Discussion
Morning all, previous S3 owner here (a good few years ago) but I’m looking at getting a Chimaera but it will have to live outside, it will still be very well looked after, especially the chassis and I’ll have moisture capture things inside too but I want to get the best cover I can so thought I’d ask on here to get any views. I appreciate most on here are cosseted in a garage, unfortunately I don't have that option, not enough space to get a vehicle between the houses.
A "Leven" top cover is possibly your best bet, unfortunately they are no longer made but do come up for sale every so often.
Mark Cosh @ Amore had some reproductions made (good as originals), he might still have stock?
Full covers are generally not liked because they either flap around scuffing the paint or worse, trap moisture creating micro blisters.
If you have the space you could go posh with a "Carcoon" ?
https://www.amoreautos.co.uk/parts/tvr-hood-car-co...
Edited by phillpot on Wednesday 8th November 12:22
Assuming that a Carcoon style storage chamber isn’t an option, then I’d suggest just getting a half cover which goes over the hood and glass area.
Whilst I haven’t had to store my car outdoors, I have heard so many tales of full covers damaging the paintwork if the car is not totally dry underneath. Best to let the air circulate around the car.
There used to be a company called Leven that made half covers and they still come up for sale every now and then.
Whilst I haven’t had to store my car outdoors, I have heard so many tales of full covers damaging the paintwork if the car is not totally dry underneath. Best to let the air circulate around the car.
There used to be a company called Leven that made half covers and they still come up for sale every now and then.
under no circumstances cover a fibreglass car, you will force osmosis to happen.
The leaks are well documented, they should be taken care of by now, but if it does leak, just take the carpets out.
Leven roof cover is your best option, they turn up for sale quite often or as said Amore has some I think
The leaks are well documented, they should be taken care of by now, but if it does leak, just take the carpets out.
Leven roof cover is your best option, they turn up for sale quite often or as said Amore has some I think
Thanks folks, sounds like a half cover is the way to go, I’m thinking of going with a breathable one rather than the Leven version which seems steep at £500 from Amore. It’s not for continuous use or storage as I plan to use the car year round (chassis will be ACF 50’d) as I’m not getting any younger so want to use it as much as possible whilst I still can 
Yep understood, I suspect I’ll have to do a bit of tailoring to avoid that, or tuck it in the bonnet/boot. Anyway I’ve bitten the bullet and asked Mark to put me on the 2024 ‘Leven list’ as he’s sold out.
I was at Amore a couple of weeks ago but nothing that took my fancy within budget at the moment
I was at Amore a couple of weeks ago but nothing that took my fancy within budget at the moment
TJC46 said:
Wherever you buy a half cover from, make sure it only covers the hood and the windows.
Do not cover any of the fibreglass body as you will be guaranteed to get micro-blisters within the paintwork.
Guaranteed? How quickly?Do not cover any of the fibreglass body as you will be guaranteed to get micro-blisters within the paintwork.
I used a waterproof cover on a Cerbera for months in 2019 - 20 because it leaked in rain water and I never established where. Paintwork was fine. It doesn't happen instantaneously, if you remove it to allow the car to dry occasionally, it will be ok. It's those who cover a damp car and leave it on for a long time that will cause issues.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/tvrbuysellswap/per...
Original Leven half cover for sale on FB at £395.
Nothing to do with me, just seen it this evening.
Original Leven half cover for sale on FB at £395.
Nothing to do with me, just seen it this evening.
Belle427 said:
You may find something like an Mx5 roof cover will fit, not tried one personally though.
This is a good shout. I’ve seen one on an MX5 Mk3 or the newest shape and thought there’s a good chance it might fit a Chim or Griff.
No question a Leven cover is excellent, perfect fit and keeps interior dry and for that well worth the money.
Hi
I have owned my Chimera since 2006
It has always been parked on my drive with a cover on it.
I have just replaced the cover for a new one as they only last four around 4 years as the UV light eventually destroys them and they fall to bits.
I have used a 5 layer breathable version from Hamilton Car Covers.
I have no blisters or scratches on the car.
The cover can go on a wet car and it will dry.
The inner layer is a very soft fabric that prevents scratching.
I don’t tie the cover on mostly as it just sits there except if I know it’s going to be very windy.
I then just tie the cover onto the wheels instead of going under the car which is a pan in the Arsxx
I do ensure that the car has a reasonable clout of polish on it but not. very often and it’s not too dirty
The cover is £215 They give a discount if you are a member of a car club
The TVR is not listed on their web site but give them a call as they have multiple sizes
They also do half covers and I have one of those on my XK.
I have owned my Chimera since 2006
It has always been parked on my drive with a cover on it.
I have just replaced the cover for a new one as they only last four around 4 years as the UV light eventually destroys them and they fall to bits.
I have used a 5 layer breathable version from Hamilton Car Covers.
I have no blisters or scratches on the car.
The cover can go on a wet car and it will dry.
The inner layer is a very soft fabric that prevents scratching.
I don’t tie the cover on mostly as it just sits there except if I know it’s going to be very windy.
I then just tie the cover onto the wheels instead of going under the car which is a pan in the Arsxx
I do ensure that the car has a reasonable clout of polish on it but not. very often and it’s not too dirty
The cover is £215 They give a discount if you are a member of a car club
The TVR is not listed on their web site but give them a call as they have multiple sizes
They also do half covers and I have one of those on my XK.
You are a very lucky person then WOO5IE. I had a 4 layer Stormforce on mine, that I removed and allowed both the car and cover to dry on everyday possible. Then after 2 years, 'Wallop', my car looked like it had caught leprosy overnight. Blisters appeared on the rear bumper and all over both rear wings.
Unless you feel as lucky as WOO5IE, do not put any kind of full cover on your car!
Unless you feel as lucky as WOO5IE, do not put any kind of full cover on your car!
Stone Cold said:
Until a Leven one comes up I’m going to go with an MX5 half cover and see how that goes
It might be wise to check the MX5 covers measurements and asking some kind soul to do similar with the TVR Leven cover because it might not actually fit.Or take a tape measure to an MX5 roof up and compare its sizes.
The Leven cover fits very precisely which is its secret I feel. It masks the outline of the roof very closely.
Very little chance of wind or rain getting under it and lifting it.
It’s the best long term solution by far and considering the cost of carpet sets and the water damage that water ingress causes to floor bolts, seat and belt anchors, damp wiring and the like it’s worth every penny if you can get one in good condition.
Mutley00 said:
You are a very lucky person then WOO5IE. I had a 4 layer Stormforce on mine, that I removed and allowed both the car and cover to dry on everyday possible. Then after 2 years, 'Wallop', my car looked like it had caught leprosy overnight. Blisters appeared on the rear bumper and all over both rear wings.
Unless you feel as lucky as WOO5IE, do not put any kind of full cover on your car!
I used a 4 layer Stormforce breathable cover for a few years when I first got the car until it fell to bits.Unless you feel as lucky as WOO5IE, do not put any kind of full cover on your car!
And for the last 12 years or so I have used The 5 layer Hamilton cover.
All of my covers are and have been a loose fit so that air can get under the cover.
All you need is something dirt cheap to keep rain off the convertible bit. EBay has them.
I wouldn’t even go for ‘breathable’ because a) the air is going to get underneath anyway as soon as there’s a breeze and b) I suspect some breathable stuff actually lets some moisture through the wrong way if it is in contact with a surface.
The only issue then will be to ensure that there is as little contact with paintwork as possible. It’s amazing how small movements due to wind can really marr paint.
I wouldn’t even go for ‘breathable’ because a) the air is going to get underneath anyway as soon as there’s a breeze and b) I suspect some breathable stuff actually lets some moisture through the wrong way if it is in contact with a surface.
The only issue then will be to ensure that there is as little contact with paintwork as possible. It’s amazing how small movements due to wind can really marr paint.
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