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Outdoor car cover recommendations?

Posted: Tue Aug 15, 2017 2:30 pm
by wattsmonkey
Having spent far too long fixing my wife's car, it's obvious that I'm not going to get the project 6 completed this summer, so it's going to be biffed out of the garage so the M has somewhere cosy to stay over winter.

Could anyone recommend a decent outdoor cover?

Thank you,

Rob

Re: Outdoor car cover recommendations?

Posted: Wed Aug 16, 2017 2:49 pm
by 86_6series
For the best protection for a little more money--consider a canopy.

I'm sure you could find them in the UK.

https://www.amazon.com/ShelterLogic-626 ... c+canopies

My daughter's 72 Buick has been in one for almost 15 years in New York snow storms and all --still in
great shape. It's on blacktop with a ground cloth for moisture.

Re: Outdoor car cover recommendations?

Posted: Wed Aug 16, 2017 2:51 pm
by wattsmonkey
Thank you. This, or a proper "carport" would be ideal, but I need to be mindful of even more car crap in the garden, if you know what I mean!

Re: Outdoor car cover recommendations?

Posted: Wed Aug 16, 2017 3:10 pm
by WelshBentleyBoy
If you do not require regular access, How about an exterior Carcoon?

Re: Outdoor car cover recommendations?

Posted: Wed Aug 16, 2017 7:49 pm
by wattsmonkey
Thanks Paul,

I haven't explained this properly: wife-related need to keep garden clear of cars! I'm guessing no one is a fan of car covers.

Re: Outdoor car cover recommendations?

Posted: Wed Aug 16, 2017 11:37 pm
by sansouci
I've got the NOAH fabric version from Bavauto. Lasts about 4 years outdoors on Long Island including snow conditions.

Re: Outdoor car cover recommendations?

Posted: Thu Aug 17, 2017 9:05 am
by WelshBentleyBoy
It seems that the problem is the car cluttering up the garden no matter what you do .

I am OK for space at the moment but when I was pushed for somewhere to keep a spare car I used to chat up old ladies who had given up driving but still had a garage. I would tidy up the garage and pay a reasonable rent. It was ideal for them as it wasn't a case of someone accessing the garage on a daily basis but just spasmodic visits. One tip, make sure there is power in the garage.

Re: Outdoor car cover recommendations?

Posted: Thu Aug 17, 2017 2:59 pm
by sansouci
"Hot young thing seeks older woman with empty garage" hmmmmm

Re: Outdoor car cover recommendations?

Posted: Fri Aug 18, 2017 8:20 am
by WelshBentleyBoy
sansouci wrote:"Hot young thing seeks older woman with empty garage" hmmmmm
Please send picture of garage.

Re: Outdoor car cover recommendations?

Posted: Fri Aug 18, 2017 9:48 am
by Ash635
Rob,

This is the company I used. I say used mine is still in the original carry case, yet to be opened.

https://www.cover-zone.com

Regards

Ash

Re: Outdoor car cover recommendations?

Posted: Fri Aug 18, 2017 2:34 pm
by dmac156
You'd be better off to put a good coat of wax on it and leave it outside without a cover. The cover will trap moisture between the cover and the car, any dirt in between there will scratch the car. Not a fan of covers if the car is parked outside for an extended period of time.

Re: Outdoor car cover recommendations?

Posted: Sat Aug 19, 2017 11:00 am
by 86_6series
Just an FYI, most covers allow moisture to evaporate after the temperature change
from overnight. When it rains and washes a little dirt from the cover onto the car
is so fine, I can't see how it could scratch the painted surface even if you pull
and drag the cover off. Maybe a scuff, but certainly no scratches.

Re: Outdoor car cover recommendations?

Posted: Mon Aug 21, 2017 8:38 am
by Pod
I've bought many of these over the years, all described as "weatherproof". In my experience, they never are, although some are better than others and achieve this aim for a few months. The main problem seems to be deterioration due to sunlight. I've come to the conclusion that rather than spending a sizeable sum on one supposedly "excellent" cover, its easier buying a cheaper example and not expecting it to last more than a year (at the most). So now I go for a lined and breathable cover which will hopefully keep the worst of the weather off.

You need to be careful that the cover is lined. I once purchased a "weatherproof" cover which was essentially a shaped waterproof plastic sheet. It did indeed keep all the water out, however, when I removed it, I found it had stuck to my Mach1's paintwork and left a residue which pretty much ruined it.

My most recent purchase was this one, which I have found to be pretty good for protecting the Turbo....http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-6-SERIES- ... SwrklVUKxd

Re: Outdoor car cover recommendations?

Posted: Mon Aug 21, 2017 4:05 pm
by Da_Hose
I'm with Pod. A decent outdoor cover can be had at very reasonable pricing. I bought a Rain-X from Walmart last time.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Rain-X-Auto- ... e/23746161

I have previously bought the Budge branded, outdoor one for $40. You can walk into the store, and get the 7-year warrantied Rain-X cover for $60. Cost for replacement shipping of a Budge branded one was around $20 if I recall correctly. So I got two covers for $60 that lasted just over 3 years. The sun really is brutal on these synthetic covers, so I have also accepted that they just deteriorate and need replacement over time. I am much less bothered by replacing a low priced cover several times, than seeing a high priced cover fail once. I have toyed with the idea of pulling a polyethylene tarp over the cover during winter. I figure it would keep water totally off the car, but the cover should still breathe and it would extend the life of the cover.

Jose

Jose

Re: Outdoor car cover recommendations?

Posted: Mon Aug 21, 2017 10:17 pm
by JohnRogers
I have owned my M6 for many years and it has always lived outdoors. Right from the beginning I have always used a Cover Systems cover.

See http://www.cover-systems.co.uk/car-covers/

They last 4 or 5 years and I am now on my 4th. The main problem keeping your car out doors is UV effects on the paint work - which is fully shielded by the cover.

I do not seem to have more rust problems than any other cars I have seen.

This will not be a popular suggestion.

Re: Outdoor car cover recommendations?

Posted: Wed Aug 23, 2017 7:03 am
by wattsmonkey
Thanks chaps,

That's really helpful.

The project car needs a lot more protection: those Zender skirts have done the sills no favours at all, despite the rest of the car being really good!

Re: Outdoor car cover recommendations?

Posted: Thu Aug 24, 2017 3:35 pm
by wattsmonkey
JohnRogers wrote: Mon Aug 21, 2017 10:17 pm
See http://www.cover-systems.co.uk/car-covers/

This will not be a popular suggestion.
Popular with me! Thank you John, just ordered one.

Cheers,

Rob