Hi guys, I currently live in Dallas but my husband and I just purchased a condo in Pensacola Beach. We have no plans to move our cars at this time, but if we love it and I can talk him into it, I can see a full move to coastal Florida at some point. I wondered about the salt air and the cars. Is there anything in particular you have to watch for? Do you store your cars differently if you're that close to water? Pensacola Beach is a fairly narrow island, so there's no escaping the salt air. Thanks for any information you can provide me!
Our family had a beach house in south New Smyrna Beach for several decades. Like the song goes, "Rust never sleeps." Constant issues with corrosion. For collector cars, you should find enclosed, a/c-controlled storage. Smart people that live in coastal areas lease their daily drivers. Turn the car in at the end of three years before the rust bubbles begin to form. Start with a fresh car. Repeat. Pensacola is a wonderful place to retire to. Coastal living is great if you can afford it!
Thanks, Kevin. I kinda figured that would be the case, but didn't know if it was possible to purify air in your own garage for storage. I suppose we'd have to store the other cars inland. The suggestion for leasing is a smart one. We're not retiring though. I'm an author and anywhere I have decent Internet, I can do my job. I prefer to do it looking at water.
Air conditioned garage is good, but you can also use those car bubbles, where the air is constantly filtered. If you wash your daily driver regularly, rust shouldn't be too much of a problem.
The panhandle area is a bummer for salt air because of the waves, its in the air constantly - just check outside window frames and fans on an outside porches facing the gulf - constant corrosion
I used to live in the Florida Panhandle (Destin area) for about 20 years. While what's been said here already in true, the effects of corrosion aren't nearly as bad as Florida's Atlantic coast. Regarding beachfront car storage, in the event of coastal flooding, these "structures" are, in many cases, considered to be sacrificial. Pensacola is like non other, and one of my favorite places. Enjoy!
People spend millions each for little wood-framed, tin-roofed cottages in Seaside. All are under a constant state of repair.
My wife and I looked at Long boat key which is a beautiful area. We decided against it for two reasons. I was concerned about my cars and the salt. The other issue was if you stand for a few minutes with the Gulf or other saltwater body you feel sticky. which is an unpleasant feeling. I know of no technical way to remove salt from the air in a garage. Reverse Osmosis will but they use to be very expensive. Besides if you open the garage door you have salt in your garage. They do make a air barrier and that may help. A lot of work and expense for minimal protection. Joy( my wife) and I decided to do something simple, we built a house on a fresh water lake in Florida. WE live in Lake county and the Harris chain of lakes. The lake is large with all of the water sports. I think there are 7 connected lakes in the chain. Central Florida is the "safe" spot for hurricanes in Florida. We cannot keep all of our cars in the garage. We rent a 20 by 120 ft storehouse. There are a lot of cars by othr owners there and it is guarded 24/7. Just a thought I am impressed with an author job. Good luck on finding what you want. I am not in the real estate business nor do I want to sell any thing Best Lee
Everything I took out of the condo (it had been in a rental pool) was slightly rusted and the silverware (which was low quality) had a horrible taste to it. We love the island though. It's beautiful and still not overdeveloped. Hopefully, it will stay that way!
I love the salt water, Lee, so I'm doomed to deal with it. I'm an ocean baby. Just looking at it for ten minutes is like a year of therapy. LOL We love the condo we bought because it's a great resort and we won't have to deal with exterior maintenance, so best of both worlds. But I think about making a full-time move sometimes and wondered about the car situation. I figured people here would know. The author job is the best job ever. Before that, I was a CFO for a real estate development corporation. If I never have to go back to Corporate America, I will be a happy woman until I die.
I live about 5 miles inland from Destin and I do not have any corrosion issues. If you will be right on the beach, I would have concern. We get a lot of wind from the south and it stirs up the salt air and flows onto the beach. I have gone to dinner on the gulf and came back to find my truck covered in a white film from the salt spray. On the flip side, you can't beat this view in the winter (sunset in Destin). Image Unavailable, Please Login
Gorgeous! I just love that coast. It's simply beautiful. Come next week, I'll be there until the water gets cold. Thanks for the information!
The salt air is harmful but as my body guy keeps reminding me, even rain puddles are very salty by the beach.
the electrical connections on my 79 308 are affected by corrosion - they have to be cleaned OR upgrade to the Birdman fusebox (but thats not original). I live on the water on the Gulf of Mexico is SWFL
Thanks for the info. I figured something like this would be the case. I guess if we decide to relocate from Dallas, we'll have to find inland storage because I'm not willing to give up my island paradise. This is the view from our living room. Image Unavailable, Please Login
That's it, Wade! We love the place. Great location and access to beach/bay. And I love that it's at the far end of the island and one side is nothing but protected land. It's so pretty there. And once all the vacationers are gone, it will be pretty and quiet.
you should be more concerned about the sun I live between the gulf and the bay keep the car in the garage and wash it regularly the other cars sit out no corrosion issues but the paint is disappearing relax it won't dissolve
I have a place literally on the ocean in LA and I can tell you, salt IS a problem with cars (and all metals). The biggest issue it's effect on paint, chrome, and plastics. Even interior parts can be effected. However, I'm told there are some good ways to avoid salt corrosion and also regular weekly washes can help remove the salt. But salt will definitely pit chrome over time. It may take years but it will do it. So, protect the chrome with a chemical treatment and wash the cars regularly. Bottom line: If you live next to sea, you have to treat your car differently than in a non salted area.
I agree and this is good advice. Most modern cars are treated or design at the manufacturer to be resistant to environmental issues. Non of it is perfect. Years ago I remember Fiat and Alfa Romeos were rusting at the dealerships. These brands were not allowed to be sold in the USA and probably in Canada. I just looked at the Alfa Romeo 4C. What a gorgeous car, just stunning! It drives very good and is quick. The Abarth was also a good drivers car. It is exciting to see these cars back in the USA. Best Lee
Sounds like you are doing the right thing. I am still impressed with the author job. I keep dangling my participles Do you Wright books or articles or? The pictures people have posted are just beautiful. I think they changed my mind, maybe Enjoy your new place. Best Lee
Great thread... Have been in Atlanta for past 19 years, 2 years away from leaving...wife wants the beach (she = florida, me = California). I would have assumed Cali would be better (lower temps & humidity)...great to get input from a West Coaster. Good thing about Cali is that one can live a few miles inland and still have an ocean view. Bad news is you have to live in Cali (politics, debt, general craziness, etc) Anyway, interested in hearing more from those who live there, especially those east of PCH in Cali or near Sarasota, Fla thanks Bill
There was a time when Ferrari bodies started rusting in the factory yard while waiting to be put on chassis.
