Can anyone recommend a decent outdoor cover?
Just had a full respray but the engine's gone bang so while I'm saving to try and sort that out it needs to be covered and out the way somewhere
Ideally I'm looking for a fitted cover (with an MR2 logo or something would be pretty cool) but not too bothered at the end of the day - as long as the weather doesn't wreck the paintwork over the next few months I'm happy.
Looking to spend up to £50, I think that's reasonable? Already looked on Ebay and didn't see much of interest.
Finally - is there anything I ought to do if I'm having to leave her standing for a while? I was planning to have the wheels off to stop the tires getting wrecked (and also prevent the pikeys from getting any ideas ). Will my coilovers be ok?
Car cover recommendations?
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Re: Car cover recommendations?
I got one of the advan-tex covers from these guys, not cheap but top notch. You might be able to get away with the Voyager cover they sell which isn't much more than £50.
http://www.coveryourcar.co.uk/store/home.php?cat=478
http://www.coveryourcar.co.uk/store/home.php?cat=478
Re: Car cover recommendations?
You must do an absolutely cracking job of washing and polishing it before covering or any grains of dirt will be dragged across the paint when the wind blows - sand papering your paintwork!
Re: Car cover recommendations?
Thought about trying to rent a garage, contact your local council or RSL (registered social landlord) they usually have loads of empty garages, going rate round here is £65 per quarter
Re: Car cover recommendations?
Cheers Moo, I'd found them and was considering one of the Stormforce range as they sound pretty top notch for the price!
I'll have to look into the garage idea, not sure if I'd be happy having it out of sight a couple of miles away though lol
I'll have to look into the garage idea, not sure if I'd be happy having it out of sight a couple of miles away though lol
Re: Car cover recommendations?
The below was posted on Piston Heads in 2005 but I imagine it's still relevant.
I can't post a link to the original article as I don't have enough posts yet.
Meguiar's has issued this advice for new paint finishes:
1. Wash frequently -- during the first 90 days, freshly painted car finishes are soft and easily penetrated by bonded contaminants. This makes it especially important to wash your car more frequently during this time period. Regular car washing is the easiest way to remove contaminants before they have enough time to bond to your paint finish and the following tips may help:
2. Remove contaminants immediately - regular maintenance with a mist and wipe product removes fresh contaminants before they have time to bond to, or etch into, your paint finish.
- To minimise water spotting and etching, always wash your car in the shade and make certain that the surface is cool to the touch.
- For best results, never use dishwashing or household detergents to wash your car. They will dry out your paint and accelerate the oxidation process. Use only good quality car wash formulations which are pH-balanced and will enhance and condition your newly painted surface. Meguiar's obviously recommends its own...
- Start from the top and work your way down, one section at a time, applying car wash solution liberally using a deep pile washmitt (Guess what? Meguiar's makes them too...).
- Use two buckets, one for washing and one for rinsing, or a grit guard, to make certain that your sponge, brush or mitt is not inflicting avoidable scratches by reapplying the dirt and grime that you just removed.
- To reduce the time it takes to dry your vehicle, on the final rinse, remove the nozzle and let the water gently flow out over the surfaces of your car in a stream of water rather than a spray. This will sheet the water off your car, leaving much less water to dry and saving you a lot of time and effort.
- To avoid scratches during the drying process, only use a high quality microfibre towel. Meguiars said its towels are trimmed with "premium satin edges" to prevent scratches.
Quickly remove water spots and contaminants like bird droppings, bugs, tree sap mist, road film, dust and overspray to provide a renewed shine. Stubborn stains or spots that cannot be removed with a mist and wipe product should be immediately washed.
3. Use only a pure polish on fresh paint -- unlike car waxes, a "pure" polish can be used on fresh paint to create brilliant, deep, clear gloss. Rather than coat your finish, pure polishes penetrate, rejuvenate and remove surface imperfection to create a bright finish without inhibiting the curing process.
After 90 days, most repainted car finishes are fully cured and ready to wax. Any paintwork will benefit from an annual deep cleanse to remove wax build-up and prevent the early on-set of oxidation.
4. You can extend the life of your paint finish, said Meguiar's, with the following tips:
- Park your car in the shade and under cover to avoid contaminants and UV degradation.
- Avoid parking near trees. Tree sap mist is the most prevalent bonded contaminant on car finishes, destroying slickness and gloss.
- Avoid the use of rubbing compounds and all other abrasive products.
- To achieve maximum gloss and protection, use a detailing clay or clear coat-safe paint cleaner to make your paint as smooth as glass before you wax your car.
- Wash your car regularly to remove contaminants before they have time to bond and etch into your paint finish.
I can't post a link to the original article as I don't have enough posts yet.
Re: Car cover recommendations?
Sounds like hard work
Decent link though, cheers mate!
Decent link though, cheers mate!