To Cover or Not to Cover.

[Jerry K.]

I have heard; always cover your car whether garaged or not; to never cover and let the paint breathe. What is the consensus of thought on this minor topic. I tried the archives with no luck.

[Patrick H.]

Re: To Cover or Not to Cover.

Unless you're covering it with plastic, any cover is going to "breathe."

I cover my 72 all the time (since it doesn't move much) and the 08 if I'm not going to drive it for a few days. Keeps the kids from scratching them, wife from doing whatever to them, bikes from damaging them, etc. Even times when I've had an "oops" in the garage and was thankful.

Patrick

[Tom H.]

Re: To Cover or Not to Cover.

I keep them covered all of the time. No problems. Been covered for years.

[Steven B.]

Re: To Cover or Not to Cover.

'Agree with Patrick and have had some of those "Ooops" but was saved with the covers. Mine are covered and have been since I got them ('64, '76, '77). I use the flannel lined covers to protect the paint. They are always garaged and can breath through these heavy covers. The dust can kill an uncovered paint job if not continually maintained.

Steve

[Edward S.]

Re: To Cover or Not to Cover.

I have always covered my cars - I was told that when pulling into the garage first thing to do is shut it off,pop the hood and let the car cool off. Once cooled then cover, don't know if it's an old wives tale I have been following all these years?

[Alan S.]

Re: To Cover or Not to Cover.

Hi Jerry,
My good wife made me a plain rectangular cover from some bed sheets. It keeps a bit of the dust off.
The car continues to be a little surprise for me when I pull the cover off, so the cover is a little like 'gift wrap'.
Regards,
Alan

[Paul J.]

Re: To Cover or Not to Cover.

Jerry:

Patrick is referring to "garage rash" or in my case "shop rash". I think it happens for the reasons he mentioned, and maybe some others, but the best way to prevent it (or at least minimize it) is a thick cover. As Alan said, it's also good for keeping the dust off.

Strangely enough, you only want to use a cover inside, out of the wimd. If you use one outside the wind will do a number on any rub points with the cover. Covers also hold more moisture when used outside, even if they "breath".

Paul

[Tom S.]

Re: To Cover or Not to Cover.

I always cover mine after it has been properly cleaned and put in the garage. Keeps the dust off and the car is fresh when I want to go again. Most times I do not cover it outside, the wind,cover and dust combined can do no good! Tom

[John M.]

Re: To Cover or Not to Cover.

I usually never cover, and do a quick wipe down with a misting water bottle, and a Micro fiber towel every time I take it out. But now that I have a Cat that loves to jump on the Vette, I'll be investing in a cover.

I don't think there's anything detrimental either way, it just takes a little more effort without one keeping it clean, and doing multiple wipe downs over the winter on a dusty car can't be the best for the Paint.

Better to cover but I like opening the garage and be greeted with this type of view when Cabin fever strikes.

(I need to update the photo)

[Pat M.]

Re: To Cover or Not to Cover.

I also like to see my cars when I enter the garage so I don't cover them. Dusting every now and then doesn't bother me, and access to my garage is strictly limited to those who know better than to hit my cars in any way!

[Glenn D.]

Re: To Cover or Not to Cover.

A flannel lined cover is what my restoration person recommended after we finished the frame on.

[Michael P.]

Re: To Cover or Not to Cover.

Who makes the best flannel lined cover? And where can I buy one?

[Valeria H.]

Re: To Cover or Not to Cover.

I am due to get my car back into posession in the next several days after 3 years and have purchased a car capsule which filters the air and reduces the amount of humidity. I am hoping this will solve the problem of garage deterioration.
Valeria

[Paul C.]

Re: To Cover or Not to Cover.

I keep my corvette covered at all times when not in use. In have when working on the engine left the front half of the car uncovered for several weeks and I am always amazed at how much dirt/grime collects on the front half of the car. Keep it covered with a good quality flannel cover.

[Stewart A.]

Re: To Cover or Not to Cover.

Oh no John where is the Vette !!!!!
Paul is correct be very careful of putting a cover on a car outside or even in your garage if it gets any outside wind. It will take off the paint as fast as you can spray it back on. I learnt the hard way.
With steel cars you are meant to let the car totally dry or the cover can keep moisture in and create rust problems. But on our plastic fantastic cars put a cover on it otherwise if your fussy about the duco you wont have to wipe it down with a cover. Thumbs up to a cover Stewy