The Triumph Dolomite Club - Discussion Forum

So this morning I uncovered the car from under its 'breathable' cover.
The car had a layer of, for want of a better word, dew, on it. Not wet but more like sweat.
The car is stored in an open barn, but it is watertight.
I was wondering what the opinion is on here whether to cover our cars or not.

No Cover!
I made the same mistake. Let the air flow around it.
A lump of metal will heat and cool like anything else, and if it's kept wrapped then the condensation has nowhere to go.
Any mass of metal that sees changes overnight of say 5 - 20 degrees c will have condensation form on it - best if that mass has free air around it.
And use waterless wash to keep it clean every couple of weeks, I only use water if the car is going on an extended run so the water can get blasted out during the run.

No cover.

Mine lives outdoors so different scenario, but I bought a cover and made sure it was a proper outdoor breathable 4 layer one, cost a couple of hundred quid though.

Mine has been outside since October last year with no cover (it shows).

I draped over a tarpaulin sheet, and there was condensation within two days.

Intend to secure the tarpaulin to the wall a make a awning to keep most of the weather at bay, (intend: more of a question of when).

Mmm.... Interesting stuff.
Mine cost a fair bit ( 100ish) but I think I'll leave it off and use it for protection should I need it.
Protection being from nesting birds etc!!

With regards to the waterless cleaner, how does it get rid of the surface dust, grit etc, like the initial water rinse does. I've never used it, any brand recommendations?

Si

I've not seen any condensation, and no (extra) rust on brightwork after a full winter's use. Still, I did use to remove it on a dry day every couple of weeks, partly just to air the inside.

Bit cheaper than I remember, once I included the lock and postage it was £138, though the place I bought it from seem to have it on "sale" for more than that currently:

http://www.stormcarcovers.co.uk/product ... =662065637
http://www.cover-zone.com/products/car- ... tormforce/

Anti lift up straps that go underneath are not brilliant, have to screw on a small G clamp to it to add some weight when I throw it under the car to the other side!

Edit: English language as escaped me.

Sico40 wrote:Mmm.... Interesting stuff.
Mine cost a fair bit ( 100ish) but I think I'll leave it off and use it for protection should I need it.
Protection being from nesting birds etc!!

With regards to the waterless cleaner, how does it get rid of the surface dust, grit etc, like the initial water rinse does. I've never used it, any brand recommendations?

Si

Si

Meguires quik detailer - spray on and wipe off.

https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=i&rct=j ... 56&cad=rjt

Paul

I kept my Chevy covered when I had it and it produced tiny bubbles on the roof in the paint.

If you want birds off it can you use a gazebo type of cover ?

Intend to secure the tarpaulin to the wall a make a awning to keep most of the weather at bay, (intend: more of a question of when).

Thats a good idea.

All good advice as ever.
I think Im going to build a little den type thing in one corner of off the barn (it's called a barn but it's more of a big shack/ shed!) and clad it with taught tarps.
I've noticed a small drip, right above where car sits.
Also when frosty the under side creates drips whilst de frosting, so it has to be done.

20 minute awning,
Once the car is moved closer to the wall, it should function fine, with a bit of tethering.

I know, it's a cheapo job, but retractable and easily replaceable.

That's exactly what I was thinking of, but having a frame on the other side instead of it being draped over the car.

Something like this but with a tarp...

Yep, beats off most weather, I would have liked a frame but will do something foldable, sometime.

Sico40 wrote:Mmm.... Interesting stuff.
Mine cost a fair bit ( 100ish) but I think I'll leave it off and use it for protection should I need it.
Protection being from nesting birds etc!!

With regards to the waterless cleaner, how does it get rid of the surface dust, grit etc, like the initial water rinse does. I've never used it, any brand recommendations?

Si

I've used carplan wash and SHINE, I found it really good.
At the moment I'm using carplan wash and WAX, it's not so good - use the spray anywhere near awkward to reach bits and you end up with dots of wax that looks like white paint overspray. Tyres, front grille, etc.