Recommended car cover?
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Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
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Recommended car cover?
Dumb question but I was wondering if any of you folks have a recommendation on a car cover for my 87 Targa. I have to park outside and the cover I currently use (thin single layer silver material, not sure what make, came with car) is rather threadbare. I'd like something more robust. Any suggestions? Thanks very much!
Racer
Joined: May 2001
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From: Monroe, La
Pelicanparts/Driveworks web site
Coverking covers are a custom fit cover that work very well. I had one for my 83SC Targa
for years and never had a problem. The one I had was a Stormking or something like that.
Coverking covers are a custom fit cover that work very well. I had one for my 83SC Targa
for years and never had a problem. The one I had was a Stormking or something like that.
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Just another data point. Much against my desire I have to keep my 84 targa outside.
My experience with a car cover was that it filled with dirt and dust. Everytime I took it off the car, it was covered in fine dirt... annoying and potentially could abrade the paint. Maybe it was just a crummy cover, but it was the kind everybody uses Covercraft or something.... I threw the damn thing out.
For a targa one thing you can do is just cover the greenhouse... this will prevent water from leaking through the roof, and protect the interior from sunlight without abrading the paint. Actually my paint has stood up remarkably. About the only thing that will do lasting damage is bird****.... get that off immediately or it will etch the clearcoat.... but everything else washes off. I use clear liquid Ivory handsoap (not "carwash" which I wouldn't use on a garbage can), and a clean terry washcloth. Rinse thoroughly with low pressure hose setting, and pull the soapy cloth along the paint in straight line motion.... do not use force and do not use a circular motion, as this creates the "swirl' lines that catch the light from every angle.
Dirt wont hurt the car as long as nothing is rubbing it into the paint.... like a car cover, for example.
My experience with a car cover was that it filled with dirt and dust. Everytime I took it off the car, it was covered in fine dirt... annoying and potentially could abrade the paint. Maybe it was just a crummy cover, but it was the kind everybody uses Covercraft or something.... I threw the damn thing out.
For a targa one thing you can do is just cover the greenhouse... this will prevent water from leaking through the roof, and protect the interior from sunlight without abrading the paint. Actually my paint has stood up remarkably. About the only thing that will do lasting damage is bird****.... get that off immediately or it will etch the clearcoat.... but everything else washes off. I use clear liquid Ivory handsoap (not "carwash" which I wouldn't use on a garbage can), and a clean terry washcloth. Rinse thoroughly with low pressure hose setting, and pull the soapy cloth along the paint in straight line motion.... do not use force and do not use a circular motion, as this creates the "swirl' lines that catch the light from every angle.
Dirt wont hurt the car as long as nothing is rubbing it into the paint.... like a car cover, for example.
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The remarks about dirt and rubbing are right on target.
But using clear liquid Ivory handsoap will take off all the wax and strip the chemicals out of the pores of the paint. You would then need to use a chemical polish and rthen rewax after each wash. That item is very bad advice.
But using clear liquid Ivory handsoap will take off all the wax and strip the chemicals out of the pores of the paint. You would then need to use a chemical polish and rthen rewax after each wash. That item is very bad advice.
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Randy. Interesting. I use it becasue i judged it to be mild, howver, I'm no chem major. What do you recommend? Every car wash product that I've ever used including those that advertise as very friendly or high tech etc, have taken the wax right off the car.
So whats the deal that makes handsoap bad?
So whats the deal that makes handsoap bad?
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It's just a powerful detergent -- you want a very mild one -- in essence one that doesn't work "too well" as a detergent. I use Meguiar's (Gold) and get it by the gallon at Target'. Some like P21s (might be a bit more env'ly friendly).
I would stay away form the really cheap stuff.
carcareonline.com has some advice as does Meguairs.com.
These will not take off your wax[1] but will remove dirt quite well.
[1] Actually, even these mild cleansers will remove your wax eventually -- but it will take hundreds of washes. My garaged 911 only needed to be waxed every 2-3 years in Oregon.
If you park outdoors, the wax won't last very long. I am testing the new Meguairs NXT "wax" on my Honda which is parked outside. It is holding up really well, and had a higher gloss than I've seen to date -- looks like a winner.
PS - no relations except customer
PPS - re rubbing - flush dirt off with a gentle stream of water -- high pressure will slam the grit into the finish.
I would stay away form the really cheap stuff.
carcareonline.com has some advice as does Meguairs.com.
These will not take off your wax[1] but will remove dirt quite well.
[1] Actually, even these mild cleansers will remove your wax eventually -- but it will take hundreds of washes. My garaged 911 only needed to be waxed every 2-3 years in Oregon.
If you park outdoors, the wax won't last very long. I am testing the new Meguairs NXT "wax" on my Honda which is parked outside. It is holding up really well, and had a higher gloss than I've seen to date -- looks like a winner.
PS - no relations except customer
PPS - re rubbing - flush dirt off with a gentle stream of water -- high pressure will slam the grit into the finish.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2004
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I have used a cover on my 84 Targa since day one without problems - about three years now. My first covers for this car and another I owned came from BHMA (Beverly Hills Motoring Acces.). The last two have come from Tweeks/Mid Amer.
I have found if left on the car for extended times the present cover will filter a very fine powder onto the surface. This easily washes off with water.
I have yet to see any damage done by the covers. The key is to buy a quality cover that is custom fitted to YOUR car. Ensure the cover is soft and breathes. Cotton is preferred. It can bead water but must not be waterproof. Thus the need for breathability.
The cover will in time wear out requiring replacement. My covers generally last about two years max. In the covers defense the car is always outside regardless of weather - snow/ice/wind/rain/storms/high winds. The only time the car is not covered is when it is moving and that is probably a couple of hours a week. I cover it at work and in parking lots. So the cover pretty much sees 24/7 duty.
You should see the paint shine.
Reg
I have found if left on the car for extended times the present cover will filter a very fine powder onto the surface. This easily washes off with water.
I have yet to see any damage done by the covers. The key is to buy a quality cover that is custom fitted to YOUR car. Ensure the cover is soft and breathes. Cotton is preferred. It can bead water but must not be waterproof. Thus the need for breathability.
The cover will in time wear out requiring replacement. My covers generally last about two years max. In the covers defense the car is always outside regardless of weather - snow/ice/wind/rain/storms/high winds. The only time the car is not covered is when it is moving and that is probably a couple of hours a week. I cover it at work and in parking lots. So the cover pretty much sees 24/7 duty.
You should see the paint shine.
Reg
