or corrosion inhibitor to the doors. Be sure to coat bare metal parts. This creates a protective barrier against moisture.
Remove Protruding Parts
Take off side mirrors, door handles, or any parts that stick out. This prevents breakage while handling and storing.
How to Store Jeep Doors Inside
Storing Jeep doors inside your garage or storage area keeps them protected from the elements. Here are some indoor storage methods:
Use a Wall Mount
Wall-mounted brackets allow you to securely hang the doors vertically. Measure and install brackets strong enough to hold the weight. Hang each door by the top edge. Face them inward or outward. Add padded covers to prevent scratches.
Lay Doors Flat
Lay the doors flat on blanket-covered sawhorses, workbenches, or shelving units. Place soft foam blocks between the doors to prevent contact damage. Strap them down or block in place so they don’t fall.
Stand Doors Upright
Line the doors up against a wall or in a corner. Place foam pads between the doors and lean them slightly against each other for support. Strap them together or use temporary brackets to hold them upright.
Use a Storage Rack
Storage racks designed for car doors allow you to stand each door vertically side-by-side. Make sure the rack is sturdy and rated for the door weight. Secure doors to prevent tipping.
Hang from Ceiling
Use heavy duty straps attached to ceiling joists to create slings. Cut pool noodles and slide over top door edge for padding. Lift and hang each door separately. Keep doors fully open when hanging to prevent frame damage.
How to Store Jeep Doors Outside
If indoor space is limited, outdoor storage may be your only option. Use these methods to protect the doors outside:
Get a Storage Shed
An outdoor shed keeps doors protected from rain, snow, sun, etc. Install brackets or shelves to stand doors upright inside. Make sure the shed has adequate ventilation to prevent moisture buildup.
Build a Lean-to Shelter
Construct an open-faced shelter against a wall or fence. Install a roof to prevent direct rain or snow. Stand doors upright underneath, spaced apart for air circulation.
Use a Tarp or Cover
For temporary outdoor storage, lean doors against a wall and cover with a heavy duty tarp or car cover. Secure the cover so it doesn’t blow away. Check regularly for moisture.
Store on Trailer
Load doors securely onto a trailer or utility vehicle. This allows moving doors easily in and out of a garage or shed as needed. Secure straps overtop to hold doors in place.
Keep off Ground
Lay doors flat on blocks or pallets to get them up off the ground. Cover with a tarp. Check under regularly for moisture or debris buildup. Rotate doors to evenly distribute weight.
Protecting Jeep Doors in Storage
Take steps to keep your Jeep doors protected while in storage using these tips:
Control Moisture
Too much moisture causes condensation, corrosion, mold, etc. Use vapor barriers and desiccant packets. Increase ventilation. Check regularly for moisture buildup.
Protect from Sun Damage
UV rays can fade and crack surfaces. Keep doors out of direct sunlight. Use a car cover or tarp. Store doors indoors or in shade.
Guard Against Pests
Mice, insects, and rodents can nest in doors. Use traps and deterrents. Seal any openings. Check regularly for signs of pests.
Avoid Door Contact
Doors leaning on each other can lead to scratches, chips, and dents over time. Use foam blocks between doors. Cover contact points.
Maintain Clean Surfaces
Dust doors occasionally while stored. Clean any overspray or debris right away to avoid buildup. Waxing helps maintain the finish.
What Supplies Will You Need?
Having the right supplies on hand makes storing doors much easier. Here are some recommended items:
Pads and Covers
– Moving blankets
– Foam blocks or pool noodles
– Plastic sheeting
– Car cover or tarp
Storage Items
– Wall-mounted brackets
– Storage rack, shelves, or sawhorses
– Straps, bungees, or tie downs
– Trailer or utility vehicle
Protection Products
– Silicone lubricant
– Corrosion inhibitor
– Car wax
– Desiccant packs
– Pest deterrents
Other Useful Items
– Cleaning and drying supplies
– Touch up paint
– Wood for lean-to shelter
Steps for Storing Jeep Doors
Follow these steps when preparing your Jeep doors for storage:
Step 1: Clean the Doors
Thoroughly wash the doors and allow to dry completely before storage. Pay extra attention to removing grime from crevices.
Step 2: Make Any Needed Repairs
Fix dents, holes, cracks or any other damage before storage to prevent further issues.
Step 3: Lubricate and Protect from Rust
Apply silicone lubricant to hinges. Coat bare metal areas with a wax or corrosion inhibitor.
Step 4: Remove Protruding Parts
Take off mirrors, handles, or any parts that may break while handling or storing the doors.
Step 5: Choose Storage Location
Decide whether you will store the doors inside or outside based on space available.
Step 6: Select Storage Method
Determine the best storage approach based on your location – wall mounts, shelves, rack, hanging, etc.
Step 7: Create Protective Barriers
Cut foam blocks, pool noodles, blankets to use as padding between doors and contact points.
Step 8: Secure the Doors
Use straps, brackets, blocks etc. to firmly secure the doors in their storage position.
Step 9: Maintain Protection
Periodically check on the doors while in storage. Clean, rotate, and protect from moisture, pests etc.
Conclusion
Storing Jeep doors properly while not in use helps preserve their condition so they are ready to go when you need them again. Now that you know how to store Jeep doors both indoors and outdoors using a variety of effective methods, you can keep your doors protected. Taking the time to safely clean, prep, pad, secure, and maintain your Jeep doors in storage will save you from expensive repairs or replacements down the road. Investing in quality storage supplies will give you peace of mind that your doors are protected whether stored in your garage, shed, or under a cover outside. With the right preparation and care, you can easily store Jeep doors yourself and have them looking great for future top-down driving adventures.
