Outdoor Car Covers

[Deleted]

P5's are not very waterprrof anddamp will play havoc with the chrome and paint.

Is better uncer cover eg a carport that under a cover as these cause condesation and mould and can abrade and scratch the paint.

Glad you got a P5 though and welcome to club far better than babies in the long run

[Phil Nottingham]

Some typos here?

Anyway those folding "garages" are a better bet as they hold the cover off the bodwork - even a large gazebo is better than nothing or even a damp lockup garage as thse can play havoc with all sorts of things.

[Smallfry]

I have a Triumph that lives under a car cover, and it does not seem to suffer much abrasion, but you DO have to make sure that it IS washed and dried. If you cover a car that is dirty, then it will soon scratch the paint and chrome. It does keep the car dry though. However, I have used three covers in as many years, as, despite what the manufactures claim, they only seem to last about a year before they get torn. Its also a lot of hassle messing around putting it on and off !

I also have a rented council garage which is made of concrete, and is a bit damp, and I will not keep any car in there because of this. I think its better off under the car cover !

As the others have said, a carport or collapsible garage is preferable.

My Rover lives in the main brick built jobbee at my house, which is very dry, and of course, the favourite option.

[RichardF]

Shaun,

I have been thinking about this for some time as I also have a small Riley Elf to look after. Consequently, at some time, my beloved P5b will have to be outside for a while. To this end I have just ordered an exterior cover from "Autopyjama". It is a 4 layer cover that is breathable but at the same time will not let the rain in. It is even reputed to enable a wet car to dry whilst under the cover. I have not received it yet but after doing the homework on the various options available, this seemed the best - and the dearest at about £150. Still, you only get what you pay for I suppose (hope). If you require the web site, let me know.

Regards

RichardF
Southampton

[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.
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.

[Deleted]

Thanks very much for all the views expressed by everybody, very much appreciated - i went to a specialist cover company and having one tailored.

The permeabag idea looked good but i thought (probably wrong) a little awkward and didnt like the idea a lot of the cover is lying on the floor before being rolled over the car.

Thanks again to everyone who took the time and trouble to post.

[RichardF]

Hi Folks,

Well 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.

Regards to all
RichardF
Southampton

[glow=red,2,300]NOTE: New thread started under "Rovering" as it concerns both P5s and P5bs.[/glow]

[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.