Outdoor Car Cover?

[rikubot]

Hi bros,

I've got a good one for you today.

I have a '69 Charger with a soft top, and the top is bubbling because its cracking and letting water under. I don't have a garage or car port and I live in southern Colorado. My question was originally "What is the best outdoor car cover?".

After doing some searching, lots of people have said that they'd never put one on because it's like have a dirty wet rag against your pain 24/7. My ONLY concern is the roof on my car. The paint is not finished and I am not worried about it. Will a cover even keep moisture out from underneath my cracked soft top? Like I said that's my main concern at this point.

[myk]

Your best bet is to get a cover that can breathe as much as possible, but that will reduce its durability, and no cover will ever shield your car from moisture.  Also, I don't know about you but my neighborhood has vindictive cats, dogs and birds that routinely attack my covered car.  As such, I have to replace my car cover every four months or so just because of the elements and the animals.  Because of this I buy the cheaper parts store covers; anything more expensive would just be a waste.  Finally, I check the weather reports often; if there's indication of rain I throw a tarp over the car to deflect the rain.  Then after the rain, I remove the covers, wipe down the car and drive it for a couple of days to hopefully burn off any moisture....

[polywideblock]

I've got these for all mine  http://www.ebay.com/itm/20-Layer-Car-Cover-Fleece-Lining-Waterproof-Soft-Breathable-Indoor-Outdoor-17413-/170909619231

had a cat attack one corner of one a couple of years ago  and  had to buy a second.  I now put the damaged one inside out so fluffy side is out over the good one on car stored outside  and cats don't seem to like it at all    have had no problems since 

[johnnycharger]

Is it worthwhile putting one of those tarp type carport shelters that are like $160 over it?

[myk]

I've got these for all mine  http://www.ebay.com/itm/20-Layer-Car-Cover-Fleece-Lining-Waterproof-Soft-Breathable-Indoor-Outdoor-17413-/170909619231

had a cat attack one corner of one a couple of years ago  and  had to buy a second.  I now put the damaged one inside out so fluffy side is out over the good one on car stored outside  and cats don't seem to like it at all    have had no problems since 

Are you genuinely satisfied with their product?  I want to buy into them but their feedback rating is pretty bad.  Also, how do they know what size to ship?  The auction doesn't seem to have a means of telling them the 2nd Gen Charger is a fat car...

[polywideblock]

about 90%
they are a "tight " fit lengthways  and  a bit baggy in places(around side windows ) one size does several makes models,  so not a "tailored fit" but still have stood up to several severe storms without ripping, tearing or blowing away  so doing the job   
    but at  60 dollars  when compared to the 300-400 dollars for a tailored fit one I'm happy 

[myk]

about 90%
they are a "tight " fit lengthways  and  a bit baggy in places(around side windows ) one size does several makes models,  so not a "tailored fit" but still have stood up to several severe storms without ripping, tearing or blowing away  so doing the job   
    but at  60 dollars  when compared to the 300-400 dollars for a tailored fit one I'm happy 

Ok, thanks for the input...

[John_Kunkel]

I've never been satisfied with generic car covers, spend the money and get a custom-fitted one from the likes of California Car Covers. Not cheap.

[myk]

I'd wager that the best car cover would fall apart just as fast as a cheaper one when subjected to a life outdoors...

[WHITE AND RED 69]

I'd wager that the best car cover would fall apart just as fast as a cheaper one when subjected to a life outdoors...

Nope. When I first got my car it stayed outside for a couple years. I went through 2 cheap covers that said they were perfect for outdoors in less than 6 months. Got a California Car cover for outdoors and it held up like brand new for over 2 years. Had about a six inch area where the stitching came apart and California Car cover sent me a free one to replace it without any questions. All I said was some stitching came apart and before I finished my sentence they said since its under warranty I would get a new one and shipped it that day. They come with a 3 or 5 year warranty so that is worth the extra cost right there.

[rikubot]

I'd wager that the best car cover would fall apart just as fast as a cheaper one when subjected to a life outdoors...

Nope. When I first got my car it stayed outside for a couple years. I went through 2 cheap covers that said they were perfect for outdoors in less than 6 months. Got a California Car cover for outdoors and it held up like brand new for over 2 years. Had about a six inch area where the stitching came apart and California Car cover sent me a free one to replace it without any questions. All I said was some stitching came apart and before I finished my sentence they said since its under warranty I would get a new one and shipped it that day. They come with a 3 or 5 year warranty so that is worth the extra cost right there.

Just curious, can you remember which model you bought and about how much?

[Dino]

Since the damage is already done, it's going to be quite the task to protect it from the elements.  If you have to use a cover then use the California cover.  A carport s not a bad solution as it keeps the direct rain away and keeps air circulation going.  You may want to consider stuffing  paste wax into the top's cracks to prevent further damage from moisture, but I'd put roof repair on the top of your to do list once you have the chance. 

[myk]

I'd wager that the best car cover would fall apart just as fast as a cheaper one when subjected to a life outdoors...

Nope. When I first got my car it stayed outside for a couple years. I went through 2 cheap covers that said they were perfect for outdoors in less than 6 months. Got a California Car cover for outdoors and it held up like brand new for over 2 years. Had about a six inch area where the stitching came apart and California Car cover sent me a free one to replace it without any questions. All I said was some stitching came apart and before I finished my sentence they said since its under warranty I would get a new one and shipped it that day. They come with a 3 or 5 year warranty so that is worth the extra cost right there.

NO kidding?  Yeah I priced one out at $400 but if what you said is true it's totally worth it...

I'd wager that the best car cover would fall apart just as fast as a cheaper one when subjected to a life outdoors...

Nope. When I first got my car it stayed outside for a couple years. I went through 2 cheap covers that said they were perfect for outdoors in less than 6 months. Got a California Car cover for outdoors and it held up like brand new for over 2 years. Had about a six inch area where the stitching came apart and California Car cover sent me a free one to replace it without any questions. All I said was some stitching came apart and before I finished my sentence they said since its under warranty I would get a new one and shipped it that day. They come with a 3 or 5 year warranty so that is worth the extra cost right there.

Just curious, can you remember which model you bought and about how much?

Lol, I think they're called "Budge" or something like that.  I'm talking about parts store specials that only last a year max.  What I did like was that they don't match the car's shape; after all I DON'T  want people to know what's under there...

[WHITE AND RED 69]

I'd wager that the best car cover would fall apart just as fast as a cheaper one when subjected to a life outdoors...

Nope. When I first got my car it stayed outside for a couple years. I went through 2 cheap covers that said they were perfect for outdoors in less than 6 months. Got a California Car cover for outdoors and it held up like brand new for over 2 years. Had about a six inch area where the stitching came apart and California Car cover sent me a free one to replace it without any questions. All I said was some stitching came apart and before I finished my sentence they said since its under warranty I would get a new one and shipped it that day. They come with a 3 or 5 year warranty so that is worth the extra cost right there.

Just curious, can you remember which model you bought and about how much?

I got the Ultraweave and it was $315. Comes with a 4 year warranty. I also got the straps that clip on, this will help the cover on windy days.      They've also got some beefier ones but this one was all I needed for California weather.

http://www.calcarcover.com/c_carcovermaterials/car/4/1969/Dodge/Charger/Base%20Model/Ultraweave%20Car%20Cover/1/

http://www.calcarcover.com/product/2708/273/Gust_Guard_Clamp_and_Cord_Car_Cover_Tie_Down_System

[myk]

I'd wager that the best car cover would fall apart just as fast as a cheaper one when subjected to a life outdoors...

Nope. When I first got my car it stayed outside for a couple years. I went through 2 cheap covers that said they were perfect for outdoors in less than 6 months. Got a California Car cover for outdoors and it held up like brand new for over 2 years. Had about a six inch area where the stitching came apart and California Car cover sent me a free one to replace it without any questions. All I said was some stitching came apart and before I finished my sentence they said since its under warranty I would get a new one and shipped it that day. They come with a 3 or 5 year warranty so that is worth the extra cost right there.

Just curious, can you remember which model you bought and about how much?

I got the Ultraweave and it was $315. Comes with a 4 year warranty. I also got the straps that clip on, this will help the cover on windy days.      They've also got some beefier ones but this one was all I needed for California weather.

http://www.calcarcover.com/c_carcovermaterials/car/4/1969/Dodge/Charger/Base%20Model/Ultraweave%20Car%20Cover/1/

http://www.calcarcover.com/product/2708/273/Gust_Guard_Clamp_and_Cord_Car_Cover_Tie_Down_System

Hmmm.....I was looking at the Superweave, but what you pointed out looks to be just fine.  The cover is form fitting, correct?

[bill440rt]

A long time ago I had a car stored outside under a CoverCraft cover. It was a pretty good cover, water/weather resistant, got many years out of it.

These days I have two California Car Cover Plushweave covers (indoor covers). The quality is excellent, so is the fitment.
I would buy another cover from them again in the future, they make an excellent product.

[WHITE AND RED 69]

I'd wager that the best car cover would fall apart just as fast as a cheaper one when subjected to a life outdoors...

Nope. When I first got my car it stayed outside for a couple years. I went through 2 cheap covers that said they were perfect for outdoors in less than 6 months. Got a California Car cover for outdoors and it held up like brand new for over 2 years. Had about a six inch area where the stitching came apart and California Car cover sent me a free one to replace it without any questions. All I said was some stitching came apart and before I finished my sentence they said since its under warranty I would get a new one and shipped it that day. They come with a 3 or 5 year warranty so that is worth the extra cost right there.

Just curious, can you remember which model you bought and about how much?

I got the Ultraweave and it was $315. Comes with a 4 year warranty. I also got the straps that clip on, this will help the cover on windy days.      They've also got some beefier ones but this one was all I needed for California weather.

http://www.calcarcover.com/c_carcovermaterials/car/4/1969/Dodge/Charger/Base%20Model/Ultraweave%20Car%20Cover/1/

http://www.calcarcover.com/product/2708/273/Gust_Guard_Clamp_and_Cord_Car_Cover_Tie_Down_System

Hmmm.....I was looking at the Superweave, but what you pointed out looks to be just fine.  The cover is form fitting, correct?

It is form fitting, that way it doesn't fly away in the wind. The Superweave looks like its a bit better than the Ultraweave. They didn't have that one when I got mine (Or I just missed it?     ) but it says its the most weather resistant one they offer. That might be the best choice. 

[rikubot]

Since the damage is already done, it's going to be quite the task to protect it from the elements.  If you have to use a cover then use the California cover.  A carport s not a bad solution as it keeps the direct rain away and keeps air circulation going.  You may want to consider stuffing  paste wax into the top's cracks to prevent further damage from moisture, but I'd put roof repair on the top of your to do list once you have the chance. 

That pretty much sums it up. I think the carport and repair are top of the list. Too much negative comments about the cover trapping the evil moisture!

[rikubot]

Thank you all for the advice and experiences. I think the best solution is a car port (for now) and get that top peeled off ASAP. My car needs a lot of body work but the roof is the only place the water collects right now and I cant imagine how much fun those are to find and change out...

[myk]

Oi vey...I just bought a California Car Cover, the Superweave type in gray, for a cool $400.  I swear to Christ if those pesky neighborhood cats damage my cover, I will not have any 12 gauge shells left for anything else...

[polywideblock]

do yourself a favour and buy a "cheapy cover" to put over expensive one if you have cat problem , think of it as a sacrificial layer 

[myk]

Good idea.  BTW I bought that cover off of eBay that you mentioned, but of course they send me a cover that doesn't even come close to covering the Charger's big, fat, sexy body...

[polywideblock]

        hope you got your money back     was it the right cover ?  like I said mine is a tight fit length wise

[myk]

Eh, I figured it'd be a pain in the ass to ship back.  I'll just use it for one of my other cars...

[myk]

Oooooooook California Car Covers, let's see what you're made of.  This is the Super weave class cover with a 4 year warranty that's supposed to be UV and element reisistant.

[ODZKing]

I got one of these. I put it over the cover when it is out of the garage (which is not often) and rain is expected.
It is just a big baggie.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Plastic-car-cover-indoor-storage-fitted-design-Woodward-Fab-size-MEDIUM-/350746684983?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item51aa21ae37&vxp=mtr

[Daytona R/T SE]

 

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,94471.0.html

[myk]

That thread is laughable, pics and all.  If I had read that thread earlier I may have not dealt with them.  AND I wish I had read this thread in 2012; maybe I wouldn't have damaged my fresh paint by covering it the day it came back from the body shop.

Edit: it's supposed to rain on my Charger-driving, holiday tonight.  Let's see what this California Cover can do...

[6spd68]

Is it worthwhile putting one of those tarp type carport shelters that are like $160 over it?

Depends on placement/elements.  I've had a 300$ one last me 2-3 years, and work great.  You have to be sure to anchor it down very good though, and make sure you're in a spot that wont get crazy wind.  The other thing you've gotta stay on top of is the snow.  If you're where it snows 6 months out of the year(like me, go Canadia!), just be sure to knock snow off the day it comes down.  You may have to do it 2-3 times per snowfall depending.

As I said, biggest concerns for that setup is wind, and snow weight.  Wind is no joke!  Mine lasted until we moved it, had it poorly anchored in a temporary spot, and the wind took it up and over a telephone pole.  Thankfully there wasn't a car inside at the time, or else it could've been more catastrophic.  The tarp itself will hold up great to the elements though.  My trick in the winter was to just consistently knock the snow off the top, hence creating a snow wall around the sides.