Outdoor covers

[RichardF]

I have started a new thread on this subject under "Rovering" as it applies to P5s and P5bs. The original was under P5b - general.

To recap:

My Autopyjama "Storm" cover arrived finally - 9 weeks after the order went in; a bit dissappointed in this time frame and no warning of such delivery times could be found on their web site. Their e-mail confirming my order informed me of a 6 week delivery time; of course I had already ordered and paid for it by then.
Additionally, after receiving the cover, a note accompanying it informs the purchaser that it is not designed as a permanent cover for outdoors but more for occasional use. Exactly what "occasional use" means is open to interpretation I suppose. Again, something that potential customers should be informed of prior to purchase committment.
This coming weekend I will be trying it for fit and ease of use and will report back accordingly.

I have now had the chance to try the cover on my car and the fitting was easy. The logo "Autopyjama" faces front just above the top of the grill. I purchased the "L" size - up to 193". Those owners with wing mirrors may have a slight problem as the cover over where my wing mirrors used to be located (now removed) is a bit taught; however, a bit of jiggling of the cover, coupled with the string supplied and the optional straps, should alleviate any problem.
Of note though are the areas, including wing mirrors, that will require a cushion effect at the high points to prevent undue wear of the cover under windy conditions. These are:
Wing mirrors
Front side light pips
Top of rear light clusters
Roof aerial

I have Tex door mirrors and there seems to be enough slack here, however if required, they can be turned inwards. For long period outside, I will be checking other potential areas where the cover is taught; front and rear bumbers, etc.

Regards to all

RichardF
Southampton

[glennr]

I have purchased my car cover from the following but I have not tried it yet as the car is still at the restorers. I will give an assessment when I get it back.

www.thecovercompany.co.uk/weathershield_car_covers.html

[Geoff Arthur]

Please would anyone with personal experience of outdoor covers for a P5 reply to this thread as I need to buy one quite soon and would value all input especially with Carcoons etc.

[David]

I have an outdoor Car Cover as advertised in the club magazine and to be honest I'm not too impressed. It either retains moisture/condensation or leaks through the fabric because when I take it off the car is still wet.

[Smallfry]

No experience of one on a P5 but on my Triumph Herald that lives outside, I have had one on it for two years. It works fine. It is soft lined and has not caused any marks on the paintwork........although the car is not pristine anyway !

It does let in a little moisture, but it is supposed to be breathable. Be very wary of covers which are not, as they can cause paint blistering and rust problems.

The only "problem" is that the pointed fins on the rear have worn through the cover, and now poke through. To be fair though, it is my fault, as I have made no attempt to cushion this.

All in all I think its a good investment BUT, I would not recommend an exact tailored fit, or fitting the thing too tightly. There must be some air circulation or you will have problems. You have all no doubt seen those cars wrapped in tarpaulins, that have rusted really badly ?

[glennr]

There is also the option of a folding garage? This seems to offer a good option as air easily circulates around the car. Although watch the weather forecast for any gale warnings! They do supply ground fixing bolts though and I would expect them to be designed to cope with strong winds. www.cover-systems.com/foldinggarages/page7a.htm

[dorsetflyer]

A lightweight breathable cover shouldn't give many problems. If a car port is out of the question and a blow up garage is too, then this is the next best thing.
At least you have air circulating underneath most of the time. My covers hang down lower than the bottom of the sills so they remain dry together with most of the wheels. The only downside to these covers is where there is constant movement over sharp objects, they will wear a hole through, so it's just a case of Duck Tape on both sides to strengthen it and repair it. The main causes of tearing are the red pips on the sidelights, and also the roof mounted aerial. Wing mirrors are also a problem, but if you have door mirrors these can be turned inwards and don't prove so much of a problem.
When it's very humid, or there is a very heavy dew during the night, you can get a bit of condensation on the windows and paint, but with the breathable covers once the sun gets on them or a breeze comes up it doesn't take long for any dampness to disappear.
Nowadays the latest covers are soft on the inside, so you get minimal surface scratches. Don't go to Halfords though to get an outdoor cover they are heavy, and will definitely scratch the paintwork. Always go to a specialist in classic car covers. They might be a little more expensive but it's worth it in the long run.
Also if the car length is almost at the maximum size for that cover, go to the next higher length as this will give you additional width and height which is a bonus for getting the cover lower than the sills and covering most of the wheels.
I'm a bit wary of Carcoons, they are a lot of money for our size of car and being plastic it's fine if you don't have any cats around. I have two cats who delight in sitting where they can watch what goes and bask in the sunshine. Not quite so bad on a cover, but plastic would soon be like a colander.
A definite no no is using any form of tarpaulin. It's rough, inflexible, and like a tent if it sits snugly over the car, when it rains the underside surface gets as wet as the outside.
On average I suppose a cover should last at least three years or more before being replaced. You can repair most holes etc with Duck Tape, it's only if the seams tear you can have problems.
Also one other word of warning, don't try and adjust a cover if it's soaking wet by trying to pull it in place. You will get a lovely split that you will have to repair.