Heavy Duty Waterproof Shelving

[HealeyRick]

Like all car guys I have lots of spare parts from various rebuilds that need to stored, Most are heavy, including some trannys and diffs. They need to be stored in the basement, which sometimes gets a couple of inches of water, so the shelving needs to be waterproof. Any suggestions what to use?

Thanks,
Rick

 

[Milton Shaw]

Set shelving on bricks or concrete with a vinyl between the shelving feet and the brick to keep water from the steel. You really need to fix the water problem or everything will be rusting even if bagged to reduce the moisture.

 

[nh_yota]

If it's only "a couple" inches of water, get some used plastic pallets or milk crates.

 

[tthornto]

Even if its only a couple inches of water occasionaly, that will cause a high enough humidity in the air to make surface rust a problem. I would take care of the water problem first. Some combination of gutters/downspouts, regrading, waterproof foundation coating and french drains outside; and waterproof interior foundation coating, perimiter drains, sump pump inside.

If this is going to be temporary storage only then I would go for the plastic shelves like these. http://www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-72-in-H-x-36-in-W-x-24-in-D-5-Shelf-Plastic-Ventilated-Storage-Shelving-Unit-128974/100006678
I would also use plastic bins for anything stored on the bottom shelf.

Spraying metal stuff with wd-40 before storing it would also be a good idea to help prevent corrosion.

 

[Coaster Mech]

I would just get some used steel pallet racks, or something similar. You can get them used for cheap. They are steel but a little water for a short period of time is not going harm them.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Bricks/blocks. Pressure treated deck boards (full 1" thick) or PT 2by.

 

[rlitman]

I would just get some used steel pallet racks, or something similar. You can get them used for cheap. They are steel but a little water for a short period of time is not going harm them.

Or regular steel warehouse shelving. Just attach the lowest shelf above the expected flood line.

 

[rlitman]

Bricks/blocks. Pressure treated deck boards (full 1" thick) or PT 2by.

Pressure treated decking and 2x lumber is generally not rated for ground contact, so you might have some issues with that long-term.

Pressure treated 4x posts most often are rated for ground contact (they get a deeper treatment). However, current ACQ treatment is highly corrosive, so you'll want a barrier between that and any steel that might be put on it.

 

[CN Spots]

Heavy duty plastic pallets and cinder blocks? I kept an FE motor and C6 sitting on one for years and it never deformed, rotted, rusted or bent. They're pricy if you buy them new. Our place throws them out if we receive items on them because we only ship on wooden pallets. The good ones are made of that milk crate material and have a solid flat top.

 

[MarlynOC]

55 Gal Plastic drums with lids to seal them. Insert units and close them up.