Need the benefit of experienced Elan owners!
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Post by: Galwaylotus » Fri Jun 27, 2008 8:19 pm
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!!
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!!
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Post by: elansprint71 » Fri Jun 27, 2008 9:32 pm
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.
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.
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Post by: nebogipfel » Fri Jun 27, 2008 10:14 pm
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
) 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
John
No longer active on here, I value my privacy.
No longer active on here, I value my privacy.
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Post by: 1964 S1 » Fri Jun 27, 2008 11:25 pm
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
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
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Post by: dgently » Sat Jun 28, 2008 4:32 pm
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.
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.
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Post by: Stuart+2 » Tue Jul 01, 2008 2:17 am
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.
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.
Stuart - Sydney
1968 +2 50/1035
1968 +2 50/1035
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Post by: Elanintheforest » Tue Jul 01, 2008 10:23 am
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
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
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