Lotus Europa Community

Lotus Europa Forums => Garage => Topic started by: surfguitar58 on Sunday,March 20, 2022, 05:03:05 AM

Title: Car Cover, and that Damned Puddle
Post by: surfguitar58 on Sunday,March 20, 2022, 05:03:05 AM
My 6 year old car cover is about to give up the ghost. Anybody have a better option for a fitted TCS cover than the usual (carcover.com/carcovers.com/carcoverstore.com) options? This would be an outdoor cover for New England summer only, though early spring/late fall snow has been known to catch me off guard.

Bonus question: Anybody have a clever way of dealing with the puddle that accumulates in the dam created by the spoiler on the rear deck of a covered Europa? I'm going with a piece of 1.5 inch construction foam over a terrycloth towel under the cover, but wondered if there was a better idea out there. Sucks not having a garage.

Tom
Title: Re: Car Cover, and that Damned Puddle
Post by: dakazman on Sunday,March 20, 2022, 05:49:46 AM
How about a 3/4 pvc tent frame sitting on top of panel, with car cover on top. On top of a towel of course. Square base with a centered longitudinal pole to the other center.
  My. El Camino is a big bathtub.
Dakazman
Title: Re: Car Cover, and that Damned Puddle
Post by: Kendo on Sunday,March 20, 2022, 06:42:06 AM
For the first two years I had my Europa before building the garage, I built a PVC “geodesic dome” over the car that held an extra large cover a few inches away from the car all around. It was easy enough to lift off to take a drive. But a garage is better. What about one of those portable carports made of steel and some kind of roof?
Title: Re: Car Cover, and that Damned Puddle
Post by: Pfreen on Sunday,March 20, 2022, 07:53:08 AM
I bought the Coverking stormproof car cover.  I am extremely happy with it.

https://coverking.com/products/1974-lotus-europa-car-cover?variant=40329560064162&sub=Special&main=car-cover-stormproof.

The previous two covers I had over the years I was not happy with. 
This cover holds up, is easy to put on and take off, and looks great. 

I bought it in 2019.

It is not cheap though.  I guess you get what you pay for.


Title: Re: Car Cover, and that Damned Puddle
Post by: gideon on Sunday,March 20, 2022, 10:48:36 AM
Do you have space for an inexpensive tent style carport?  Keep the sun and rain off for less than the cost of a fitted cover.   Pack it away in the winter when your car goes wherever it goes for the winter. 
Title: Re: Car Cover, and that Damned Puddle
Post by: dakazman on Sunday,March 20, 2022, 11:46:56 AM
  Thanks Gideon ,
I found this ! 
   https://www.unitefeed.us/10-x-20-feet-heavy-duty-carport-portable-garage-enclosed-car-canopy-outdoor-instant-shelter-party-tent-with-sidewalls-for-auto-and-boat-storage-waterproof-and-uv-treated-grey-peak-top-style?gclid=CjwKCAjwoduRBhA4EiwACL5RP7STV32naPhDViwK83nLtw_HI_c0jrTpEF7Qf_MoIsH5CB3yO-Xb6xoCqVcQAvD_BwE

    Dakazman
Title: Re: Car Cover, and that Damned Puddle
Post by: surfguitar58 on Sunday,March 20, 2022, 01:47:25 PM
Thanks for the great advice guys!

I bought the Coverking stormproof car cover.  I am extremely happy with it.

https://coverking.com/products/1974-lotus-europa-car-cover?variant=40329560064162&sub=Special&main=car-cover-stormproof.


Paul, that's exactly what I want. Ordering mine today. Thanks!

Regarding the carport/garage tent approach, I had a 16' x 20' version that served me well for a few years. It was located at my mum's house nearby, but sadly she passed away last year (aged 101, after a fulfilling life) and we sold her home. I currently live in an "historic district" and a tent at my house would be severely frowned upon by the town and my snooty neighbors. I've got my eye out for a rental garage, but they are like unicorns around here and astronomically expensive. The summer cover and off-site winter storage will have to do for now.
Tom
Title: Re: Car Cover, and that Damned Puddle
Post by: Pfreen on Sunday,March 20, 2022, 01:57:35 PM
I think you will be happy with it.

What color did you get?
Title: Re: Car Cover, and that Damned Puddle
Post by: surfguitar58 on Sunday,March 20, 2022, 02:44:24 PM
I think you will be happy with it.

What color did you get?

I went with tan, 'cause the Europa is all about understatement and subtlety.  :FUNNY:
t
Title: Re: Car Cover, and that Damned Puddle
Post by: dakazman on Sunday,March 20, 2022, 05:39:52 PM
   Yes Surf, very subtle with your gorgeous livery.
I pulled the trigger and purchased that 10x 20 tent . I can use it on and off for parties and if I decide to work outside . Hell for 78$ it will definitely be fun for the kids.
Guys ,
I do love your cover but I’m really looking into a 8 x 16 cargo carrier dual axle. In green so I can paint a nice yellow lotus emblem on it. However we are talking covers here.
Dakazman
Title: Re: Car Cover, and that Damned Puddle
Post by: surfguitar58 on Monday,March 21, 2022, 05:00:06 AM
   Yes Surf, very subtle with your gorgeous livery.
I pulled the trigger and purchased that 10x 20 tent . I can use it on and off for parties and if I decide to work outside . Hell for 78$ it will definitely be fun for the kids.
Guys ,
I do love your cover but I’m really looking into a 8 x 16 cargo carrier dual axle. In green so I can paint a nice yellow lotus emblem on it. However we are talking covers here.
Dakazman

D’man, the guy who delivered my car from CT had a trailer like that (sans the logo). Very nice. Earlier I mentioned my 12 x 20 garage tent, it’s worth noting that I bought a cheap one and the fabric cover was totally UV degraded in 1 year. Another example of you get what you pay for.
t