This is Not a Cover Up!

[Biscuit3]

So Karl came back from the body shop today! Looks absolutely fantastic! Appart from the masking tape holding the front and rear roundels on until tomorrow, Karl knocked the socks off all other cars on the road today.

But besides all this, when I brought him home today, my dad had bought a nice car cover for him. Now, before I ask my question, the box says:

- Protect your car from exposure to sun, dust, pollutants, and moisture

- Made from 100% nylon taffeta

- Breathable, water repellant

- Elastic front and rear hems for a snug fit

And above all else, it states on the back it will specifically fit 2002's.

I was speaking to Slash02 tonight and he thought it would be a good idea to ask this question here and I agreed with him, so here goes. First, I know it's probably not a good idea to keep a car cover on the car when it's windy outside especially after I have just gotten it painted. But it's not windy tonight, so don't worry. But, Karl lives outside now and I'd really like to at least keep him looking good until the weekend. So in a vein attempt, on went the cover as soon as I got home tonight. Is it ok to keep a cover on a car when it's outside all the time? I'd only have it on overnight and it is a really good "fitted" cover, I can't see it flapping around in the wind or blowing off very easily. I am this close to getting the exterior to near perfect and I don't want to ruin things now. Thanks in advance!

[winstontj]

It can take up to 6 months for the resins inside the paint to fully cure. When you buy a new car (in the states at least) you aren't supposed to wash your car with anything other than a brushless carwash for 6 months or else you can run the risk of swirls and scratching.

Also you have to be careful about dew and condensation. You don't want to be trapping moisture in or under the cover. You could be unintentionally causing Karl to rust. Some morning when there is dew go out and see if the cover is soaked and if the inside is wet. Also make sure the cover is breathable enough that you won't be trapping moisture in after it rains.

Covers aren't a bad thing in general but they should be used correctly. It's hard to cover a car outside.

[Timmer]

Are there any "strings attached"? most car covers come with a string (thin chord) to make a tie for securing., usually on the sides. There may be a metal ring on each side and a string attached at one end, you then toss it under the car and tie it to the opposite ring. You could always add your own if the car cover didn't come with those. I had a nice poly/cotton cover a while ago and it had a chord and the driver side had a zipper to access the driver side door. I would just stay away from using it when it's raining out.

Tim

'69 2000

[esty]

i wouldn't cover a freshly painted car...the paint needs to cure, get hard...the cover can make impressions in fresh paint..i'd leave it open for at least a month & depending on what kind of paint was used, perhaps longer

i wouldn't cover a can that stays outside all the time, at all...the constant flapping and dust getting trap'd underneath acts like an abrasive...moisture will collect under the cover, causing additional problems...i feel most people overestimate the purpose and benefits of car covers

but do what your head and heart dictate...it's your car

[Biscuit3]

Thanks guys! I'll be getting up at the crack of dawn tomorrow so I'll go straight outside to check under the cover for dew (pronounced "jew" here for some reason) as soon as I get up. I wish we had a three door garage here. Karl used to be garaged but that ended when my dad bought his camper trailor, and the 318i has the other side. It will be good when they go away for xmas, Karl can live inside again for a couple of weeks!

If I had my way, Karl would have a garage full of trophies, medals, and awards he had won over the years. Posters of him in magazines... The floor would be covered in padded carpet, black of course for obvious reasons. And there would be a mirror on the back of the garage door so he could admire himself when the door is shut. Ahhhh, but of course, this would be in a perfect world.

[bugtustlebub]

hey Ash,

Cool to hear about Karl looking so "crispy" and all!

I'll go to Jess' Lunch for a couple of dogs to celebrate for you.

One question; What's happened to your boy 'OTIS'? (David Bowen, we miss you.)

Regards,

Randy Bryant

Elkton, VA

[Napes]

I agree w/ esty and would not put a cover on freshly painted car for @ least a month, or more. Let that good Aussie sun bake that finish for you. I do not wash freshly painted cars w/ anything but flowing water for @ least six months.

Bob Napier

[Biscuit3]

Let that good Aussie sun bake that finish for you.

Bob Napier

You're right Bob. It's summertime here now and the sun will be at its best. Instead of waiting six months like you guys do, it'll only be about 3 days for me!

[TobyB]

and my gawd, will they fu$% up soft paint.

After a few weeks, you could put one on to cut down on the

effects of the sun,

but they do horrible things with moisture.

No covers for me.

t

[TMK-001]

Hey Ash,

I personally avoid car covers at all cost. The reason is why Esty stated. Unless the car and cover are perfectly clean every time you put the cover on, the dirt and fabric will leave micro abrasions on the paint surface.

Is it waterproof also? Cause this is what you really want for a car cover if you are storing it outside - that and a nice thick cover if you are in Sydney where they have hail storms that spit tennis ball sized icey chunks onto your car...

Todd