Accumulator
Well-known member
Yeah, I did that for *decades* and still think about covering the mothballed cars from time to time. Never do it though, never even unboxed the last cover I bought!
Car Covers.... Benefit Or Detriment To Your Car's Finish?
- Thread starter Dispatch
- Start date
Yeah, I did that for *decades* and still think about covering the mothballed cars from time to time. Never do it though, never even unboxed the last cover I bought!
Unless the only place to park was under a tree that constantly drops sap and birds frequent and I was able to fully wash my car before the cover went on, I'd never use a car cover. Just not worth the marring, moisture issues, etc. Modern base coat/clear coat paint jobs have pretty decent UV protection built into the paint so IMO, coating the paint is a much better and safer route than a car cover.
Dispatch
Member
Well for me at this point, I spent $400 on mine so I'll be using it regardless.
It was custom made so there are no refunds.
The biggest benefit is the sun protection, these last few months here its averaged 90 + degrees with mid to high humidity.
I'm just glad I don't live beachside anymore, that salty air is literally like acid to anything metal.
It was custom made so there are no refunds.
The biggest benefit is the sun protection, these last few months here its averaged 90 + degrees with mid to high humidity.
I'm just glad I don't live beachside anymore, that salty air is literally like acid to anything metal.
Ronkh
Wax Waster
Where are you in FL?
Dispatch
Member
The Daytona Beach area.
Bill D
Hooked For Life
Daytona area here as well
MiVor
New member
The Daytona Beach area.
Vacationed on Ormond Beach one year...it was awesome! Spent many vacations on Cocoa Beach (when you live in the North East, nothing beats a Florida beach in winter!!!)
I used a cover for nearly a year on my Buick Rendezvous as it sat in the driveway most of the time (maybe drove it once a week). Considering you should never cover a dirty or wet car, a cover can be inconvenient...and I'm not sure I'd bother with the hassle for a daily driver.
That 'said', I think a ride that sits outside 24/7 [especially] needs a good LSP, be it a routine wax, polymer sealant, or a coating. In addition, any plastic needs 303 protectant or equivalent to guard against the degrading effects of UV. Our rides have become a huge depreciating investment and we need to minimize our losses! (rule #24 - buy a ride [cash if you can] you really like, take good care of it, and keep it nearly forever.)
Ronkh
Wax Waster
Having never used one... (so i'm talking about something I know nothing about), i'd be worried about trapped moisture and a haven for critters.
Accumulator
Well-known member
My sentiments *EXACTLY*!
mleroy1989
New member
A client of mine uses and swears by his "car capsule". Basically a big, inflatable bubble for the car to live in inside the garage.
Car is in good shape, and he's been using it for a few years.
Car is in good shape, and he's been using it for a few years.
Accumulator
Well-known member
Bill D and I have discussed those a few times, I can almost see myself getting one for cars I hardly ever drive. Sure would be "buttoned up" though, I'd probably drive those cars even less if I had to hassle around with the Capsule and I wonder what'd happen during power outages...
mleroy1989
New member
I'm not sure about the power outage issue. I would assume it has some type of one way valve.
Probably too much of a hassle to do regularly though. Good for hibernation up here in Michigan!
Probably too much of a hassle to do regularly though. Good for hibernation up here in Michigan!
Accumulator
Well-known member
These are great for long term storage, but you need power to run the fan to keep it inflated. There are wheep holes to keep the air form getting stale and avoid moisture issues.
Its great because if a ball hit the bubble it wont hit the car, just displace the air and then the fan replaces it.
I saw this at a car storage facility when I went to look at a car for sales. Never did get it, price was too high.
Funnies conversation I ever had. He said, I should have told you I am not really fixed on selling this car. if I let it go you going to have to come up to asking price. After looking I said, don't even unplug the charger. Your from quarters are rusted clear through. I would still be interested but I need to steal it so I can put the $ into making it road worthy. It all ended there. Never even got it out of the bubble.
Its great because if a ball hit the bubble it wont hit the car, just displace the air and then the fan replaces it.
I saw this at a car storage facility when I went to look at a car for sales. Never did get it, price was too high.
Funnies conversation I ever had. He said, I should have told you I am not really fixed on selling this car. if I let it go you going to have to come up to asking price. After looking I said, don't even unplug the charger. Your from quarters are rusted clear through. I would still be interested but I need to steal it so I can put the $ into making it road worthy. It all ended there. Never even got it out of the bubble.
Dispatch
Member
(rule #24 - buy a ride [cash if you can] you really like, take good care of it, and keep it nearly forever.)
Tell that to DeLorean owners.......
Accumulator
Well-known member
JSFM35X- Heh heh, vehicle with rust-out stored in overkill contraption.....
Eh sounds like the holes to allow air transfer would mean deflation during outages.
Eh sounds like the holes to allow air transfer would mean deflation during outages.