Covering the Car

[99V6Camaro]

OK, i posted this in the General Catagory, and didnt get any responses, and knowing that this board gets lots of traffic, i figured i would post here also. I am going off to college in a few weeks and am taking my camaro with me. I am wanting to buy a car cover to keep it somewhat protected, but not sure on what to buy. I was looking at a Weathershield and was wondering if anyone had this? Any comments are appreciated!!
Thanks

And PS i am new here [img]smile.gif[/img]

[Everglades W68]

I have a Weathershield car cover. It is awesome! I highly recommend it. Weahtershiled is made by Covercraft. It repels water very well and can be scrunched up into a small package when not in use. the Nextec encapsulated fibers work just like they describe. I've had mine severall years in the intense South Florida sun and it still is in excellent shape. It has not broken down or left fibers like the Noah and Evolution covers do as they get older. Zero scratches. It is very thin and lightweight.

Downsides: It provides little ding protection and is very hard to put on when it is windy.

[99V6Camaro]

Cool, do u mind if i asked where you got it from and how much u paid?

Thanks

[Everglades W68]

I paid $255 plus $9 shipping about 2-3 years ago. I bought mine from:
http://www.bigskycarcover.com/catalog/index.asp

The big name distributor is:
http://www.calcarcover.com/

California Car Covers calls Weathershield "Superweave." It is the same thing, made by Covercraft, just a different distributor.

When I bought mine a few years ago, it only came in two colors, gray or taupe. I see Covercraft now has expanded that selection to eight. HOWEVER, see the warning California Car Covers has posted about the bright colors.

"We do not recommend the use of bright color Superweave fabric on light color surfaces.
"Crocking" is a fabric industry term for color transfer of dyes from a fabric to another surface. Each dye-lot of Superweave fabric is tested for both wet and dry crocking and certified to AATCC Test Standard ratings of 4 or higher (out of 5) for resistance to crocking. But even with continuous testing there is still a possibility that bright colors (red, green, blue, black & yellow) can transfer color dye when rubbed against light color surfaces."

http://www.calcarcover.com/cover_find2c.aspx

Like I said in my first post, I'm happy with my Weathershield cover. If I were buying a cover in anything but gray or taupe, I'd do some extensive research to see what's up and why California Car Covers is posting the above warning.

By the way, that warning would apply regardless of whether you buy from Cal Car Covers, Big Sky or anyone else.

I looked at the manufacturer's site,
http://www.covercraft.com/weathershield.htm ,
and found the identical warning. Think about it: the manufacturer is posting a warning about their own product. I'd definitely be careful and do some research.

Also, I see your car has a non-retractable antenna. The antenna was a non-issue for me bcause mine retracts. From the looks of Cal Car Covers' site, there is a antenna sleeve now available. If you buy from any other distributor, you should inquire if you get the free antenna sleeve along wih the grommets.

[ August 17, 2004, 06:54 AM: Message edited by: Everglades W68 ]

[Denis]

Don't forget to look on eBay, I see someone has a used SLP cover out there now. I got a great deal on a Coverking Stormshield myself a while back.

[99V6Camaro]

OK guys thanks for all your help, and Everglades, i dont think it would make much of a difference if i buy a colored cover since my car is blak, but i was leaning twards just buying the black cover anyway. But thanks for the input!

[Everglades W68]

I was looking at prices today.

California Car Cover charges $300 for the Weathershield (aka Superweave); Big Sky charges $221.

If you go for the two color thing (and I'm still not convinced, but that's just me), it is $360 from Cal Car Cover, and $231 from Big Sky.

I don't know if Big Sky gives you the free antenna cover and grommets like Cal Car Covers.

Either way, the companies send your order to Covercraft. Covercraft makes the cover and ships it directly to you. Covercraft puts a "Big Sky" or "California Car Covers" logo on the front, depending on who the order comes from.

[Mighty Thor]

Just in keep in mind. The more expensive they are, the better.

I've gone through three car cover. But then again it gets to be over a hundred here in the summertime.

Be careful though. Too much dust on your car and the covering it might cause hairline scratches.

[Rob@USC]

Do you plan to live on campus or park on campus? The reason I ask is because both colleges I've attended plus everywhere else that my friends from high school went to required a parking tag on your car to park in campus lots/garages. I've seen them in rear windows, hanging from a rear view mirror, and as a sticker on the rear bumper (depending on the school). You may want to get in contact with your future school's parking office and see what they have to say about it.

Rob

Edit: The past two years I've been lucky and gotten garage spots. It'll keep the car a little more protected that sitting out side, but not as much as a cover would. It's probably too late to try it this year, but maybe look into getting a garage spot if your school has them.

[hawgs]

I have heard very good things about the SLP cover from people with very nice cars on LS1tech. [img]smile.gif[/img]

[99V6Camaro]

Yes, i will be living on campus, btw i am going to Rose Hullam School of engineering for Mechanical Engineering. I will call the school and see what their policy is but there are no garages. :(