First off, I believe I am posting in the correct forum. Anyway.... I first would like to say that I have had my share of car cover experiences. The old saying of "You get what you pay for" is true. Just a note, I am in Southern California, not by the beach and my vehicles are stored outdoor. For examples: I have purchased a basic standard car cover for under $50.00 and it lasted about 3 months before completely deteriorating. Car covers from California Car cover that run about $150.00 last about a one year and 6 months for me. Car covers from California Car cover that run $250.00 or more are my best results. Over 2-3 years. My cars are primered, so I have found that placing a brown and gray tarp (not blue, as these are low quality and will make more of a mess than anything) underneath the car cover will make the cover last longer. You will have less friction rubbing away at the cover. Now my covers are finally ripping at the seams and tearing away under its own weight. They had a good run. But now I am looking to get something more durable. It will be cheaper for me to make my own car cover. I will use my old one as a template and get my yardage specs from there. Since I mostly have mid 60s Impalas. The body styles are basically the same as far as a cover is concerned. I have starting doing auto upholstery on the side for the last 2 years and have acquired a "walking foot sewing machine". You can see how I can benefit from making my own cover. Note: Taking on this task with a regular sewing machine will be crazy and unheard of. I highly don't recommend it. My dilemma is what type of material should I use. I will purchase an entire roll (about 30 yards x 54" - 60") depending on the manufacturer. So I will be able to do all my vehicles from the same material. Canvas is out of the question, it dries out within 6 months, outdoor for me. It will rip like a thin crispy cardboard. I am thinking of 3 options: Sunbrella, Heavy duty White Marine vinyl, Allsport. Sunbrella: I have not used or bench tested. Marine Vinyl: It has held up good in my outdoor conditions. Allsport: I am not familiar with, I was recommended this by another Hamber. I appreciate any input or suggestions. I will keep you posted on the outcome.
You can buy it by the yard. As posted before if you can I would build a shed to put them in. <TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=0 width="98%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top align=left colSpan=3></TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top align=left colSpan=3><DL><DT>Rochford Supply <DD>by phone: 866-681-7401 / 763-447-6600 by fax: 763-447-6601 by e-mail: info@rochfordsupply.com </DD></DL></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
http://www.covercraft.com/carcovers/universal_car_covers.html Great car cover !!! I had one on a Black 69 Riv, bulky but keep it clean and cool and dry. Great Fabric Choff
Have you tried COSTCO? You won't find the unusual cars on their web site but a phone call will probably get you what you need. Charlie Stephens
Sorry, I am new to posting on this forum. I am trying to "reply" to each person but it keeps throwing them at the end of the forum. Hope it makes sense...
Just thinking a little outside of the box here... Maybe try looking online at some of the outdoor sign and banner supply houses. They tend to have a variety of materials available for advertising banners. The stuff tends to be pretty durable for outdoor use in the wind and weather. And I expect they might even have some specs for durabilty for comparison purposes. The sign places may not sell the material in bulk like you're looking for but at least you might find some brand names to research further.
Just try using the "Qoute" feature... like this! You can edit the quoted text as needed if it's a long post to make things easier to read.
Sunbrella is course , believe it will be hard on your primer ,then the metal. Marine vinyl will sweat, and be heavy in a big piece. Allsport I believe will be as bad to sweat. The vinyl can be vented by cutting in vents and making little scoops to keep out the water , use screen under the vent to keep out mice. I think when you price the right material it may not be as cheap as you think. Good luck. Jack
I would use storm-shield cover material $12.40 a yd. http://www.miamicorp.com/default.aspx?page=item+detail&itemcode=SS32157&catlist=34891 Sunbrella is too abrasive and starts at around $20 a yd. Allsport is a 4 way stretch vinyl made for stretching over ATV, jet ski etc seats. The car would sweat under it and the material would deteriorate quickly sitting in the sun. Make sure you use marine rated thread.
I know you're not looking for a shop to make your car cover, but check this company out.. They make an absolute top-shelf product. They build any type of cover for all the big time race teams, car-covers,pit box covers, pit stall canopies,etc..Unbelievable quality and craftsmanship They built a tonneau cover for my roadster thats a killer Owned by the Riggins family since '83.. all gearheads to the max.. Mrs Riggings drives '29 Nash...!! I'd bet they would know exactly the material for your specs..and you might consider them making one.. The covers they make for the NASCAR teams are a real work of art.. look the site over, you'll see.. http://www.alphacanvasraceproducts.com/ Made right here in Charlotte NC , good ol' USA.!!!!
The sun and salt air are what's killing your covers. Finding something that withstands that is going to be hard. As much of a h***le it is, getting and replacing the one's that last a year, may be your best bet. I use the auto store cheapies and replace it about twice a year.
That's what I was thinking about the marine vinyl. Being that size will be heavy and may sweat. The one vinyl I am thinking of has this "furry/felt" on the under side. But if I place a tarp under this cover do you think it will still build up moisture? I don't have sea air to worry about. Just direct sun and sometimes wind.
I have ordered from miamicorp before. I'll have to order one yard for a trial run since they don't have samples for that one. Thanks
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