Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.1 6/24/83; site drux3.UUCP Path: utzoo!linus!decvax!harpo!floyd!clyde!ihnp4!drux3!bees From: bees@drux3.UUCP (Ray Davis) Newsgroups: net.auto Subject: Re: Car Covers Message-ID: <783@drux3.UUCP> Date: Thu, 13-Oct-83 00:37:37 EDT Article-I.D.: drux3.783 Posted: Thu Oct 13 00:37:37 1983 Date-Received: Sun, 9-Oct-83 08:12:41 EDT References: <798@inuxc.UUCP> Organization: AT&T Information Systems Laboratories, Denver Lines: 115 Since there may be some general interest in car covers, I am posting here the replies to my questions about car covers. After the replies I am also posting some product and pricing information. Here are the replies I have received: ---------- I recently read an article in C&D that recommnded a car cover that is water-resistant rather than water-proof, aone way or the other I don't recall correctly. At any rate the basic content of the discussion was that you should get a cover that allows water to pass through - washes dirt away and allows better ventilation for drying purposes. What was suggested was that the water-proofed covers trap moisture between the cover and your car. Bad. Where as the water resistant do not. I don't know what they say about acid rain though..... [ second reply to my asking what issue of C&D] The issue was either Aug. or Sept. '83. I'm not sure which one. The article was a "Special Advertising" section. It covered what you should and shouldn't do to a newly purchased vehicle. I thought it was informative and agreed with what I had gathered over the years about cars in general. I do believe the magazine cover story was on the new Dodge Daytona if that helps any. ---------- Rule one of car covers: do not get something that is totally waterproof, it will trap moisture under it. Get one that is 'breathable'. Rule Two: tie it down, do not depend on the elastic to hold it on the car. Rule three: find some method to prevent its being stolen. I had a MG Mitten "Tan Flannel" car cover for my 320i for about three years. It was a very heavy poly/cotton. It fit the car pretty well. Great in the summer, no greenhouse effect, the car would still be warm, but not hot. A bit of a pain in the winter, as it would sometimes freeze to the car, leaving fuzzies when you pulled it off (the flannel was fuzzy inside), but still was usually faster, since I didn't have to scrape frost/snow/ice off all the windows and it usually came right off, if a little stiff with frost. Rain is another problem, you need somewhere to put it when its soaking wet. Sometimes I put it in the vinyl passenger seat, sometimes I carried a plastic trash bag to stuff it in. I went ahead and put it on the car wet, easy way to dry it out. Didn't hurt the paint. Run it through the washer and drier once in awhile. It was stolen a few weeks ago. After debating whether to replace it, I've ordered a 100% cotton one from Beverly Hills, feeling that the cotton might be a little softer. I also got the locking cable option, and I may hook it into an alarm system. ---------- A couple of years ago, we bought a cover from J.C. Whitney (mail-order, Chicago) for our new Honda Accord. The cover is heavy cotton, is machine - washable, and cost ~ $70. Its great as far as cover are concerned, but after the first six months or so, it became just too much hassle to fool with. Now it just sits in the back of the car and protects/hides things we put back there. Hardly worth $70! If I wanted to rip off someone's cover, the "locking" mechanism you mention would hardly be a deterrent. My trusty pocket knife or other tool would simply cut out the attached portion and still be enough to cover another car, even without repairs. In summary, I suggest you buy the cheapest, washable, cotton cover you can find. You will probably tire of hassling with it or it may get stolen long before it is worn out. And, 2 cheap ones probably cost about the same as a "deluxe" one. ---------- My father restores and shows antique cars (early 1930s) as his hobby. >From his experience, I recommend a Beverly Hills Motors cover. They are soft blue cotton, and the best he's found. If you want the address, let me know (I don't have it with me at work). ---------- Thanks to all who replied! Here are some products and their prices: COMPANY MODEL COSTS (dependent on car size/model) Beverly Hills Blueguard 84.95 - 104.95 (+$6 shipping) 100% cotton, Scotchguard, elastic front & rear, double stitching, tie down for high winds, 2 year guarantee, lifetime guarantee against harming paint, Lockguard (+$10). MG Mitten Duricon 77.95 - 109.95 (+$6 shipping) cotton/poly blend, lock (+$10). MG Mitten Technicon 92.95 - 124.95 (+$6 shipping) new fabric, waterproof yet breathable, lock (+$10). MG Mitten Tan Flannel 99.95 - 134.95 (+$6 shipping) flannel (cotton?), napped underside, lock (+$10). Reliable Tan DuraSoft 84.95 - 104.95 (+$6 shipping) cotton/poly blend, Scotchguard, elastic front & rear, double stitching, lifetime guarantee against harming paint, CableLock (+$10). Reliable Tan DuraShield 99.95 - 119.95 (+$6 shipping) "Evolution 3" fabric, does not absorb water, water resistant, breathable, acid rain proof, lightweight, lifetime guarantee against harming paint, CableLock (+$10). Full page (or 2) ads for these companies are in most issues of major auto mags. The above info was from ads in the September '83 Road & Track. I think I will get either the Beverly Hills or the Reliable DuraShield. My neighbor has a Reliable DuraSoft and is very happy with it. Although the DuraShield fabric has not been around long, I am tempted to try it. It claims to be breathable and water resistant, plus the fabric is lightweight (20% less than most covers) and will not absorb water. This should make for a faster drying car and cover. In either case, I plan to get the cable lock that runs under the car. It may not keep some from stealing the cover, but at least it will hold it down if the wind blows the cover off. Here in Boulder CO we have low crime, but seasonally high winds. Ray Davis AT&T Information Systems Labs @ Denver (303)538-3991 {ihnp4|hogpc}!druxy!bees