Good cheap car cover?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Houston TX
Good cheap car cover?
I'm about to buy a 98 C5, I live in an area with lots of trees and definitely have sap issues, so I want to find a way to cover the car. My plan is to build a temporary cover while I finish my garage, but in the mean time I want to buy a cheap fabric cover to protect it. I've read lots of threads about what the best covers are, but these tend to be 200-300 bucks. Seeing as I might only need it for a few months... are there any covers that do the job for much less? Thanks.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 536
Likes: 2
From: Brisbane Queensland
Good and cheap are really contradicting terms. You can either purchase good or cheap, but probably not both in a car cover.
If you only need a cover temporarily, get a cover from your local discount auto parts. You should be able to pick one up for under $100 and it should last a few months until you can get that baby in the new garage.
The covers usually discussed on the forum for $200-$300 are higher quality and usually form fitting. Used by those of us lacking a garage or garage space (too many cars).
If you only need a cover temporarily, get a cover from your local discount auto parts. You should be able to pick one up for under $100 and it should last a few months until you can get that baby in the new garage.
The covers usually discussed on the forum for $200-$300 are higher quality and usually form fitting. Used by those of us lacking a garage or garage space (too many cars).
Last edited by stu12dozen; Aug 22, 2014 at 02:31 AM. Reason: speling
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 2,491
Likes: 315
St. Jude Donor '15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20-'21-'22
I'm about to buy a 98 C5, I live in an area with lots of trees and definitely have sap issues, so I want to find a way to cover the car. My plan is to build a temporary cover while I finish my garage, but in the mean time I want to buy a cheap fabric cover to protect it. I've read lots of threads about what the best covers are, but these tend to be 200-300 bucks. Seeing as I might only need it for a few months... are there any covers that do the job for much less? Thanks.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 2,222
Likes: 798
From: Fort Myers Beach Florida
My cover for my 02 vert came from KMart and is made by Sears. I use if when in storage inside a garage. It was on sale for about $22 and is usually only about $30 when not on sale. It is called the "weatherhandler". They come in different sizes and the chart said the vert uses size large. Works great but does not have pockets sewn in for the mirrors
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 4,496
Likes: 856
From: Walhalla South Carolina
I have seen clear plastic temp. throw away covers for cheap, can't remember where but do a google search. These were advertised for using for car shows etc while on vacation and wanted a cheap way to cover car. Kinda like the throw away rain suit deal.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Houston TX
Thanks, didn't think to check at my local auto parts store, just assumed they wouldn't stock it.
There's a chance I might be able to build me a more permanent temporary cover over labor day weekend, so I might not have to chance it with a cheap cover!
There's a chance I might be able to build me a more permanent temporary cover over labor day weekend, so I might not have to chance it with a cheap cover!
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Race Director
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 15,767
Likes: 3,283
From: Phoenix area, AZ
As someone whose car sits outside under four cottonwood trees in the Texas weather 24/7/365 I have to agree with Chip. A GOOD outdoor cover is going to cost, but a GOOD cover is worth that cost. I lucked out and found one of the top-end name-brand covers that Chip sells used here on CF for $60. I snatched it up so quick I think I left tire marks. 
Chip has very competitive prices on his covers. I'd strongly suggest considering this route instead of going cheap. The cheap covers (yes I've tried all of them) blow off the car when the wind reaches 20+ or so mph.
Chip has very competitive prices on his covers. I'd strongly suggest considering this route instead of going cheap. The cheap covers (yes I've tried all of them) blow off the car when the wind reaches 20+ or so mph.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 24,500
Likes: 312
From: Scottsdale AZ
Covers also come up for sale in the C5 Parts for Sale forum . . .you can also post a Want To Buy (WTB) ad there- be sure and post your location . . ..you might also try the regional forums.
Good luck-
Good luck-
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 36,838
Likes: 438
From: Manassas Park VA
St. Jude Donor '07-'08,-'13-'14, '16-'17
As someone whose car sits outside under four cottonwood trees in the Texas weather 24/7/365 I have to agree with Chip. A GOOD outdoor cover is going to cost, but a GOOD cover is worth that cost. I lucked out and found one of the top-end name-brand covers that Chip sells used here on CF for $60. I snatched it up so quick I think I left tire marks.
Chip has very competitive prices on his covers. I'd strongly suggest considering this route instead of going cheap. The cheap covers (yes I've tried all of them) blow off the car when the wind reaches 20+ or so mph.
Chip has very competitive prices on his covers. I'd strongly suggest considering this route instead of going cheap. The cheap covers (yes I've tried all of them) blow off the car when the wind reaches 20+ or so mph.
TYhttp://www.customcorvetteaccessories...eatcovers.html
http://www.customcorvetteaccessories...overcraft.html
Rock on
Regards
Chip
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 2,222
Likes: 798
From: Fort Myers Beach Florida
So help the supporting vendors get wealthy or buy a functional cover that works great for a fair price at Sears/Kmart. You decide
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 11,206
Likes: 1,139
From: Santa Rosa Beach FL
Race Director
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 15,767
Likes: 3,283
From: Phoenix area, AZ
Those supporting vendors are the reason this site is here and free for us to use.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 536
Likes: 2
From: Brisbane Queensland
The other thing I've noticed about this free to use forum is the lack of reading comprehension skills exhibited by many members, ie; "Good Cheap Car Cover". I also find it amazing, the number of people so willing to help you spend your money.
Let us know what you decide to do.
Let us know what you decide to do.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,422
Likes: 118
From: San Gabriel Valley California
St. Jude Donor '14-'15
I recently bought a 'Coverking' cover for my other car, not my C5. It has perfect fit, and seems very good quality.
I also bought from same company a front window sun-screen for my C5. It has a perfect fit for the window. I was impressed. And it seems good quality as well.
Not sure of the prices, I'm away from home right now, and can't look up the price I paid. I don't think it was 'cheap' though.
But the quality is very good from Coverking.
Don
I also bought from same company a front window sun-screen for my C5. It has a perfect fit for the window. I was impressed. And it seems good quality as well.
Not sure of the prices, I'm away from home right now, and can't look up the price I paid. I don't think it was 'cheap' though.
But the quality is very good from Coverking.
Don
Pro
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 536
Likes: 2
From: Brisbane Queensland
Especially when you're talking about automotive parts & accessories.
However, we are in the midst of a wine glut here in OZ. Too many grapes is the current problem, so I was able to score some "good/cheap" wine lately.
