Car Covers

[Walter F.]

Do car covers on a Covette out side do more harm then goood.I was told wind will cause scratches on the paint from the cover rubbing on the finish.

[Michael J.]

Re: Car Covers

It depends on the cover material. I have had a car outdoors for long periods, and with the proper material, no water or wind damage at all. I always buy California Car Cover ones, they fit best and give you the largest selection of fabrics.

[Paul J.]

Re: Car Covers

Walter, using a car cover outside is one of those necessary evils. The protection from ultraviolet radiation and ozone exposure is a benefit, but the moisture trapped underneath and the wind burn is a detriment. Even if you have no wind it will still get dusty underneath and there will be abrasion. It just depends on how long you keep it covered and outside.

If I had to store a nice car outside for the long term, I would use a cover and put up with minor problems. However, I do everything that I can to prevent a restored car from being outside for any length of time.

There is some discussion in the archives about this, and several recommendations about types and manufacturers of covers.

Paul

[Bill S.]

Re: Car Covers

I have been using car covers for the last 25 years. I have used every material out there at one time or another Here's what you need California Car Car material Superweave, (this is the best outdoor protection there is. Sometimes my cars stay covered outside for 2 years and when I remove the cover, I damp towel it and I am ready to go) Order by phone not on-line tell them what year Corvete and you have and specify a 6" skirt and two additional grommets centered front to rear. This will get you a cover that protects to the bottom of the wheels (CA Car Covers are notoriously short in their patterns) and in addition to the side to side grommet you will get two additional grommets one centered in front and one centered in the rear. You will thank me when it gets windy. The key to using covers outside is keep them tight and the additional front to rear grommets do that. I use parachute cord and tie the side to side string first and secure with a half hitch, then I throw the front to back string and tie it off the same way. It really helps if you put a loop in the string about 3/4s of the way across. Pass the running end through the grommet, then back through the loop and pull tight then finish with a half hitch and a quick release. One tug and it comes undone.