Proper way to store a car under a tarp?

[KMinAF]

I need to store my project car outside through the winter and was looking for advice gained from past experiences you may have had. I'm not worried so much about rodents etc and the car is parked on concrete, I am more concerned about protecting it from the sun and most likely snow. I also worry about the possibility of the tarp chaffing the paint. My plan was a cheap car cover followed by a 9mil tarp from HF.

 

[Bill Bowman]

No matter how many layers you put on the car, the paint surfaces will get chaffed. Not maybe, but it will happen from wind movement, etc. A cheap car cover, could get wet and hold water, causing even more problems. Personally, I would leave the car without a cover against the finish. Maybe a carport would be better? Bill

 

[Stuart in MN]

The problem with a tarp is it will trap moisture right against the car, potentially causing more damage. Snow isn't a big concern since it's just the stuff falling out of the sky - it's the salty slush on the road that does the damage. Sun damage may be more of a concern in Utah, but where I am the UV rays aren't very strong in the winter time.

I'd suggest getting one of those portable garages, or else just give it a good coat of wax and let it sit outside.

 

[RossABQ]

What stage is the "project" at? If you don't have final paint, or even final primer, the chafing won't be an issue. You want a cover that will "breathe" freely and not trap moisture. They aren't cheap, unfortunately. You might consider one of the "cocoons" that are like a giant Zip-lock bag.

 

[RVDan]

The only good way to store a car under a tarp is to build a frame to hold the tarp a foot off the car with both ends open to prevent moisture buildup.

 

[bushmechanic]

The only good way to store a car under a tarp is to build a frame to hold the tarp a foot off the car with both ends open to prevent moisture buildup.

Damn. I was just about to type that.

No cover that lays directly on a vehicle is worth a damn. They will all cause more damage than good. Don't believe a single word of the hype.

For an interior, just get some old-fashioned reflectors, and for an exterior pick up one of those stupid folding tent things, a car port, or just nail a frame together for the tarp.

Car ports are actually a hell of a lot cheaper than most people think.

 

[Rosco]

Use a breathable car cover and then put a tarp on top of that, open on both ends. Works well for limited periods of time. I use this on my boat and it breathes, repels rain and blocks the UV rays. Tarp wont even last a year in the southern sun, but the expensive cover is going on 3 years and I replace the tarp ($39) when needed

 

[Matt M PA]

When I lived with my folks, I kept my 2003 Cobra covered with a lightweight cover made of a very light material. It reminded me of a nylon windbreaker. Covercraft made it and it could've been Nextec? Anyhow, I never found damage on the paint, but always ensured the car was clean prior too covering. The cover kept out most moisture, unless it was a terrible rain storm....but was breathable to allow the moisture to escape.

 

[J Persons]

I used to work out of Fontana, Ca about a mile from the California Speedway. I would park my '06 F 150 for about two to three weeks at a time, most of the time using a car cover. When I failed to put the cover on the fallout onto the paint was terrible and would take me a couple of hours of cleaning to get all the soot and other **** off the finish. The covers would last about 2 1/2 years before they would need to be replaced due to the acid rain and other stuff that would weaken the fabric and cause it to fall apart. Even after four years of that abuse the finish still looked as good as new. There was no wear from the cover rubbing on the paint and it didn't trap any moisture.
The cover I used was from Cal car cover and the fabric was called Noah

 

[xyster101]

I would agree on something that is just above the car. Any room to put one of these?

They are $200 at tractor supply

Or build a short box out of 2x4 and put some tarps on it. What about renting a storage space for the winter?

Mice WILL get into the car no matter where you put it. So put steel wool in all the holes and lot of dryer sheets in the car (they repel mice too). Also take out the battery and put it on a tender if you have one. Don't forget stable in the tank. Some people will put a tarp on the ground, park on that, then fold the tarp up and over the car. Then put another tarp on top of the car so mice don't get in. This is used inside a garage though.

 

[ambenz]

xyster101 has a great idea, protected without touching the car, at all!
I have a 10X20 popup tent in the driveway for the summer time, I think you could something like that...

The legs are adjustable so you could lower it to just above the car so wind won't catch it.

I would never leave a tarp on the car over an extended peroid of time.
You may also consider putting a good few layers of pure carnuba wax over the paint, to protect your investment.

 

[EvergreenHills]

I would agree with others here. Get a portable tarp garage thing to put up over it. I'm sure you could find one that's not too expensive.