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[joshwyatt]

I've been thinking about buying a car cover to fit an Omega saloon. My Omega is always parked on my gravel drive, either under a tree or just on the gravel. So, I either get gravel dust that comes up when it rains or tree sap and bird poo etc.
On ebay there are some generic car covers that'd fit an Omega. Has anyone ever bought one? Or did VX produce a proper tailored one? Any recommendations?

[Lazydocker]

Only advice I'd give is to make sure it's a good quality, breathable one, otherwise you could have all sorts of problems

[Entwood]

The only "experience" I have with car covers was my late uncle some years back.

He decided that as he didn't use his car much it would protect the car from birds/dirt etc ... as you say.... so he got one and fitted it IAW the instructions.

He then had 2 major problems with 3 months.

Certain areas of the car paintwork were badly marked by the cover rubbing when moving in the wind. Some bits polished out, but others actually needed repainting they were "worn" that much.

He also has serious damp issues inside the car, seems the covers prevented any "natural" ventilation.

Now, I accept his car was stood, covered, for long periods, and you may not leave yours for such long periods ... but I would be very hesitant to use one myself, based on his experience..

HTH 

[joshwyatt]

Something good to consider Paul, thanks. Some are as cheap as £10. The breathable one's seem to be nearer £50. It makes sense to get breathable, or condensation could build up on the inside which wouldn't be good.
My only concern really is the 'universal' nature of them, I doubt they'd be a very good fit. I was hoping VX made one which would be tailored to the Omega.

[joshwyatt]

The only "experience" I have with car covers was my late uncle some years back.

He decided that as he didn't use his car much it would protect the car from birds/dirt etc ... as you say.... so he got one and fitted it IAW the instructions.

He then had 2 major problems with 3 months.

Certain areas of the car paintwork were badly marked by the cover rubbing when moving in the wind. Some bits polished out, but others actually needed repainting they were "worn" that much.

He also has serious damp issues inside the car, seems the covers prevented any "natural" ventilation.

Now, I accept his car was stood, covered, for long periods, and you may not leave yours for such long periods ... but I would be very hesitant to use one myself, based on his experience..

HTH 

Ah, that's not something I'd even considered. The wind does tear up and down the drive a fair bit. Some of them feel like the smae mateiral that garden marquees are made from, and they can be quite rough. Thank you Nige...I wouldn't want to end up causing more damage than I'd be preventing 

[Dishevelled Den]

Have a look through the various classic car mags Josh, you'll find the likes of this......



http://www.hamiltonclassic.co.uk/acatalog/OutdoorCoverCar.html


http://www.hamiltonclassic.co.uk/acatalog/info_MT.html

[Kevin Wood]

As said, you can't win really. They need to have a soft lining and fit tightly so they don't flap around over the paintwork and damage it, but they need to let the car breathe so they don't trap moisture against the car. Soft linings absorb water... Breathable fabrics aren't 100% watertight, especially when fitted tight.

A mate of mine left a TVR under covers for a few months in the winter once. The paintwork bubbled all over the car and the leather interior just rotted away. OK, that was a GRP body, and not a desperately well made car in the first place, but, as you can see, they can be counter-productive. :-/

Kevin

[feeutfo]

Bike covers are exactly the same. Constant use will muller the paint.

Only thing I would consider is a car port of some sort. Either constructed permanent with foundations maybe? or a possibly a portable canvas afair. A tent with no sides basically. But what ever is put up will get covered in shite as well obviously.

Maybe a "lean to" on the side of the house by the gate? Maybe? Timber frame with a ply and felt roof? Could probably buy the materials for half the price of portable joby.  :-/

[05omegav6]

Might be a bit late in the year, but...

Old stock gazebo/marquee of a suitable size from homebase or similar. Usually well discounted in sale, approx £100 regular price. They can be 10'x20', so plenty big enough for a mig.

Failing that, give the car a bl**dy got clean and polish, topped with a coat or two of wax and just park it up. If you pick any leaves/twigs of it, keep the scuttles clear and wipe off any bird poo when you spot any, then it should just need a quick rinse before you next use the car.

Al.

[05omegav6]

P.s. I have a boat that is covered with a woven acrylic cover. Keeps all the water out, is breathable , (boat is bone dry inside) , and durable (lasted 7 years so far) . One of the best £1500 I've spent .
But it does wear away the paint where it rubs in the breeze. Have to touch up every year.
Would have thought about £300 - £400 for a well made one, that is made with careful measurement of your car, and well secured. Polystyrene pads will help keep the cover off the car, but will still scratch where they move in the breeze/gales. :-/

[Kneepad]

Cut the tree down then tarmac the drive. 

[henryd]

I have always been wary of covers,unless the car is clean and dry to start with the inside of the cover will pick up dust/dirt and use it to mark the paintwork with wind flapping ,I think they are best used as dust covers for cars that are stored under cover

[mantahatch]

These are good but very pricey http://www.carcoon.co.uk/carcoons/index.asp

Should add they do indoor and outdoor versions.