Washing under a tree

[mmarmarou]

Hi all!



My driveway is unfortunately entirely covered by a VERY large tree. Needless to say, it drives me nuts. It gives me a reason to wash more often, but it gets frustrating. For starters, I can never use a microfiber on the paint more than one because the tree sheds WHILE I wash the car, which gets on the towel and never comes out. I have a cover for the non-DD, and would really like to be able to wash the car without having to go back over the whole exterior 3 times while washing it, and not have to worry about leaves and branches falling on it while I wash (or even worse is while I am polishing).



Any suggestions on something to put over the car while I wash? I cannot use the garage, and the driveway is very narrow (though long). Also, it`s a small sports car. Please help me save my sanity and microfiber (though it`s admittedly fun buying new microfiber once per month)



looking for :idea

[mmarmarou]

I`m mostly looking for suggestions on maybe some sort of tent or covering? I can`t find any at a reasonable price larger than about 8x8.

[eddie926]

What do you consider a reasonable price?



I just saw a 10X10 popup canopy at my local Home Depot yesterday for $99, and I`ve seen them other places like Sports Authority and ****`s sporting goods for as little as $69 or $79 in that size.

[944obscene]

My friend got a pop-up canopy from Pep-Boys for a great price, which I`ve ended up taking off his hands. Considering what most people shell out for detailing supplies, I`d say even 100 bucks would be a reasonable investment. Especially considering the fact that you will keep the paint out of the light and the entire car (and yourself) can stay cooler during a wash/detail.



I set it up before every wash and love using it. I suffer the same problem as you, but with two large trees!

[mmarmarou]

100 would be great. I was just seeing around 149 for 8x8 here. I`d prefer something like 8x12. Also, I`m curious how well they hold up to the elements - would I need to take it down after detailing? Is anyone here using these on a regular basis?

[lamby]

E-Z Up 12 x 14 ft. Escort Instant Shelter (http://www.kmart.com/shc/s/p_10151_10104_9990000046824111P?mv=rr)

[No 1 Hustler]

E-Z Up 12 x 14 ft. Escort Instant Shelter (http://www.kmart.com/shc/s/p_10151_10104_9990000046824111P?mv=rr)

That is great! I wish my apartment building had a outdoor hose hookup so I could actually wash my cars here.

[Mark77]

Instead of a tent I would suggest a chain saw :) No way you can get rid of that tree?? It will cause alot of harm to your paint even though you get it detailed and protected. Birds and trees are big enemies to your car.

[Darkstar752]

Rite-Aid has a canopy for 19.99.

[mmarmarou]

I wish I could cut it down. It`s so old the town won`t let us. I certainly had considered "accidently" killing it, but it`s not worth the trouble.



I was more curious what other people did in this situation, and if you used a tent, what size, and how it worked.