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Howdy OSSi Family!
With hurricane Isaias hitting later today, we want you to know we’re thinking of you and standing with you. Please stay alert, be safe, and take care of your families and your VWs!
If you need anything at all, OSSi is here to help. We are your family, too! Our website may go offline during the heaviest part of the storm for infrastructure damage, so the best ways to reach us are Facebook or by telephone.
Looking out for one another is what we do. Reach out anytime.
We love you!
The Oil Slicker Society International Team
Hurricane Isaias — BE SAFE!
Oil Slicker Society International – Storm Prep Guide
Heads up, Slickers!
Tropical Storm Isaias is forecasted to make landfall on the northern Gulf Coast! HOPE YOU'RE SAFE WITH YOUR FAMILY!
Your vintage VW is more than a car — IT'S FAMILY! Here's a quick guide to keep that vintage VW beauty as safe as possible before, during, and after the storm.
Current Status (as of Oct 9, 2026)
Tropical Storm Isaias is spinning itself up in the southwestern Gulf and has strengthened to a Category 3 at time of writing. It is expected to rapidly weaken to a Category 2 or 1 just before landfall later today with most models putting it right in or near Navarre, FL) late Friday into Saturday. Hurricane and storm-surge watches are already up for parts of the coast.
Stay glued to the National Hurricane Center for the latest track and intensity.
BEFORE the Storm
(Do this NOW / by Thursday… DON'T WAIT!)
- Best option: MOVE IT! Get your car inland or to a trusted shop/friend with a solid garage outside the cone if you can. Plan two routes.
- Raise it if it cannot be moved and flooding is a risk: Jack stands, ramps, blocks, or a portable lift. Even 6–12 inches can make a big difference. Classic cars hate standing water more than wind, especially if it’s salty!
- Garage check: Reinforce the garage door (vertical braces, hurricane ties, ratchet straps, or 2x4s). Clear shelves and anything that can fall or become a projectile.
- Cover it properly: Soft multi-layer car cover first, then a heavy tarp over that. Secure with ratchet straps, cam straps, or weights. Egg-crate foam between cover and tarp helps against debris.
- Prep the car:
- Full tank of gas (stations will be empty or closed).
- Disconnect the battery.
- Check fluids, tires (including spare), belts, hoses.
- Remove antennas, mirrors if they stick out, or anything loose.
- Park against an interior wall if possible, away from windows/doors.
- Document everything: Photos of the car from all angles (for insurance). Know your policy details.
DURING the Storm
- Do not go outside to check on the car or make adjustments. Your safety comes first!
- Stay inside a safe structure. Power may go out! Have flashlights, water, and a charged phone ready.
- If the car is outside or in a vulnerable spot, there’s nothing more you can do once the winds pick up. Flying debris and surge are the real killers — don’t let them kill you!
AFTER the Storm
(Only when authorities say it’s safe)
- Safety first: Watch for downed power lines, debris, flooding, and unstable structures.
- Inspect before starting:
- Make sure you are in a safe work area and clear any dangerous debris.
- Look for water lines, mud, or debris in the engine bay, air cleaner, carb/throttle body, and under the car.
- Drain all fluids suspected to be contaminated.
- If water may have entered the engine, do not crank it. Drain the oil and look for water (it comes out first). If only oil — GOOD! Otherwise flush the engine out with fresh water. Pull spark plugs. Let water drain completely, then fill with oil to spec. Cycle the engine to blow out anything in the cylinders and run the engine up to temperature… then change the oil once more!
- Check the battery, electrics, brakes, and tires.
- Clean thoroughly and fast:
- Rinse the entire car (especially the underside, wheel wells, and rockers) with fresh water to get rid of salt or mud.
- Wash with mild soap. Dry everything.
- Clean and grease suspension points.
- Address any moisture inside immediately to prevent mold and rust (especially important on Bugs, Buses, and Ghias).
- Pull apart the entire interior and lay it out in the sun to dry — all carpets, seats, door panels, and anything else that detaches. Let the car sit with doors open and windows down. Shop-vac out any standing water in the floor pans.
- Take insurance photos of any damage before you start cleaning or moving things.
- Reach out to fellow Slickers (or other VW community members) if you need a tow, parts, tools, or just a hand. That’s what we’re here for!
Look after your people first, then your VWs.
Check NHC.gov or any of our local weather sources for updates, and post in the group if you need help or have a secure spot to offer… PLEASE! Comment down below if you can be of any assistance to others!
Stay safe out there!
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Stay safe,
The OSSi Crew
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