Thing car cover?

No Simple Highway · Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2014 9:57 am Post subject: Thing car cover?

Is the Thing-specific car cover from a specialty shop significantly better than a one-size-fits-most type cover, or will the standard type car covers do a good job of protecting the Thing?

Thanks all.

ONWARD!
NSH

FV195 · Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2014 11:02 am Post subject:

I have one from the thing shop, it fits nicely and is weather proof

No Simple Highway · Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2014 11:57 am Post subject:

Thanks FV.

Anyone have input on the alternative $69 version from the chain FLAPS for comparison?

ONWARD!
NSH

GI Joe · Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2014 12:47 pm Post subject:

I too have a TTS purpose fit unit....
but, I can see the value in a more universal item($$$$$$ savings) and ease of putting it on(simply toss it over instead of tucking the corners and fastening under he bumper)...

Keep in mind, if this is to be used Outside(wind/elements), then you'll need to secure it to the Thing somehow... The purpose fit have elastic band around the base to snug it under the bumpers... A universal will Not have this, or it will not fit right and do you aNy good...

Any weatherproof cover will work, as long as the dimensions cover your Thing.... Keeping it On the Thing will be your challenge...

Clear as Mudd? Wink

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'74 Thing, "Our Thing".... Blue 181

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tbdean · Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2014 6:40 am Post subject:

I have a $69 version from O'Reily. It will keep rain off for a short period of time. An extended rain will soak right through. It's nice to have on hand but don't count on a $69 car cover to do too much.

Schwankster · Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2014 11:28 am Post subject:

I've tried several different covers in the $50-$100 range, and they all seem to last about a year before they start falling apart (or the local cats claw holes in them when they climb on the top). I got tired of water getting in, so I had a custom cover made at a local upholstery shop from awning material. It is a thick vinyl covered material that still looks like new after a year in the Texas sun. The materials were about $100, and another $200 for the labor, but it works GREAT! I can take it off in about a minute, and put it on & strap it down in about 3 minutes. It fits over the bikini top and keeps the interior clean and dry. I call it a "shower cap" for my Thing.

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rrankin · Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2014 12:10 pm Post subject:

I've tried the cheap ones in the past. Those that got theirs to last a year were lucky. My antenna tore the $69 one the second time I put it on... it was mostly functional for about 8 months with infrequent use.
_________________
'74 Thing [Fritz]
Austin, TX

mondshine · Posted: Wed Sep 17, 2014 7:15 am Post subject:

I designed this cover so I could park my car outdoors overnight without putting the top up. (I don't like putting the top up.)
The guy who made it for me now sells them in TheSamba Classifieds.

oasis · Samba Member Joined: December 12, 2002 Posts: 2168

The shower cap is a clever one-off design. I will go the same route as mondshine when the time comes, however, as it looks easy to take with me and use mid-excursion.

I will have to drive my Thing there so they can make a custom one to accommodate highback seats. I guess mine will be a one-off, too. Wink

_________________
Now: 2003 New Beetle Turbo S / 1990 Single Cab Transporter / 2014 Tiguan R-Line 4motion / 2013 Tiguan S / 2002 Golf GLS TDI
Past: 1974 Thing Acapulco / 2009 Eos Komfort / 1997 Jetta GT / 2002 Cabrio GLX / 2002 Passat GLS / 1971 Super Beetle / 1993 EuroVan MV Westfalia / 1981 Pickup LX / 1985 Vanagon / 1986 Jetta GLI

Schwankster · Posted: Wed Sep 17, 2014 9:34 am Post subject:

I would've gotten the Mondshine cover if I didn't have a roll bar (and bikini top). It is so handy to not have to put the top up at night (or during the week), and also keep the interior clean and dry. I used to put the full top on during the week, and then on the weekend I'd swap to the bikini top. That got old real quick! Since I got the "shower cap" I've never put the full top back on. I wouldn't normally drive in the rain or in really cold weather (for South Texas, that is below 50 degrees!) so the bikini top and shower cap work great for keeping the Thing ready for a cruise without any hassle. The Mondshine cover looks to serve the same purpose.

Schwankster · Posted: Wed Sep 17, 2014 9:35 am Post subject:

duplicate

74 Thing · Samba Member Joined: September 02, 2004 Posts: 7393

I like both of those! I wish the shower cap cover was available since I too have a roll bar.

bald_dude43 · Posted: Wed Sep 17, 2014 11:01 pm Post subject:

Sweet! Guess for next months project I am going to buy some marine canvas and dust off my industrial sewing machine. Schwankster you inspired me. Are the bottom edges sewn with rope inside for re-enforcement?

mondshine · Posted: Thu Sep 18, 2014 5:45 pm Post subject:

Here is a link to Jonce Fancher's ad for my Thing cover.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=820467
Jonce is a long time VW guy; he makes tents & awnings for Westfalias, and all sorts of other VW related stuff.
He'd be a good guy to make the "Schwankster Shower Cap" cover (if there was enough interest). Since Jonce is somewhat local to me, I would be willing to let him use my car to make his patterns (if there is enough interest).

Good luck, Mondshine

Johnthemann · Posted: Fri Sep 19, 2014 9:58 am Post subject:

I bought a cheap one off of flea bay...I was pleasantly surprised it fits perfect and is obvious custom for the thing. Great in the garage but probably not much for outside.

Schwankster · Posted: Fri Sep 19, 2014 7:30 pm Post subject:

The only reinforcement on the shower cap are the hemmed edges (folded and sewn) with double stitching. The awning material works great since it is thick and waterproof.

bald_dude43 · Posted: Sun Sep 21, 2014 8:22 pm Post subject:

ente_kaefer · Posted: Sun Sep 21, 2014 9:44 pm Post subject:

I'm really liking the 'shower cap' cover, my subdivision will not allow vehicles to be parked outside on the driveway with a cover, this would work perfectly !!

There's a shop near my home that makes covers for boats, once I get my car running and on the road I'll have to take it over and get a quote for a 'shower cap' cover.

The only change I would make would be to allow magnets to be mounted to the cover to make sure it *really* will stay attached to the car.


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