Car Covers - garage with slight exposure

[Huw]

Hi,

Having just bought a house with no garage (pay it forward, next house should be suitably fitted out), I have had to locate alternate and nearby housing for my zed.

I have found a secure parking spot (CCTV, underground, security passes, handshakes etc) but the park that is available backs on to an area where water/rain could get in during bad weather (it is shielded by metal grating etc).   

As such, I am looking for a car cover for the zed that:

(1) fits;

(2) breathes; and

(3) is good for light exposure.

All of the covers I have previously owned have fitted terribly and simply annoyed me. 

(By storing it this way rather than where it currently is, I have some hope of driving it more regularly despite the slight compromise on storage).

Any suggestions / recommendations?   (1971 240Z).

Huw

 

[1600dave]

I can't make a suggestion for sizing for a zed, but having an MX5 with a leaky soft-top that lives on the street I'm a bit of a self-proclaimed "expert" on car covers.

I have found the best of the ones I've used ver the last 8 years of MX5 ownership to be the top of the range ones from Supercheap.....They sell a few different rated ones, I use the one that has the highest rating for waterproof-ness (and is the most expensive, although not excessively so).

I've also used one from Repco, plus a more expensive one from a dedicated "car cover" selling website (would have to look at it to be sure, its past its use by date for keeping the MX5 dry on the street but has been relegated to keeping the dust off the Datsun in the shed). The most expensive one lasted the shortest time before degrading / starting to rip. The Repco one lasted OK, but the front and rear elastics failed - the "belly strap" meant it didn't come off the car but in any sort of wind the front or rear would lift off the car and flap around. It also wasn't 100% waterproof, despite being claimed to be. Not too bad, but the car would be damp under the cover after rain and stayed damp for a while so cover wasn't great for breathability.The Supercheap ones lasted longest (still only maybe 2 years in full sun / rain all the time), fitted well and were 100% waterproof. Also had little vents and seemed to breathe well, if the cover was put on while the car was wet, it still dried out well.

Whatever you get, be prepared to replace it every couple of years.

Edited February 15, 2023 by 1600dave

[David Zeytron]

Have you tried looking for the right zed covers on any marketplaces? I don't have zed covers, but I can look online for options. Can you share your car data so I can find the right size cover? I will also ask my friends if they know of such a cover. I know a friend bought the same car at some auction like epicvin? Maybe someone has one in their garage.

Edited February 26, 2023 by David Zeytron

[gav240z]

I bought a carcoon and it's very expensive for what it is, but breathes and protects the car from the elements and keeps it trickle charged.

If the car is in a carport you can get a drive in carport version which just zips up. I would like to get 1 myself.

I have an outdoor version but it's a pain to take the car out and put cover back on when done. Just takes time and a bit of faffing about. The drive in version would be much easier to live with, but I suspect requires a carport because it has tent like metal bars to give it shape so perhaps in wind the concern is that it may hit into the body of the car.

Where as the outdoor version has no supports and just inflates.