Preserving plastic parts in storage

[duodec]

The stars finally aligned, and money saved for Challenger parts buy didn't get et by some emergency or other.  So I now have a full set of the good repro white interior panels here or on the way.  It will be at least 2 years, maybe 3 or 4 depending on work, before the car is ready for them but I didn't want to risk availability after so many years/decades of unavailability.

Whats the best way to store them?  I've got climate controlled storage, or I could keep them in the garage at home (more temp variation but it stays above freezing and below ~90F).  Flat ok or best to leave them 'standing' (since they won't be attached to the car they will be unsupported)?  In the bubblewrap and bags they came in?  If long term contact of bubblewrap to panel might result in deposits, or discoloring or other issues then what else would work?  Cloth wrapping (cotton sheets, which I have lots of)?  Mylar (which I can get from work)?

Or am I worrying over nothing and leaving them in the factory bubble and plastic in the boxes is fine for a few years?

Thanks.

[daveh]

Keep them in the house in a dry location.  Keep them firm and don't stand them on any edges they may warp.  Other than that just common sense.  Good luck.

Dave

[MEK-Dangerfield]

I think you are worrying too much. If you have white panels, the biggest threat to them is sun light. Sun light seems to suck the life out of them and make them chalky. Chalky means, hard and undesirable.

[duodec]

I think you are worrying too much. If you have white panels, the biggest threat to them is sun light. Sun light seems to suck the life out of them and make them chalky. Chalky means, hard and undesirable.

That I know all too well... Nevada sun versus H6XW interior = much chalk.  Thats why I was searching for years for NOS or minty panels but could never afford them, then hung in for the higher quality repros.  But if sitting on edge will warp them, or if sitting flat will deform them, or if being in contact with the packing plastic for an extended period will have detrimental effects, then the time to do something about it is now.  Thats a _lot_ of dollars sitting in those three boxes...

I do have one original panel that was nearly mint in 1988 when I bought it; its been wrapped in plastic, sealed in a garbage bag in storage since then.  When I can get to storage we'll see how it held up and how it compares to the repros.