Car cover.

[GlenM]

Can anyone recommend a good Dolomite sized car cover?
I need to keep a Dolomite outside for about 12 months and I want to keep the worst of the weather off it. It will be used occasionally.

[triumphdolomiteuk]

I use one of these; https://www.concoursautoproducts.co.uk/ ... cover.html

[cleverusername]

Be very careful about using car covers. The first problem is the risk of trapping moisture, cheap car covers are a menace, which will trapped moisture and accelerate the rot you are hoping to prevent. Frankly I am dubious about the claims of even the more expensive covers, when it comes to breath-ability. The second problem is the cover moving and damaging paintwork. An issue which has come up here when covers have been discussed.

I wouldn't bother with a cover, just keep it clean, wash any salt off the bodywork as soon as possible and make sure you keep the gutter and other mud traps clear. You can put a protective coat on your brightwork over winter, if you're not too fussed about appearance. Most importantly, stop water getting where it shouldn't. Get on top of leaks before they can do damage.

I am storing my car outside during restoration and conversion. The body isn't deteriorating because I have dealt with all the rust, leaks and holes and made sure everything has a protective coat of paint on it. Though I suspect the fact it has been nowhere near out salty roads has been a massive help. Road salt is the real killer. Compare a UK car to one from Japan or another country that doesn't use road salt in winter.

[dollyman]

I am another for don't bother. Just keep it cleaned and polished Just a thought, will it be off road?

Tony.

[GlenM]

Thanks for the advice chaps.

The car does have a few spots of rust on it which I need to clean back and paint for now but it will be getting a complete re-spray later, so I am not too worried about the cover damaging the existing paint. I realise that I need to be careful about condensation forming under a cover but I thought it would at least stop rainwater entering various cavities, such as doors etc. It will be sat on my drive at the back of the house. After a 10 month long battle with my local Planning Department, I am hoping to get a garage built this year, which it will go in.

Glen.

[Tony Burd]

I've got a halfords outdoor cover on my project that is unfortunately outside until I can get some more garage space. The small car one is a snug fit and seems to be doing the job. They get good reviews. Think it was around £50

[dollyman]

Hi Glen, With it being off road and having a respray, why not spray it with a clear cavity seal wax? That would give it real protection and it comes off easy enough with white spirit. I have used a cover in the past and the end result was terrible I suppose at the end of the day there are hundreds of car covers out there, mine cost £150 and was the most money i have ever wasted

Tony.

[triumphdolomiteuk]

I bought mine primarily because luckily I live in an area where there are lots of wild birds.

[dollyman]

I bought mine primarily because luckily I live in an area where there are lots of wild birds.

I know what you mean, flying elephants etc.....

Tony.