Selecting the correct cover for your Corvette is an important decision and not something to be taken lightly, particularly if you're serious about protecting the car's interior and exterior paint and trim. Various factors will enter into your selection, but the most important is where you are parking or storing your Corvette. Do you simply need a garage dust cover, or do you require a super cover that will stand up to consistently inclement weather? Both types, and everything in between, are available from aftermarket suppliers, but here we'll look at some of the criteria surrounding Corvette covers and how to select the right one for your favorite ride.
One of the largest manufacturers of custom-fit covers is Covercraft Industries, headquartered in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma. They manufacture most of the covers available from automotive retailers and through OEM accessory programs. Covercraft has been in business since 1965 and has fitted patterns for all '53 to present Corvettes-in any type of material you might need. Although custom-fit covers are usually more expensive than generic non-fitted covers, they do a much better job protecting your car.
Let's look at the most popular materials and what they can do to protect your Vette. In the accompanying chart, each material is rated from poor to best, under the most common weather conditions. The chart has been arranged by usage and performance comparisons with other materials.
Keep in mind, not all covers are created equal; we've all seen the torn cover blowing in the wind. The physical construction can differ dramatically between manufacturers. Regardless of the manufacturer you select, the highest-quality covers feature double-stitched overlapping seams to prevent against rips, neoprene elastic sewn into the front and rear hems to hold the cover in place, reinforced non-scratch grommets with protective flap, and optionally available, a vinyl coated cable and lock for theft protection. Some covers feature a coating or laminate on the outside only, which can wear off or delaminate. Always compare construction of the cover as closely as you examine the protection value of the material.
Quality covers will feature double stitched construction and reinforced non-scratch security grommets on the driver and passenger side. A vinyl covered cable and lock securely attach the cover to the car, protecting against weather and theft. A quality custom fitted Corvette cover is an investment in the protection and security of your vehicle.
Lets look at what type of cover will work for you. Some fabrics focus on protection from a specific element, such as intense sun or dust/dirt. One of the most important factors to consider is breathability-you don't want to trap moisture UNDER the cover. Condensation causes mildew and rot, and can ruin your paint in a short time. If your vehicle is stored in a closed, dry garage, then Tan Flannel or Dustop(r) would probably be your best choice. Both breathe and protect the paint finish. If you have a carport or partially exposed exterior parking, than an all-weather cover like Block-It(r) 200 Series would be a good choice. For completely exposed, let-it-all-hang-out-in-the-weather parking conditions, then either NOAH(r) or Kimberly Clark's latest breakthrough fabric, WeatherShield(tm) would most likely work best.
WeatherShield(tm) is a unique new fabric exclusive to Covercraft. It's light weight (weighs less than 5-ounces-per-square-yard) and folds into a small, easy to store bundle-something that is ideal for the small storage area available in a Corvette. Constructed from materials developed for outdoor performance wear, the Nextec(r) encapsulation process uses precision placement of polymers around the fabric fibers to create a durable, breathable barrier within the woven fabric. Therefore the protection is inside the cover material as well as on the surface. WeatherShield(tm) sheds water immediately, allows heat or condensation under the cover to escape, prevents UV damage to paint, and is virtually dust proof.
Cover maintenance and storage are also considerations. Does the cover need to be professionally cleaned, or can you wash it at home? When not in use are you going to store it in the vehicle, or in the garage? Obviously, having a cover you can wash and dry at home is advantageous, as is a tiny storage footprint in your Corvette. WeatherShield(tm) fulfills both of these important qualifications.
So you can see that buying a quality cover is not as simple as handing over your credit card. Once you make the decision on the type of cover that's right for you, check out the various brands, construction, and what will fit into your budget. But remember the old adage "You get what you pay for!" Buying a top quality Corvette cover is like life insurance for your interior and paint finish. Don't skimp on the one item that will give your investment the protection it deserves.