car covers? good or bad - 2003-04 Mach 1 Registry Owners Club

Mach1Fury03 · 07-22-2007, 09:21 PM

Hey guys i bought a car cover about 2 years ago for my mach and was putting it on today and had a guy drive by that i knew and he told me they will mess up your car more than they will protect it. he said in windy days they flap around and scratch it. Thoughts/comments please. What would be better just leave it out or cover it.

thanks

mike

NoChew_Blue03 · 07-22-2007, 09:33 PM

I just have a cheap one from Auto Zone that has elastic on the bottom.

I don't know what would flap around on a car cover that would damage anything on a car.

Mach1Fury03 · 07-22-2007, 09:48 PM

i got the same ****, bought a cheap one from pepboys, ( their most expensive) its elastic and i lock it in place inbetween my exhaust tips and bumper, fits perfect, it doesnt move at all but when i take it off ig et smudges from where it touches the paint. i think i might be better w/o it and just keep the mach waxed very well for easy cleaning.

Marks04DSG · 07-22-2007, 10:01 PM

If you get a good custom fitted cover with soft weave flannel and use the tiedowns and cable it won't scratch your clearcoat. On a 100deg. day I'll take my custom fitted cover anyday..

Immortal LuD · 07-22-2007, 10:19 PM

I would think if there is dust/dirt underneath, yes.

My Brother picked up an expensive one from Target, and it's peeled paint off his 1995 Cobra. Very pissed about that.

I don't even use my CDC cover.

Blackpony04 · 07-22-2007, 10:31 PM

Mine has spent 3 years outside and covered with a Weathershield cover. It can haze the finish along the edges after a long winter but they've always buffed right out. I've started using a Noah Evolution cover for the summer (got it for a price I couldn't pass up) and haven't had any issues so far....

G · 07-22-2007, 11:00 PM

I have a cover intended for both inside and outside use. I've started using it some and love it. I can't see how it could harm anything. Mine is a California Car Covers custom fit for a Cobra.

Their site has some good info on covers:

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

FEARED · 07-23-2007, 12:49 PM

just make sure it doesnt flap around.. secure that thing!

gotmach · 07-23-2007, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marks04DSG

If you get a good custom fitted cover with soft weave flannel and use the tiedowns and cable it won't scratch your clearcoat. On a 100deg. day I'll take my custom fitted cover anyday..

I agree. Must be made for the car for a good fit. Summitt raceing sales nice ones from Wolf.. I had one on my 83 vert . no problems..

Do take them off from time to time . Once I left mine on the Vert for about 5 months with out takeing it off the inside hade some mold in it. Take it off at least once a week and let the interia breath !

NoChew_Blue03 · 07-23-2007, 01:27 PM

I should clarify:

That cheap one I bought only goes on after I wash/wax OR do a quick detail and get all of the dust/bugs off of it. It is not real porous and I always have the same side up and the same side down since it will get the occasional smudge on it from being in a cramped garage.

It also sits inside a garage when it is covered, and dust is the only thing I am concerned about, not all the other elements you might encounter out of doors.

It is do hard to cover it with one person when the car is all slick after waxing that I put the front elastic under the license plate (I have to have one here or I'll get nailed every time) and then pull it back and then go back to the front and bring it down over the chin spoiler.

Then I pet it and talk to it.

I would definitely get a custom one if I was going for "mint" condition instead of my "anal-retentive execellent" condition since I am the 2nd owner.

gfong · 07-23-2007, 02:12 PM

I used cheap and the moisture gets under and the paint gets hazy. I use the CDC cover now and if I leave it on after it rains it does move around and marks the paint a bit. It takes me about 2 waxings to get it off the high spots. I live in an apartment and deal with the elements and have found this to be the best way to keep the sun and elements off of the car. I store the car indoors in winter and there are no marks to speak of so it is the rain and the leaving on after the rain that is making the mess for me. Damed if I do and damed if I don't.

I truely believe the CDC Mach 1 cover is an indoor cover and I am using it outside in Spring Summer and Fall. (my mistake)

Marks04DSG · 07-23-2007, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Immortal LuD

I would think if there is dust/dirt underneath, yes.

My Brother picked up an expensive one from Target, and it's peeled paint off his 1995 Cobra. Very pissed about that.

I don't even use my CDC cover.

"Common Sense" make sure you have freshwax coat and wipe off dust 1st

Immortal LuD · 07-23-2007, 11:21 PM

Yeah, tell that to the five hour claybar, and wax we did to it before we put the cover on.

E-MACH · 07-24-2007, 05:10 PM

If a cover is out in the wind and weather, make sure it's the best quality you can afford. Covers will absolutely rub off or scuff the paint if they don't fit like a glove. If your car is dirty and gritty when you put it on, that doesn't help matters either. My Probe GT got worn clear through paint on some corners from a loose fitting cover.

Marks04DSG · 07-24-2007, 05:41 PM

I usually don't leave my cover on for days on end because my car is a dd, I can see how if left on for days/weeks outside without removing and wiping car down with some detail spray or whatever some damage could occur

07-22-2007, 09:21 PM	#1
Mach1Fury03 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Toms River, NJ Posts: 76	car covers? good or bad Hey guys i bought a car cover about 2 years ago for my mach and was putting it on today and had a guy drive by that i knew and he told me they will mess up your car more than they will protect it. he said in windy days they flap around and scratch it. Thoughts/comments please. What would be better just leave it out or cover it. thanks mike __________________ 2003 mach 1 Bone stock runnin 13.4 @105 Mods soon to come

07-22-2007, 09:33 PM	#2
NoChew_Blue03 phones + drivers = danger Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: southern Illinois Posts: 269	Re: car covers? good or bad I just have a cheap one from Auto Zone that has elastic on the bottom. I don't know what would flap around on a car cover that would damage anything on a car.

07-22-2007, 09:48 PM	#3
Mach1Fury03 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Toms River, NJ Posts: 76	Re: car covers? good or bad i got the same ****, bought a cheap one from pepboys, ( their most expensive) its elastic and i lock it in place inbetween my exhaust tips and bumper, fits perfect, it doesnt move at all but when i take it off ig et smudges from where it touches the paint. i think i might be better w/o it and just keep the mach waxed very well for easy cleaning. __________________ 2003 mach 1 Bone stock runnin 13.4 @105 Mods soon to come

07-22-2007, 10:01 PM	#4
Marks04DSG DSG forme Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Woodbridge, Va Posts: 1,817	Re: car covers? good or bad If you get a good custom fitted cover with soft weave flannel and use the tiedowns and cable it won't scratch your clearcoat. On a 100deg. day I'll take my custom fitted cover anyday.. __________________ 2004 DSG Auto Mach1-TRADED IN FOR 06 auto GT - C&L racer intake/VMP tune, imco pro axelback with more to come

07-22-2007, 10:19 PM	#5
Immortal LuD Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Daytona Beach, FL Posts: 556	Re: car covers? good or bad I would think if there is dust/dirt underneath, yes. My Brother picked up an expensive one from Target, and it's peeled paint off his 1995 Cobra. Very pissed about that. I don't even use my CDC cover.

07-22-2007, 10:31 PM	#6
Blackpony04 Free Thanks to the Brave! Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Niagara County, NY Posts: 3,220	Re: car covers? good or bad Mine has spent 3 years outside and covered with a Weathershield cover. It can haze the finish along the edges after a long winter but they've always buffed right out. I've started using a Noah Evolution cover for the summer (got it for a price I couldn't pass up) and haven't had any issues so far.... __________________ Mark Recovering Mach Addict

07-22-2007, 11:00 PM	#7
G Undocumented Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Enterprise, AL Posts: 15,828	Re: car covers? good or bad I have a cover intended for both inside and outside use. I've started using it some and love it. I can't see how it could harm anything. Mine is a California Car Covers custom fit for a Cobra. Their site has some good info on covers: http://www.calcarcover.com/how_to_select.aspx __________________ _____________________________________________ 2003 Mach1 AB 5spd 2004 Mach1 TR 5spd (sold) 1933 Ford 3W Coupe (4.6 dohc Stack Injection) 2003 Cobra TR (sold) 2014 Mustang GT (Track Pack) in Black

07-23-2007, 12:49 PM	#8
FEARED USN Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: NAS Lemoore, CA Posts: 666	Re: car covers? good or bad just make sure it doesnt flap around.. secure that thing! __________________ 2003 Mach 1, Torch Red, 5 Speed, IUP K&N Intake, MM CC Plates, Lowering Springs, MAC o/r H pipe, SLP Loudmouth Cat Back, Hurst Shifter, Nitrous, Roush LCA, Cobra R Style 17x10.5, SCT Tuner, MT DRs, MM Front Coil Overs, Alum DS ... Mine Since April 06' #8616

07-23-2007, 01:27 PM	#10
NoChew_Blue03 phones + drivers = danger Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: southern Illinois Posts: 269	Re: car covers? good or bad I should clarify: That cheap one I bought only goes on after I wash/wax OR do a quick detail and get all of the dust/bugs off of it. It is not real porous and I always have the same side up and the same side down since it will get the occasional smudge on it from being in a cramped garage. It also sits inside a garage when it is covered, and dust is the only thing I am concerned about, not all the other elements you might encounter out of doors. It is do hard to cover it with one person when the car is all slick after waxing that I put the front elastic under the license plate (I have to have one here or I'll get nailed every time) and then pull it back and then go back to the front and bring it down over the chin spoiler. Then I pet it and talk to it. I would definitely get a custom one if I was going for "mint" condition instead of my "anal-retentive execellent" condition since I am the 2nd owner.

07-23-2007, 02:12 PM	#11
gfong Greg Fonger Join Date: May 2004 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 3,416	Re: car covers? good or bad I used cheap and the moisture gets under and the paint gets hazy. I use the CDC cover now and if I leave it on after it rains it does move around and marks the paint a bit. It takes me about 2 waxings to get it off the high spots. I live in an apartment and deal with the elements and have found this to be the best way to keep the sun and elements off of the car. I store the car indoors in winter and there are no marks to speak of so it is the rain and the leaving on after the rain that is making the mess for me. Damed if I do and damed if I don't. I truely believe the CDC Mach 1 cover is an indoor cover and I am using it outside in Spring Summer and Fall. (my mistake)

07-23-2007, 11:21 PM	#13
Immortal LuD Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Daytona Beach, FL Posts: 556	Re: car covers? good or bad Yeah, tell that to the five hour claybar, and wax we did to it before we put the cover on.

07-24-2007, 05:10 PM	#14
E-MACH Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: St. Louis Posts: 580	Re: car covers? good or bad If a cover is out in the wind and weather, make sure it's the best quality you can afford. Covers will absolutely rub off or scuff the paint if they don't fit like a glove. If your car is dirty and gritty when you put it on, that doesn't help matters either. My Probe GT got worn clear through paint on some corners from a loose fitting cover. __________________ Keep on running

07-24-2007, 05:41 PM	#15
Marks04DSG DSG forme Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Woodbridge, Va Posts: 1,817	Re: car covers? good or bad I usually don't leave my cover on for days on end because my car is a dd, I can see how if left on for days/weeks outside without removing and wiping car down with some detail spray or whatever some damage could occur __________________ 2004 DSG Auto Mach1-TRADED IN FOR 06 auto GT - C&L racer intake/VMP tune, imco pro axelback with more to come

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)