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SAAC Forum => SAAC Forum Discussion Area => Topic started by: SFM6S087 on March 22, 2021, 04:51:03 PM

Title: Car Cover Recommendations
Post by: SFM6S087 on March 22, 2021, 04:51:03 PM
Looking for a cover for my 1966 GT350. Need only protect from dust in my garage. Will probably never be used outside.
 - Top priority is to be soft so it won't damage the paint even if dragged on and off several times a week.
 - Second priority is to be light, also to minimize any paint damage in dragging on and off.
 - Third priority is to be thin, so it will fold up small when not in use.

I've been thinking about the 100% cotton flannel cover by California Car Company. Any comments about that cover or other recommendations appreciated.

Thanks,
Steve
Title: Re: Car Cover Recommendations
Post by: Bob Gaines on March 22, 2021, 06:47:03 PM
Looking for a cover for my 1966 GT350. Need only protect from dust in my garage. Will probably never be used outside.
 - Top priority is to be soft so it won't damage the paint even if dragged on and off several times a week.
 - Second priority is to be light, also to minimize any paint damage in dragging on and off.
 - Third priority is to be thin, so it will fold up small when not in use.

I've been thinking about the 100% cotton flannel cover by California Car Company. Any comments about that cover or other recommendations appreciated.

Thanks,
Steve
Steve I had found in the past that the flannel covers that Jim @ Shelby Parts sold or the flannel covers that Branda sound were the best all around choice. You may want to confirm if that is still the case. Jesse is the new contact man at Shelby parts. FYI it helps to keep dust down on the cover if you drape a smaller piece of plastic on top of the cover . The sheet only needs to cover the flat surface on top of the car where dust settles . This keeps the dust from migrating through your cover and maybe working on the paint surface when putting on or taking off. The flannel covers are a chore to wash and keep from shrinking. The small surface area consequently does not have a negative effect on breath ability of the cover. 
Title: Re: Car Cover Recommendations
Post by: mark p on March 22, 2021, 09:41:23 PM
I've been using a cotton/flannel cover on the Tiger for indoor storage since 1990 (when it was restored), and have been very pleased with the results.
The idea of plastic to minimize the dust sounds good - thanks Bob  8)
Have bought additional of that type for 2 other cars as well.
Title: Re: Car Cover Recommendations
Post by: kingchief on March 24, 2021, 09:15:40 AM
Hi Steve,

I have been using a real nice cover for years. See photo. It is very soft cotton. If the car is waxed good [have not done that in a while], it just slips off. It has the Ford logo on the front and "GT-350" embroidered in the back where it should be. Even had the option for stripes or not. The problem is I don't remember where I purchased it!!! When I lived in Dallas, I was at a Cars and Coffee event and there was a fellow there with a PRISTINE green GT-500 [and I mean GOOD]. I saw his cover in the trunk and asked him about it. They even embroidered the car serial number on a little tag near the front window. Maybe someone will see it and remember where they got it!!!!

I hope this helps.

Steve
Title: Re: Car Cover Recommendations
Post by: kkravik on March 24, 2021, 09:29:22 AM
I recently purchased a soft flannel lined custom fit cover from CA Car Covers and am very happy.  I went this route since I had purchased the same cover for one of my Thunderbirds years ago and it has held up very well and protected the car indoors as expected.  I especially like the custom fit.  Lastly, I thought the cost was very reasonable for the quality of the product.  And no, I do not work for CA Car Covers:)
Title: Re: Car Cover Recommendations
Post by: greekz on March 24, 2021, 09:52:11 AM
I have used Covercraft Form-Fit covers on my '66 and '67 for many years.  They are ultra soft against the body and keep the dust off.  I put in in the dryer every once in a while on cool to get rid of the dust. 

A friend of mine uses the same cover on his black '67 Corvette with no problems.

Greek
Title: Re: Car Cover Recommendations
Post by: SFM6S087 on March 24, 2021, 12:14:33 PM
Thank you to everyone posting here. Your recommendations are appreciated and being followed up.

Steve
Title: Re: Car Cover Recommendations
Post by: Rickmustang on March 24, 2021, 12:34:15 PM
California Car Cover Plushweave
Title: Re: Car Cover Recommendations
Post by: SFM6S087 on March 25, 2021, 04:45:27 PM
Looks like I have several good covers to choose from, with one being mentioned twice.

kkravik & Rickmustang,

I think you are both recommending the same flannel cover from California Car Covers.

Would you describe that cover as thin, medium or thick?

Heavy, medium or light weight?

Thanks,
Steve
Title: Re: Car Cover Recommendations
Post by: Rickmustang on March 25, 2021, 07:58:25 PM
It is an indoor cover only. Very solid. I have 4 of them. Soft on inside.
Title: Re: Car Cover Recommendations
Post by: Bob Gaines on March 25, 2021, 08:58:20 PM
I like to support forum contributors or business's that directly contribute to the Shelby Marque when I can.
Title: Re: Car Cover Recommendations
Post by: Poor Ron on March 25, 2021, 09:10:32 PM
I wanted to obtain another cover last fall.
Already have a couple tan Covercraft C50001 "Wolf" covers in use.

Learned that Covercraft was only making facemasks last year. :(

Found a new one in box on EBAY for a small fraction of the usual cost. :)
Title: Re: Car Cover Recommendations
Post by: s2ms on March 26, 2021, 01:28:30 AM
Steve,

I bought this one (custom color) from Brant in 2009, totally satisfied. Don't know if it's the same as the one Virginia Mustang currently carries.

Dave
Title: Re: Car Cover Recommendations
Post by: shelbyluva on March 26, 2021, 10:31:25 AM
The listed priorities:

Soft: flannel is very soft
Light: flannel is heavy
Thin: flannel is thick

I have had multiple California Car Covers flannel covers. Very nice quality. I’ve also had multilayer nonwoven synthetics and didn’t like them as well. Lighter, but still thick and bulky and don’t hold up as well.

My most recent purchase was one of the form-fitting satin feeling ones. I believe that it most closely aligns with your priorities of soft, light, and thin. And they look really great on the car.
Title: Re: Car Cover Recommendations
Post by: SFM6S087 on March 26, 2021, 11:10:40 AM
I like to support forum contributors or business's that directly contribute to the Shelby Marque when I can.

I agree. I emailed Jesse to learn what I can about any covers that SPR currently carries. I couldn't find any on their web site. And I'll be touching base with Brant at VCM too. I want the best cover I can get. But, all things being equal, will steer my business toward Shelby and SAAC supporters. The hard part is the "all things being equal" qualification. That's hard to judge without actually ordering and testing every product. Hence, my research here on the forum getting the benefit of other owners' experience.

Steve
Title: Re: Car Cover Recommendations
Post by: pchmotoho on March 26, 2021, 11:27:57 AM
I have had numerous Cal Car Covers for both indoors and outdoors.  Indoor vehicles get the dust top.  I love them and they hold up for years.  I would describe it a light to medium cover.  Personally I will never buy anything but them.  All my car guy buddies use them too. 
Title: Re: Car Cover Recommendations
Post by: vtgt500 on March 27, 2021, 01:16:42 PM
I believe Calif Car Covers are private label by Cover Craft.  They primarily use Kimberly Clark textiles.  My preference is Dustop.  Have it on two cars stored indoors.  A major benefit of the extra thick material is impact chip protection.
Title: Re: Car Cover Recommendations
Post by: 98SVT - was 06GT on April 04, 2021, 08:39:29 PM
Dragging the cover one and off is what causes the damage. NEVER put a cover on a car with the least amount of dust/dirt on it. It will get stuck in the fabric and scratch every time you drag it on and off. I wouldn't cover a car in the garage if it was going to be parked for less than a month and then only after it got a fresh wash.
Title: Re: Car Cover Recommendations
Post by: 1969shelbygt350 on April 04, 2021, 11:36:47 PM
Never thought of that!

Thx
Title: Re: Car Cover Recommendations
Post by: SFM6S087 on April 05, 2021, 02:20:40 PM
Dragging the cover one and off is what causes the damage. NEVER put a cover on a car with the least amount of dust/dirt on it. It will get stuck in the fabric and scratch every time you drag it on and off. I wouldn't cover a car in the garage if it was going to be parked for less than a month and then only after it got a fresh wash.

Very good thoughts. Based on that I would rarely use a cover. I hardly ever go more than 3 weeks between drives. And, sadly, the car is rarely that clean. When the weather is nice enough to wash and/or wax, I always end up driving instead. Maybe I need to rethink whether a cover is a good idea for the way I use my car.
Steve
Title: Re: Car Cover Recommendations
Post by: Abakumss on September 14, 2022, 10:40:36 PM
Owning such a great old car means a high-quality car cover is a must-have. If you are still searching and evaluating some options for your car cover, I can say that recently I got the RV cover (https://www.rvcover.ca/). This one is made of waterproof materials that keep your car dry and safe. I was shocked that after the rain, I uncovered the car, which was dry and shiny like new. Also, it is designed to protect your vehicle against hail, dust, and dirt. I can keep my car in cover for a few weeks, and I never observed it to be dusty.
Title: Re: Car Cover Recommendations
Post by: FL SAAC on September 14, 2022, 11:29:46 PM
Dragging the cover one and off is what causes the damage. NEVER put a cover on a car with the least amount of dust/dirt on it. It will get stuck in the fabric and scratch every time you drag it on and off. I wouldn't cover a car in the garage if it was going to be parked for less than a month and then only after it got a fresh wash.

Add to that do not pull over any edge as it will slowly but surely wear the paint down to the primer
Title: Re: Car Cover Recommendations
Post by: 67 GT350 on September 15, 2022, 11:51:56 AM
I have only one:
NONE

I am going to get yet another "paint correction" on a car. My 2002 Thunderbird. My guy told me don't use them.
Title: Re: Car Cover Recommendations
Post by: 557 on September 15, 2022, 12:16:43 PM
For sure when you remove the cover you shouldn’t drag it over the paint.Rather,fold it onto the roof/hood /deck lid from each side.Then roll it up from front to back.Makes it way easier to put it back on too.Just reverse the steps ;)
Title: Re: Car Cover Recommendations
Post by: sfm5 on September 15, 2022, 12:35:23 PM
Agree with the many good suggestions. I don't ever cover mine unless they are left sitting outside under the covered carport (because I am planning to drive it). In that case I use a very light cover just to keep the dust off and mostly so the "lookie loos" can't ID the car when walking past my house. Yes, fold it and roll it up as the previous comment states very well!
Title: Re: Car Cover Recommendations
Post by: 67 GT350 on September 15, 2022, 02:16:57 PM
For sure when you remove the cover you shouldn’t drag it over the paint.Rather,fold it onto the roof/hood /deck lid from each side.Then roll it up from front to back.Makes it way easier to put it back on too.Just reverse the steps ;)

Yup that's what I used to do. Even sitting on the car and "not slid" across the surface, can still scratch....Trust the experts, leave it off.

If you have a Black car, yiekes!
Title: Re: Car Cover Recommendations
Post by: FL SAAC on September 15, 2022, 02:41:51 PM

BIG PLUS ONE  !

Agree with the many good suggestions. I don't ever cover mine unless they are left sitting outside under the covered carport (because I am planning to drive it). In that case I use a very light cover just to keep the dust off and mostly so the "lookie loos" can't ID the car when walking past my house. Yes, fold it and roll it up as the previous comment states very well!
Title: Re: Car Cover Recommendations
Post by: Side-Oilers on September 15, 2022, 06:51:41 PM
+2.   If you want to use one...get the softest fleece-like inner lining you can find. 

I used to cover my cars, then wondered why when I went into the garage, I no longer got the adrenaline rush. I deduced it's because my beautiful cars were hiding under those joyless covers. 

From that day on, no covers. I'll deal with the dust.   
Title: Re: Car Cover Recommendations
Post by: 67 GT350 on September 15, 2022, 09:06:37 PM
Another thing that even just using a car cover does is over time, the paint will dull, sure you can bring it back, but why? Just on the car will dull it.
Title: Re: Car Cover Recommendations
Post by: CSX 4133 on September 16, 2022, 10:40:16 AM
My use of car covers is specifically to extend the cleanliness of my cars while indoors. I use soft dust resistant covers, I wash them and dry these covers as I'm cleaning the particular car. Keeping the car and cover clean is one of keys to a scratch free experience, another is the manner in which you remove the cover. Like others, I fold the cover to the center of the car and then roll the cover up, do not drag the cover to you as that could scratch the surface.

I avoid water resistant car covers because, one I don't use covers outdoors and secondly they will trap moisture underneath and it's the moisture that "clouds" (dulls) paint especially in sunny conditions. The same can happen if you wash your car and don't thoroughly dry it before covering the car.

Regarding the question on the use of plastic disposible covers over a fabric car cover, they do work well for extending dust free car cover use. Again, make sure your car is completely dry or you risk trapping moisture which could damage your paint. Here is just one source for these covers, there are many sources if you run a search.

https://www.carcoverusa.com/plastic-car-covers.php?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIw9ag_8WZ-gIV9T6tBh090ghFEAAYAiAAEgJK9_D_BwE