Cover or no cover?
Discussion
I have another question about covers.
I learnt the hard way about tight fitting covers on my wife’s 86 SL. I bought some expensive tailored fitted thing which caused paint blisters within a couple of weeks (thread on here about it). That is now kept in storage due to something else being in the garage and only comes back in the summer.
I also have an 84 W123 limousine (don’t ask) and that lives under a big baggy cover and has been fine.
That leads me to my new purchase of an 82 W123 280 TE, a car that I have wanted for a very long time but never found a decent one until now. I plan on getting it restored to a semi high standard including a full re-spray. I was planning on keeping that under a baggy cover such as the below: -
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mercedes-W123-Estate-19...
I welcome your advice.
I learnt the hard way about tight fitting covers on my wife’s 86 SL. I bought some expensive tailored fitted thing which caused paint blisters within a couple of weeks (thread on here about it). That is now kept in storage due to something else being in the garage and only comes back in the summer.
I also have an 84 W123 limousine (don’t ask) and that lives under a big baggy cover and has been fine.
That leads me to my new purchase of an 82 W123 280 TE, a car that I have wanted for a very long time but never found a decent one until now. I plan on getting it restored to a semi high standard including a full re-spray. I was planning on keeping that under a baggy cover such as the below: -
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mercedes-W123-Estate-19...
I welcome your advice.
If we're talking outdoor then I can't say I've seen any covers that are worth the hastle.
Both tight and loose ones can trap water 9either rain or condensation) and discolour paintwork. Loose eons can also cause paintwork scuffs where they move slightly against the paint in the wind...but in my experience only until they get torn by the wind or turned to dust by one summer.
If you have the space a Carcoon type thing is the way to go. Don't have the space myself but some friends have had one for years and still going strong and doing its job.
Both tight and loose ones can trap water 9either rain or condensation) and discolour paintwork. Loose eons can also cause paintwork scuffs where they move slightly against the paint in the wind...but in my experience only until they get torn by the wind or turned to dust by one summer.
If you have the space a Carcoon type thing is the way to go. Don't have the space myself but some friends have had one for years and still going strong and doing its job.
My 1983 200T lives outside and I occasionally use a half cover from here...
https://www.classicadditions.com/en-GB/outdoor-car...
My car is leak free now though, so can't really see the point.
ETA Show us the new motor then
https://www.classicadditions.com/en-GB/outdoor-car...
My car is leak free now though, so can't really see the point.
ETA Show us the new motor then
Edited by Rollin on Thursday 18th July 23:43
I imagine that a dry cover over a dry car will cause far less damage than using a wet cover over a dry car - or even worse a wet car under a dry cover.
I think part of the problem is dirt/water on the car being trapped between the paint surface (of the car) and the inside of the cover. When wet/dry it can become either a cutting paste / abrasive.
Would covering the car's paintwork with a soft cotton (old sheet or the like) 'undercover' THEN using the waterproof car cover (which perhaps could be strapped into place) reduce the likely-hood of this? Ensuring of course that the car was DRY before putting the cover on.
Whilst OK for occasional use, any cover is probably going to cause damage.
I think part of the problem is dirt/water on the car being trapped between the paint surface (of the car) and the inside of the cover. When wet/dry it can become either a cutting paste / abrasive.
Would covering the car's paintwork with a soft cotton (old sheet or the like) 'undercover' THEN using the waterproof car cover (which perhaps could be strapped into place) reduce the likely-hood of this? Ensuring of course that the car was DRY before putting the cover on.
Whilst OK for occasional use, any cover is probably going to cause damage.
alfaspecial said:
I imagine that a dry cover over a dry car will cause far less damage than using a wet cover over a dry car - or even worse a wet car under a dry cover.
I think part of the problem is dirt/water on the car being trapped between the paint surface (of the car) and the inside of the cover. When wet/dry it can become either a cutting paste / abrasive.
Would covering the car's paintwork with a soft cotton (old sheet or the like) 'undercover' THEN using the waterproof car cover (which perhaps could be strapped into place) reduce the likely-hood of this? Ensuring of course that the car was DRY before putting the cover on.
Whilst OK for occasional use, any cover is probably going to cause damage.
I'm a great believer in using a soft layer like blankets and sheets on the bodywork beneath the cover, I did that with my Alfasud years ago through some winters. As long as they stay dry, all is well. It stops the abrasion and lets the paintwork breathe.I think part of the problem is dirt/water on the car being trapped between the paint surface (of the car) and the inside of the cover. When wet/dry it can become either a cutting paste / abrasive.
Would covering the car's paintwork with a soft cotton (old sheet or the like) 'undercover' THEN using the waterproof car cover (which perhaps could be strapped into place) reduce the likely-hood of this? Ensuring of course that the car was DRY before putting the cover on.
Whilst OK for occasional use, any cover is probably going to cause damage.
Rollin said:
My 1983 200T lives outside and I occasionally use a half cover from here...
https://www.classicadditions.com/en-GB/outdoor-car...
My car is leak free now though, so can't really see the point.
ETA Show us the new motor then
Here you go. Few things to sort, will keep me busy. https://www.classicadditions.com/en-GB/outdoor-car...
My car is leak free now though, so can't really see the point.
ETA Show us the new motor then
Edited by Rollin on Thursday 18th July 23:43
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