Outdoor cover advice
Discussion
Hi all,
I’ve just (2 hours ago) collected my first TVR (1991 S3 v6).
I had read the Halfords covers get reasonable reviews on here so planned for that.. then noticed they say not suitable for fibreglass then read a few horror stories about bubbling paint in next to no time.
My plan was to build a simple car port type roof and outdoor cover but not sure this plan will work now. I’ve covered the roof up with a cheap tarp to get me through the night but not happy about exposed paintwork.
Any experience/advice would be appreciated.
Cheers,
Tom
I’ve just (2 hours ago) collected my first TVR (1991 S3 v6).
I had read the Halfords covers get reasonable reviews on here so planned for that.. then noticed they say not suitable for fibreglass then read a few horror stories about bubbling paint in next to no time.
My plan was to build a simple car port type roof and outdoor cover but not sure this plan will work now. I’ve covered the roof up with a cheap tarp to get me through the night but not happy about exposed paintwork.
Any experience/advice would be appreciated.
Cheers,
Tom
You could try a Carcoon, I use one for my 360.
But of a faff with the zip if like me spaced is a little confined.
Plus you will need a power source for the fans.
https://www.carcoon.com/carcoon-double-skin-outdoo...
But of a faff with the zip if like me spaced is a little confined.
Plus you will need a power source for the fans.
https://www.carcoon.com/carcoon-double-skin-outdoo...
Most will say don't ever put an outdoor cover on a TVR but my experience has been different. When I got my Tuscan I bought one of these:
https://www.classicadditions.com/en-GB/outdoor-car...
It's not cheap as such but a damn sight cheaper than renting a lock up garage where I live. Its a soft cover which works on nanotech rather than being a traditional barrier to water - it simply runs off like it would with Gore-Tex but still allows airflow underneath. I used it pretty much consistently for 3 years and it did a great job of preventing water ingress (which my car is susceptible to) without any effect on the paintwork. You do need to keep it strapped pretty tightly to avoid the wind whipping it and causing scratches but it is soft so that's mitigated anyway.
I had the car resprayed in March last year and as it was done in solvent based paint I didn't use the cover for the best part of a year. First time I did, there was more water ingress than without. I concluded it was down to whatever chemical treatment they apply to the fabric having been degraded by UV. I bought a new one and its back to perfect prevention. My conclusion is that this particular type/manufacturer are ace and they have about a 3-year life for £170.
I also use a small electric dehumidifier inside the car, hooked up to a timer in the same waterproof powerbox as the battery conditioner.
https://www.classicadditions.com/en-GB/outdoor-car...
It's not cheap as such but a damn sight cheaper than renting a lock up garage where I live. Its a soft cover which works on nanotech rather than being a traditional barrier to water - it simply runs off like it would with Gore-Tex but still allows airflow underneath. I used it pretty much consistently for 3 years and it did a great job of preventing water ingress (which my car is susceptible to) without any effect on the paintwork. You do need to keep it strapped pretty tightly to avoid the wind whipping it and causing scratches but it is soft so that's mitigated anyway.
I had the car resprayed in March last year and as it was done in solvent based paint I didn't use the cover for the best part of a year. First time I did, there was more water ingress than without. I concluded it was down to whatever chemical treatment they apply to the fabric having been degraded by UV. I bought a new one and its back to perfect prevention. My conclusion is that this particular type/manufacturer are ace and they have about a 3-year life for £170.
I also use a small electric dehumidifier inside the car, hooked up to a timer in the same waterproof powerbox as the battery conditioner.
I have just finished putting one of these up as a temporary measure:
https://www.dancovershop.com/uk/product/portable-g...
The advantage being nothing touches the car and it can be put away wet.
Security in windy conditions is the main concern but the supplied anchor bolts seem to hold quite well, time will tell.
Oh and you need a very flat surface, I don't so have a gap on one side
https://www.dancovershop.com/uk/product/portable-g...
The advantage being nothing touches the car and it can be put away wet.
Security in windy conditions is the main concern but the supplied anchor bolts seem to hold quite well, time will tell.
Oh and you need a very flat surface, I don't so have a gap on one side
I've had 2 of the Halfords outdoor covers. The first soon split along the seams. It was NOT waterproof no matter what they tell you. So you end up with moisture trapped inside. I would have been better leaving it uncovered.
The second I got for my other car. It too was NOT waterproof and after a few weeks when I took the cover off there were marks in the paintwork wit lots of trapped water and moisture. They did not wash off. In the end I machine polished the whole car to get rid of them.
Leaving the car uncovered allows it to dry and the paintwork will stand our climate.
The second I got for my other car. It too was NOT waterproof and after a few weeks when I took the cover off there were marks in the paintwork wit lots of trapped water and moisture. They did not wash off. In the end I machine polished the whole car to get rid of them.
Leaving the car uncovered allows it to dry and the paintwork will stand our climate.
OP, I have used a carcoon for three years now. I'm very happy with it, and when after one winter a bit of stitching on the base zip came away it was repaired promptly and without cost to me by Carcoon. There are draw backs - you need enough space to be able to walk all the way round it to zip it up, plus you don't really want it rubbing on walls, shrubs etc. You need a flat solid surface - not loose stones as they'll puncture the base eventually. It's not a quick option for putting away and getting out so I wouldn't keep a daily driver in it. You need an electrical supply. The power pack can condition the battery too, and is very quiet and cheap to run. Carcoon supply spares and replacement filters etc should you need them. I would recommend it - no connection with Carcoon, just a satisfied customer.
KEVS500 said:
OP, I have used a carcoon for three years now. I'm very happy with it, and when after one winter a bit of stitching on the base zip came away it was repaired promptly and without cost to me by Carcoon. There are draw backs - you need enough space to be able to walk all the way round it to zip it up, plus you don't really want it rubbing on walls, shrubs etc. You need a flat solid surface - not loose stones as they'll puncture the base eventually. It's not a quick option for putting away and getting out so I wouldn't keep a daily driver in it. You need an electrical supply. The power pack can condition the battery too, and is very quiet and cheap to run. Carcoon supply spares and replacement filters etc should you need them. I would recommend it - no connection with Carcoon, just a satisfied customer.
Giving them a call tomorrow, can get all down one side easily and a little tight down the other, only a weekend car so think it’ll work well.It will undoubtedly touch the house and wall which are both stone and will tear the carcoon in no time so I’m planning to put some rubber matting along the side of the walls.
Power point right next to the car so maybe it was meant to be 👍🏼
phillpot said:
Don't quite get the desperate need to get it covered?
Looking at the way the trees are blowing about this morning is the cheap tarp still there?
😂😂 this morning yes.. this evening no.. gave me the perfect excuse for a quick run out when I got home from work though!! 👍🏼Looking at the way the trees are blowing about this morning is the cheap tarp still there?
phillpot said:
Don't quite get the desperate need to get it covered?
Looking at the way the trees are blowing about this morning is the cheap tarp still there?
😂😂 this morning yes.. this evening no.. gave me the perfect excuse for a quick run out when I got home from work though!! 👍🏼Looking at the way the trees are blowing about this morning is the cheap tarp still there?
The issues with outdoor covers are where they touch the bodywork, which is why people are recommending carcoons.
You get issues such as the cover rubbing on he paintwork as it blows around, or bubbling.
I had damage on my passenger door when an indy put my car outside overnight with a cover over it. The condensation and heat the next day damaged the paintwork on my door, needing to escalate the planned respray.
You get issues such as the cover rubbing on he paintwork as it blows around, or bubbling.
I had damage on my passenger door when an indy put my car outside overnight with a cover over it. The condensation and heat the next day damaged the paintwork on my door, needing to escalate the planned respray.
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