No Garage!
No Garage!
Author
Discussion

cowhead

Original Poster:

254 posts

250 months

Wednesday 21st December 2005
quotequote all
Afternoon all, I hope within the next few days to join your esteemed fellowship of TVR owners, just trying to get rid of my other car first! The main worry I have, especially at this time of the year, is that I don't have a garage in which to park my imminent pride and joy - is this a major worry? I've looked on Ebay and found a fully waterproof cover will that do or am I asking for trouble?

Thanks for your help.

Big Al.

69,336 posts

288 months

Wednesday 21st December 2005
quotequote all
Leave it out! workrd for me for 2 & 1/2 years, did by a Leven roof cover just for piece of mind. Check classifieds usually one or two for sale.

.Mark

11,104 posts

306 months

Wednesday 21st December 2005
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It'll be fine outside, mine was for 4 years. I got a Leven hood cover which I hardly used, it's now folded up in the back of my new garage, I might be interested in moving it on

Cowhead

Original Poster:

254 posts

250 months

Wednesday 21st December 2005
quotequote all
Cheers guys - thought the biggest problem with the Chim was the roof leaked but obviously not such a big worry! Mark - i'll give you a shout bud when I eventually do get my hands on the car!!

hugepiece

724 posts

257 months

Wednesday 21st December 2005
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Or you could always just re-waterproof the hood for the sake of £10 worth of water-repellant treatment.

Nuggs

4,640 posts

264 months

Wednesday 21st December 2005
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Cowhead said:
Cheers guys - thought the biggest problem with the Chim was the roof leaked

It will only leak if the roof hasn't been properly maintained. As has been suggested, when you get the car, the first thing you should do is give it a couple of coats with Thompson's Waterseal (available from DIY centres).

I keep mine under a Classic Additions (do a google search) full cover, which helps keep the rain off and the bodywork nice and dry. It's by no means essential though, as there are a lot of TVR owners that happily leave theirs 'exposed'.

Don't believe everything you read in the press or hear down the pub!

DamnFineChim

291 posts

255 months

Wednesday 21st December 2005
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Hey Cowhead.... Well done on your decision on joining the elite

Only other consideration is the reduction of insurance premium if it is garaged - although, depending on your circumstances this may be minimal. Also, piece of mind at night is also an added bonus.

Hope that helps.

Corey

Stephen Pook

259 posts

271 months

Wednesday 21st December 2005
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Hi Cowhead.

My Chim was out on the street in all weathers down here on the coast and never gave any problems. Just make sure the hood gets some water repellent once in a while and periodically waxoil the chassis. I will mention I did drive it quite a lot as it was my only car.

Hope you enjoy ownership as much as I did!! All the best.

Steve.

Cowhead

Original Poster:

254 posts

250 months

Wednesday 21st December 2005
quotequote all
Cheers fella's you guys are quite friendly really aren't you? It will be my only car so i'll be driving it daily too. Insurance is about 200 quid more expensive, but if i haven't got a garage not too much i can do about it eh? My building and DIY skills are pants to be fair.

hood

1,286 posts

253 months

Wednesday 21st December 2005
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Cowhead said:
My building and DIY skills are pants to be fair.


I wouldn't build a garage yourself then as it may collapse on your p&j
When i first got my Chim it was outside in torrential rain and did not leak and bought a full cover for it anyway, i now have it garaged and still keep it covered in the garage (Free from dust and intruders of the animal variety and hairs over the roof)
Welcome to the ownership of a fantastic car and enjoy every minute you spend
If you intend driving with the roof off this time of year being a new driver may i suggest you invest in some sensodyne toothpaste as too much and fresh winter air leads to sensitive teeth/gums.
Glyn.

Cavey

522 posts

261 months

Thursday 22nd December 2005
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Hi Cowhead, and welcome. Great choice - choose carefully and you won't regret it.

Just one small question for you - why Cowhead? (Good name, has made me chuckle...)

cerby4.5

1,643 posts

271 months

Thursday 22nd December 2005
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Hiya

I have a Chim and do not keep it in a garage. No problems at all as I now use either the Leven Hood cover or a Classic Additions lightweight weatherproof cover!
I also have a Leven Hood cover (+ Case) going spare if you want it? Send me a mail if interested.

Cerby.

mccrackenj

2,048 posts

256 months

Thursday 22nd December 2005
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Nuggs

I also have a Classic Additions cover, which I bought on the basis of their advert's claims that it's fully breathable. I've now stopped using it as I find it keeps the bodywork continually damp, which surely can't be good for the paint.

Do you have any problems with yours? (PS: I never once put the cover on while the car was wet - even though their ad suggests you could do this)

Further to original post (above) I've just checked and the cover I bought was NOT a Classic Additions cover, so please disregard my criticisms. I won't 'name & shame' but my cover is no longer in use and cost more than the CA lightweight waterproof outdoor cover.

>> Edited by mccrackenj on Monday 9th January 13:24

jellison

12,803 posts

307 months

Thursday 22nd December 2005
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Depends - if driving regularly through winter and not washed down underneath (top side does not matter - bits that fall apart are underneath) regularly then not great - if only keep in a year or so not big deal - but will matter when you sell on as chassis will start to rot in long run.

If no garage - get it clean regularly underneath and get a good full cover. Can you rent a garage?

cowhead

Original Poster:

254 posts

250 months

Thursday 22nd December 2005
quotequote all
Guess I could look into that - as long it's not too far from home it might be viable! Where can i get a wash underneath the car - is it just a case of getting down on my belly with a hosepipe?

the jiffle king

7,506 posts

288 months

Thursday 22nd December 2005
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My car is outside all weathers due to no driveway and I wash it regularly, have no leaks and it just needs using at least once a week (every day is best!!)

Just waterproof your roof, check it the carpets before you buy and you'll be in good shape

T-J-K

jellison

12,803 posts

307 months

Thursday 22nd December 2005
quotequote all
the jiffle king said:
My car is outside all weathers due to no driveway and I wash it regularly, have no leaks and it just needs using at least once a week (every day is best!!)

Just waterproof your roof, check it the carpets before you buy and you'll be in good shape

T-J-K
yes but all that is just cosmetic stuff - Glassfiber car will always look good on top it is the underside that falls to bits!!

Nuggs

4,640 posts

264 months

Thursday 22nd December 2005
quotequote all
mccrackenj said:
Do you have any problems with yours?

Nope, car stays as dry as a bone when it's under the cover. I've put it on when there has been very light consensation on the bodywork and it's been fine. 14 months into ownership (with the cover owned and used from day one) and no problems.

I know CA do different covers. Mine is the heavy duty outdoor waterproof jobbie.

Hoover.

5,993 posts

272 months

Thursday 22nd December 2005
quotequote all
I bought a CA Heavy Duty cover for mine when I had limited garage space........ great cover, not just protection from the rain, but also nocks and scratches from kids playing near by (they did try n keep their distance bless em)

cowhead

Original Poster:

254 posts

250 months

Thursday 22nd December 2005
quotequote all
As a TVR virgin I don't know what CA is - tried a search on the web but no luck. Somebody?

Where can i get one from? I'm guessing my friendly local Halfords isn't going to stock it!