DIY car cover?

[J1]

My Ghia has been kicked out of the garage. I’ve had multiple car covers including the one from KGPR and other mid range covers. At most they’ve lasted about 6 months before leaving a pile of dust everywhere.

I know there are the $500 covers made with Sunbrella (acrylic) that is very durable. I have a patio cover made from Sunbrella that is still in one piece after a decade.

I’m thinking of buying some Olefin material which is supposed to be about the same durability as Sunbrella for about $200 to DIY.

Thoughts? Suggestions?
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1971 Ghia coupe. Assume I know nothing and you'll be pretty darn close to the truth.

[Braukuche]

[tommu]

I guess it depends where you live. Here in SoCal the sun is brutal, it'll strip your paint in a few years. But it's not damp.

I have the KGPR cover right now and it's holding up fine for now but for sure it won't last years.
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[John Moxon]

[mooopers]

I've had pretty good success with a good car cover (very waterproof and breathable). Then I put on a very good quality heavy duty tarpaulin all strapped down (weather depending). It also needs to be on gravel or concrete for good drainage. Make sure the car is clean before any of this. I can be a bit of hassle every time you wanna use it. The problem with car covers is without a doubt UV. It absolutely destroys them that's what the tarp is for.

Other choice is a temporary garage tent of sorts.

Neither is great long term but its not expensive.
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1958 Beetle
1960 Ghia Coupe
1965 Volvo Amazon 131
1969 T2 Deluxe

[dc]

After MANY different covers for my old cars- the latest one for the Ghia was purchased on eBay from "thecoverfactory" - it really is waterproof and breathable! and it is very soft on the car side...
But - I think the key is the carport is usually parked under
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1963 Karmann Ghia

[hitest]

Go pull the cover off your barbecue. See the wear? Now imagine your paint.

1- A tarp, especially plastic, is the worst solution on this or any earth. They work great under tents and on the way to the dump with your tree trimmings.

2- A fitted cover, while nice, sits and rubs. If you wax your car more often than your bikini region- you're perhaps okay.

3- Auto paint is made to withstand elements. A canopy over the car is the safest bet all around.
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[J1]

Thanks for the comments. I'm in SoCal under all these UV rays, so I have a good idea what will last and what won't. You pretty much get what you pay for.

A hard canopy was certainly a consideration but it may be a bit of an eyesore in my neighborhood.

I could dish out the $500-600 for a durable UV proof car cover, but I'm a damn cheapskate! I suppose if it lasts me 5 years, it will be money well spent. Come to think of it, that may be all I need it to last since most of my kids may be out of the house by then and I can reclaim my garage.

I may still pursue a DIY car cover because, well, I'm always up for learning something new. FYI, I'm considering one of the Olefin products here... https://www.fabricguru.com/solid-outdoor
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1971 Ghia coupe. Assume I know nothing and you'll be pretty darn close to the truth.

[c21darrel]

I built this in about 2013 and Ill get another 10 years + out of it. Its just one of those frames from a formerly material covered carport thingy. Now with corrugated metal top. Frame came free, materials were just north of $200. Once my project DC is painted I will put up some sides too. No complaints from neighbors, depends on your yard set-up. GL J1.

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GhiaBuild
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=481184
1967 DC build
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=693583&highlight=67+dc
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