Classic Shop Talk - Hagerty - Cover your assets

IN THE EARLY 1950s, Southern California MG owner Charlie Weber wanted his car to stay clean while parked. His wife thought up a fitted cover that she had sewn by a local tent maker. That first cover spawned the MG Mitten Company and a line of covers. By 1966, MG Mitten offered fitted covers for 30 cars, thanks to fledgling cover manufacturer Covercraft. Today, Covercraft offers fitted covers in more than 55,000 different patterns.

The two basic types of car covers are universal and custom-fitted. Universal covers cost less and are offered through most auto parts chains and discount stores. Costing as much as several hundred dollars, custom-fitted covers fit more securely, are less likely to lift in a breeze and need to be ordered. Where and how your car is stored determines the cover you need. A car kept in a garage or building with a climate controlled system needs less protection than one that sits out next to a cement plant.

Two important things to consider are that some materials are best suited for indoor use and that others offer better weather protection. Although there are many companies selling car covers, there are only approximately three American manufacturers (Covercraft, Wolf/Global Accessories and Coverking) and they buy some fabrics from the same sources.

The major fabrics often consist of: Tan Flannel — Primarily for indoor use, this is a woven material that provides fair dust protection and shields against scratches. Dustop® — A non-woven cover primarily for indoor use, Dustop is thicker, ultra-soft and its four-layer construction provides excellent impact protection. WeatherShield® — A Covercraft exclusive, its woven polyester fabric and patented finish provides good protection against water, dust and sunlight. NOAH® Car Cover — A non-woven cover with a film barrier, it is water repellent, offers good UV protection and is soft inside. If you don’t have a cover, whatever you do, avoid the temptation to drape your car in plastic or heavy canvas that might trap moisture and damage its finish.

Cover Sources

Chances are you can get a universal fit cover at your local big box store. But if you want one that is tailored for your car, you’ll probably want to order it. Although many different companies offer covers, we’ve listed a few of the better-known sources.

California Car Cover

9525 De Soto Avenue

Chatsworth, CA 91311

818-998-2300
www.calcarcover.com

Covercraft Industries Inc.

100 Enterprise Blvd.

Pauls Valley, OK 73075

405-238-9651
405-238-9601 fax
www.covercraft.com

Coverking

900 E. Arlee Place

Anaheim, CA 92805

800-COVERKING
www.coverking.com

Griot’s Garage Inc.

3500-A 20th Street East

Tacoma, WA 98424-1700

800-345-5789
www.griotsgarage.com

Wolf Automotive

Global Accessories, Inc.