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Car Cover Recommendations

Started by SFM6S087, March 22, 2021, 04:51:03 PM

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pchmotoho

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. 

vtgt500

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.

98SVT - was 06GT

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.
Previous owner 6S843 - GT350H & 68 GT500 Convert #135.
Mine: GT1 Mustang Track Toy, 1998 SVT Cobra, Wife's: 2004 Tbird
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1969shelbygt350


SFM6S087

Quote from: 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.

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

Abakumss

#20
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. 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.

FL SAAC

Quote from: 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.

Add to that do not pull over any edge as it will slowly but surely wear the paint down to the primer
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I have all UNGOLD cars

I am certainly not a Shelby Expert

67 GT350

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.
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557

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 ;)

sfm5

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!
65 GT350

67 GT350

Quote from: 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 ;)

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!
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Quote from: 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!
Living RENT FREE in your minds

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Home of the "Amazing Hertz 3 + 1 Musketeers"

FL SAAC Simply the Best, much Better than ALL the Rest.

I have all UNGOLD cars

I am certainly not a Shelby Expert

Side-Oilers

+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.   
Current:
2006 FGT, Tungsten. Whipple, HRE 20s, Ohlin coil-overs. Top Speed Certified 210.7 mph.

Kirkham Cobra 427.  482-inch aluminum side-oiler. Tremec 5-spd.

Previous:
1968 GT500KR #2575 (1982-2022)
1970 Ranchero GT 429
1969 LTD Country Squire 429
1963 T-Bird Sport Roadster
1957 T-Bird E-model

67 GT350

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.
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CSX 4133

#29
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