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Old 03-03-2014, 04:02 PM   #1
drew1491
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Default Car cover for long term storage

Hi all,

I'm looking at getting a decent car cover, my car is parked in a garage full time and will be for the foreseeable future, i have heard of many car covers that will harm paint if left on for long periods, can anyone recommend a cover that will be suitable for long term use? I like the covercraft form fitting covers but $600 is a bit much.

The main thing I want to protect it from is dust as well as possible scratches from people that might brush past it as they walk past the car.

Cheers in advance

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Old 03-03-2014, 05:53 PM   #2
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Default Re: Car cover for long term storage

Don't use plastic like my mates dad did on his 71 corvette.
Got wet under the carport and enough water got into the blanket he had underneath the plastic and blistered the paint.
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Old 03-03-2014, 06:21 PM   #3
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Default Re: Car cover for long term storage

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Originally Posted by XRtowcar View Post
Don't use plastic like my mates dad did on his 71 corvette.
Got wet under the carport and enough water got into the blanket he had underneath the plastic and blistered the paint.
I definitely wont be using plastic, was looking at something like this;
http://www.carcareproducts.com.au/pr...er/x_large_car

Just wanted to see if anyone has any feedback first
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Old 03-03-2014, 07:09 PM   #4
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Default Re: Car cover for long term storage

I've been using a Kenco Tyvek (made by Dupont) cover on an XB that's been sitting for over 10 years without any problem.

Because the cover 'breathes', when it was outside, I found I had to put a large moisture trap inside the car to avoid condensation like this:

http://www.bunnings.com.au/550g-slim...-unit_p4470048

Otherwise, while in the shed, it's perfect.

Cheers
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Old 03-03-2014, 07:24 PM   #5
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Default Re: Car cover for long term storage

summer bed sheets, light, cheap, no scratches ftw
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Old 03-03-2014, 07:36 PM   #6
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Default Re: Car cover for long term storage

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Originally Posted by pottery beige View Post
summer bed sheets, light, cheap, no scratches ftw
Was thinking the same thing....

If your priority is to just keep dust off it then I would just use some flannel sheets.

Oh, if you are going to leave your car sitting for a long time there are a few other things that are advisable to do.

Really depends on how long I guess.
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Old 03-03-2014, 08:34 PM   #7
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Default Re: Car cover for long term storage

It's been sitting go for about 5 months, it's been moved a bit but doesn't run so it I can't take it for a drive, I've put a small about of oil in each cylinder and have been cranking it by hand periodically, anything else worth doing?
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Old 03-03-2014, 08:40 PM   #8
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Default Re: Car cover for long term storage

Cotton sheets, as long as the storage area is absolutely dry.

As for a car cover, it's a long shot, but if you're serious about protection for the long haul, look at some of the British classic car magazines. They have car covers that are specifically designed to repel moisture and not harm the paint finish...probably understandable from a country that is damp as a mermaids bum and where some people lay up their cars for half the year to prevent using it in wet or cold (salted roads) conditions.
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Old 03-03-2014, 09:02 PM   #9
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Default Re: Car cover for long term storage

Storage area is usually dry, however when it rains the garage door gets wet and drips when it opens, sheets night not be the best idea on second thought
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Old 03-03-2014, 10:45 PM   #10
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Default Re: Car cover for long term storage

dont open the door when its been raining
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Old 03-03-2014, 10:54 PM   #11
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Default Re: Car cover for long term storage

my bomb and its bedding, come to think of it, its a big king size doona cover i filleted



and a light sheet thrown over the bonnet

ten year shed dwelling veteran
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Old 04-03-2014, 12:31 AM   #12
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Default Re: Car cover for long term storage

If you dont want to scratch it then make sure car and cover are very clean before you put the cover on. Its the dust and dirt caught between that scratches things.
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Old 06-03-2014, 04:25 PM   #13
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Default Re: Car cover for long term storage

Supercheap sells a "Show Car Cover" for around $95
This can be left on for long periods and won't scratch the car.
Not to be used outdoors though as it is not waterproof.
I just bought one for my Customline and it was on sale for $70
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Old 06-03-2014, 04:36 PM   #14
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Default Re: Car cover for long term storage

I have used autotechnica ones for about 20 years. They are just under $200, fully waterproof and felt lined. My cars are in a garage but I still use the waterproof ones. Very good quality covers IMO.
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Old 06-03-2014, 10:47 PM   #15
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Default Re: Car cover for long term storage

Chief car cover(http://www.carcovers.com.au) to protect the paint then a cheap dust cover to stop the dust getting to the cloth cover causing abrasion (http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/onl...d=156741#Cross), bought the second cover after a big dust storm.

Been storing my cars like that for years with no issues.



Same for my FPV GT been stored like that for years since new:

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Old 07-03-2014, 10:23 AM   #16
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Default Re: Car cover for long term storage

ive gotta do something as well for the xb
shes no show car thats for sure and ive got her in an old shed with a blanket over it some bed sheets followed by a tarp and a massive piece of that green shade cloth over the top of the lot
prob not ideal
ive cracked the window a smidge on the drivers door too, again not sure if this is ideal
while the shed doesnt leak it does get a possum in it, again def not ideal
ive blocked up every hole i can see and still there is possum poo on the blanket on the hood
last time i pulleda car out the shed (a vh) the possum had decided to make a nice bed full of leaves beside the battery box
i prob should start it too hasnt been turned over in over two months (battery is out tho)

think i might look at a cheapo car cover
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Old 07-03-2014, 11:56 AM   #17
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Default Re: Car cover for long term storage

I spent $200+ on one of those flash *** ones..

Found it heavy and no likey dragging it across a new car / new paint

It lives on PB now
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Old 07-03-2014, 09:59 PM   #18
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Default Re: Car cover for long term storage

As mentioned, if you don't want a heavy cover or one that will get damp and cause rust, check out the dupont tyvek material covers. Amazing stuff. It's like a cross between paper and cotton. Very light, breathes but is water proof. In fact, it's also used for envelopes and protective clothing.

My XB is as clean as the day I put it on 10 years ago.
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Old 08-03-2014, 12:01 AM   #19
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Default Re: Car cover for long term storage

I stored my old WRX in NZ for 21/2 years. Left windows 20mm open , doors on first latch , on jack stands with paper type cover in garage.. Added 1/2 cup 2 stroke oil to 1/4 of tank Then drove around block, disconnected battery . My bro charged the battery every month or two.. When I imported it , it started straight up . Was concerned with using the plastic type covers about condensation being held under the cover..
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