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Car Cover Recommendations for C3?

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Old Aug 31, 2016 | 04:13 PM
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Default Car Cover Recommendations for C3?

I got my '72 out of storage (stored for 10 years without driving) and the nice indoor/outdoor car cover I had for it fell victim to some critters (car is fine though). I had a mechanic go through everything and am finally ready to bring it back home to my new pole barn, but I'd like to get a new cover, as trying to patch the old one might be a bit cheesy. Any recommendations (product and where to buy it) on a good value? Just looking for indoor protection. Seems like the Corvette catalogs get pretty expensive, but something generic from like Amazon may be too generic and may not fit well (I'm guessing).
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Old Aug 31, 2016 | 04:16 PM
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True Fact: the one-size-fits-all generic covers are worthless and will not fit as advertised. You want a C3 specific cover when you make your choice. I purchased my most recent two from Willcox. They're exterior covers and good quality.

Last edited by Easy Mike; Aug 31, 2016 at 04:17 PM.
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Old Aug 31, 2016 | 04:16 PM
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I've had good luck with car covers from Costco. There is a Coverking custom-fit cover you can order online, or you can get the generics at the warehouse store.

I guess it depends on how passionate you are about side mirror pockets.
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Old Aug 31, 2016 | 08:23 PM
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wolf car covers
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Old Aug 31, 2016 | 09:36 PM
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I bought a Max Tech...It was under $100. It fits pretty well for a cheap cover.




Brian
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Old Aug 31, 2016 | 09:38 PM
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Bubba would use an old quilt. I'm just sayin'.
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Old Sep 1, 2016 | 07:11 AM
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Originally Posted by Wee
I bought a Max Tech...It was under $100. It fits pretty well for a cheap cover.




Brian
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Old Sep 1, 2016 | 08:54 AM
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I use the same type. Got it from Corvette America. Came with an extra grommet for the antenna hole. It is the "Econo Tech"cover, even cheaper!
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Last edited by Tooch1; Sep 1, 2016 at 11:07 AM. Reason: Corrected information and type of cover.
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Old Sep 1, 2016 | 08:57 AM
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Backside of grommet.
I use the cover in garage over winter months only. During the summer driving season I prefer a soft cotton white bed sheet to cover the white soft top only.
Regards,
Jim
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Last edited by Tooch1; Sep 1, 2016 at 08:59 AM.
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Old Sep 1, 2016 | 10:29 AM
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That brings up a good question. Do the cheaper ones have a hole for the antennae if its a non retractable type?
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Old Sep 1, 2016 | 11:06 AM
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Originally Posted by xpoc454
That brings up a good question. Do the cheaper ones have a hole for the antennae if its a non retractable type?
There was no hole in the cover. I had to measure, cut out the hole and install the grommet.
Hope this answers your question. Rechecked my cover and it's the Econo Tech one not the Max Tech.
Regards, Jimmy
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Old Sep 1, 2016 | 12:28 PM
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No hole in my cover....I don't think it came with a grommet either...I do plan on adding one.

Brian
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Old Sep 1, 2016 | 12:36 PM
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I remove the antenna 1st.

I have two covers, one for indoors that's super soft and light.
Onyx from Corvette America

Then I have a Coverking Triguard if it needs to be outside for a day.
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Old Sep 1, 2016 | 10:28 PM
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My C3 sits outside all year round. I buy those "7 layer" "waterproof" covers on ebay, usually about $50 including shipping. They do a good job but will only last about a year. I doubt a $250 cover will last 5 years. It's the beating sun that kills 'em. Sometimes I use the old cover over the new cover to extend its life.
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Old Sep 2, 2016 | 01:12 AM
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I live on the Gulf Coast, it's humid and we get rain on a regular basis. What is the opinion as far as parking under a car cover on concrete, left in the rain?
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Old Sep 2, 2016 | 08:45 AM
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My C3 sits outside. I live in Central Texas where the sun will ruin a car. I sprung some extra bucks for a fitted Covercraft "Sunbrella" model.

Covercraft has quite a variety of covers in all types of price ranges. I would suggest at least taking a look at their selection of covers.
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Old Sep 2, 2016 | 02:54 PM
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I am more worried about humidity being "trapped" under the cover.
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Old Sep 2, 2016 | 03:11 PM
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I love my real cotton California Car cover......never a scratch and fits perfect. BUT....not waterproof.....sooooooooo......I bought a waterproof el-cheapo at O-reilleys.....and stretch it over the top of the Cali cover if I think the sky is going to dump.......works perfect.
TIP: When you get your cover......mark it in huge letters...TOP and FRONT with a sharpie......saves a lot of hassle......

Jebby
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Old Sep 2, 2016 | 03:32 PM
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Originally Posted by lowbuck72
My C3 sits outside all year round. I buy those "7 layer" "waterproof" covers on ebay, usually about $50 including shipping. They do a good job but will only last about a year. I doubt a $250 cover will last 5 years. It's the beating sun that kills 'em. Sometimes I use the old cover over the new cover to extend its life.
I had a couple of car covers purchased online that only lasted one year before they disintegrated in the sun.

My latest is a Coverking, it's a shiny UV cover that makes my car look like a giant restaurant baked potato in the driveway, but it seems to be holding up pretty well (much to my surprise).

You don't want a waterproof cover; that will trap moisture next to the car and cause issues. You want a cover that is breathable.
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Old Sep 2, 2016 | 06:46 PM
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Originally Posted by Richard Daugird
I am more worried about humidity being "trapped" under the cover.
EXACTLY!!!!!!!!!!!!! I live in a humid area of the country also...

I have written about this many times when I see this subject.

NOW..a person can do whatever it is they want...I am NOT here to judge anyone. BUT....

Coming from an owner of a Corvette shop...that has to deal with 'stuff' I should not have to deal with...I can tell you this.

I do not CARE who's car cover is being used. ANY car cover will cause for trapped moisture of some degree VERSUS a car left out in the elements....AND this is BECAUSE the car cover acts like a greenhouse.

AND...if this car cover is NOT removed and allow the car to BREATHE and open the doors,etc after it has been rained on. DO NOT be surprised that a musty smell can SLOWLY begin to appear....and if you start seeing fasteners in the car begin to RUST....Now you know why.

AND this is because I SEE THIS CRAP quite a lot.

Car covers take maintenance...and lets not get into the paint being damaged due to trapped moisture UNDER the car that evaporates and does not get out as fast as you may think. Usually car covers are pulled down as far as they can go to the ground...so even if you think they 'breathe' . They do not breathe as well as an obstructive area.

If any of my customers whose Corvettes I have painted chooses to use an outdoor cover.....they are on their own if a paint problem occurs. I HAVE SEEN some ONE of the metal cars I restored that were in excellent shape for years AFTER it was painted...but once the car lost the use of a garage ...and had to be left outside....and it was COVERED ( after telling them NOT to)....it did not take long for internal weld joints and areas that should not begin to rust...did that...began to rust and GROW.

If you use an outdoor cover....remove it and let the car breathe especially after rain.....OR...do not honor anything I just wrote and ....well what happens will happen. Maybe nothing at all...or everything I just mentioned.

DUB
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