Need the benefit of experienced Elan owners!

[Galwaylotus]

Hoping to purchase an Elan this summer. I have no garage and am near the ocean. Any recommendations on a good car cover?
Also want to know best tyres for a (fair mix of ) wet wether. All suggestions gratefully accepted. I'm really looking forward to getting back into an Elan after too many years without!!

[elansprint71]

Welcome!
I think there is a +2 owner from Kenmare on the forum (sorry, can't remember the name), he may be able to advise on your particular type of weather.
Despite all the advances in breathable fabrics, I'm inclined to think that one of those old-fashioned "fold over garages" might be best, these allow lots of air to circulate and there is always a danger that direct contact covers may damage paintwork.

Cheers,
Pete.

[nebogipfel]

A light fabric dust cover for use in a garage is OK (old bed sheet ) otherwise avoid covers - they will damage the paintwork.

The softest cover and slightest movement will rub away paint edges when blown over many hours by the wind

[1964 S1]

I agree, avoid using a car cover if possible. My Elan's paint has a gazillion hairline scratches due to one windy day, the car was clean and I thought the cloth cover was too, but..... nnooooo. If you have a garage it's a different story of course, no wind, and a cloth breathable cover would work fine.
If I was fortunate enough to live near the ocean, but no garage, I'd probably try a cloth cover with a seperate sheet of plastic over the top of it and then secure them (somehow?) tightly enough that the wind and salt air couldn't damage the car.
Searching the archives here you'll find many threads on both car covers and tire suggestions. When it comes to tires I think you may find if you ask four people you'll get four different answers. I recommend shopping name brand tires and get the best set on sale at the time. I found a set of Michelins just before they quit making that style and jumped on them. Great in the wet, dry and even snow!
Eric

[elan_fan]

They are expensive but I've just bought 2 folding garages as I need to store my cars for a while. They are canvas and don't touch the car at all.

regards
Mark

[dgently]

Hi Galway,

There are quite a few paddies on this forum. You'll find them here or classiccar.ie. I'm a +2 owner in Dublin.

There's an outdoor version of the carcoon - www.carcoon.co.uk that seems right up your street. Pricey, but they have a very good reputation.

[Stuart+2]

Hi Galway

My +2 lives in a big carport and I cover it with a cover - have done so for 2 years.

The cover has a very soft lining and is secured underneath with a strap to minimise movement. I'm very happy with he result - paint is fine with no evidence of extra wear - in any case, loads better than the alternative.

[Robbie693]

Lots of people using covers here. Anyone had problems with microblistering using just cotton?

[Elanintheforest]

Only one using a cover on car outside Robbie, and Sydney is a very different climate! Using a cover outside here in the UK you get a lot of damp build-up under the cover in the wintertime, and that will eventually find any defects in the paint and get in / under. You would minimise the damp by also having the covered car in a carport, but we still have damp air.

Just as bad is having the car wet inside, as the water can find its way through the fibreglass and under the paint. Cracks and damage that has been repaired properly from the outside often leaves the inside area slightly porous with hairline cracks that water can get into, then under the paint through capillary action.

The folding 'garage' looks a good idea, but it needs to be on concrete and preferably with no water flowing through. If it's on soil or grass, any winter sun will draw moisture from the ground, which will then condense on the walls and drip onto the car...again, it could be a damp environment

Have a look on eBay under 'portable garage'. There are a number of options and some of them very cheap. They look like big tents, and keeping one end open (away from the wind direction) most days would provide a dry and airy environment for your loved one. Then you can keep the car in the house

If you're keeping the car in a dry garage, and it's dry when it goes in, you won't have a problem with a cotton cover.

Mark

[Robbie693]

Thanks Mark, I am keeping it in a garage so I'll get my cotton cover out.

Problem is, it's too big for the washing machine! Trip to the lauderette methinks

Cheers

Robbie