rsvgreg
Active Member
- Joined
- May 5, 2007
- Messages
- 260
- Location
- Newmarket, The home of Horsepower
- Car
- CLK63 AMG, CLK55, Audi Q7-4.2, A6-4.2, Ducati Monster 1200S, Aprillia RSV1000R, A210 LWB
Morning Gareth.
Indoor or outdoor use?
I have a CLK63 and a CLK55 (W208) both are covered with Halfords large outdoor covers. The version on the CLK55 (kept outdoors) has lasted well but after 7 years plus it has worn in places and started to go green around the lower sections. I binned it last week and will be replacing it this week with another. The cover has straps that pass under the car front and back, on the rear strap I had to add it on the CLK55 as it was too short, not sure about the W209, it sits in a garage when not in use and the cover just secures well enough with the elasticated sections to keep it in place. If anything the cover is slightly too long and is close to touching the ground, hence the green mould like substance developing on the 55.
These covers keep the leaves from collecting in the wiper wells and rear boot/window sections, they guard against all bird dropping and they can be washed gently and aired if they get too 'crusty'.
Hope that helps.
Greg
Indoor or outdoor use?
I have a CLK63 and a CLK55 (W208) both are covered with Halfords large outdoor covers. The version on the CLK55 (kept outdoors) has lasted well but after 7 years plus it has worn in places and started to go green around the lower sections. I binned it last week and will be replacing it this week with another. The cover has straps that pass under the car front and back, on the rear strap I had to add it on the CLK55 as it was too short, not sure about the W209, it sits in a garage when not in use and the cover just secures well enough with the elasticated sections to keep it in place. If anything the cover is slightly too long and is close to touching the ground, hence the green mould like substance developing on the 55.
These covers keep the leaves from collecting in the wiper wells and rear boot/window sections, they guard against all bird dropping and they can be washed gently and aired if they get too 'crusty'.
Hope that helps.
Greg
Thanks Greg. its for outdoor use. have seen the Halfords one online and they are over 1/2 the price of some of the others. i noticed on the description that it says ''On soft top convertibles you must cover the textile hood with a protective cloth to prevent abrasion''. are either of yours convertible by any chance. I guess some sort of heavy cloth material would do the trick!
rsvgreg
Active Member
- Joined
- May 5, 2007
- Messages
- 260
- Location
- Newmarket, The home of Horsepower
- Car
- CLK63 AMG, CLK55, Audi Q7-4.2, A6-4.2, Ducati Monster 1200S, Aprillia RSV1000R, A210 LWB
Hi Gareth.
Both coupe cars and Halfords are at least being honest in highlighting the issue with a convertible.
If I recall the covers, even when new, allow a certain amount moisture to collect beneath them. I could be wrong and reflecting the performance of the old cover as it has begun to deteriorate. I will be putting a new cover on the 55 this week and will gladly check to see how waterproof it really is when new. One of the things I did to help the cover not 'stick' to the bodywork was to make a soft cloth mat with half ping pong balls to lay under the cover on the car on the roof and the rear screen. This created both run off and an air pocket. It may sound extreme but it worked for me. The W208 is known to rust around the arches in particular and mine is still rust free (touch wood). I wonder if the same approach would reduce abrasion and help avoid moisture laying on the roof?
Greg
Both coupe cars and Halfords are at least being honest in highlighting the issue with a convertible.
If I recall the covers, even when new, allow a certain amount moisture to collect beneath them. I could be wrong and reflecting the performance of the old cover as it has begun to deteriorate. I will be putting a new cover on the 55 this week and will gladly check to see how waterproof it really is when new. One of the things I did to help the cover not 'stick' to the bodywork was to make a soft cloth mat with half ping pong balls to lay under the cover on the car on the roof and the rear screen. This created both run off and an air pocket. It may sound extreme but it worked for me. The W208 is known to rust around the arches in particular and mine is still rust free (touch wood). I wonder if the same approach would reduce abrasion and help avoid moisture laying on the roof?
Greg
JohnC
Active Member
As you have a convertible - make sure you buy one that has a fleece liner and is breathable - trouble is they are not cheap! Have a look at Europa Specialist Spares - they supply mainly for the Vintage/Classic market!
If you don't get the breathable ones - you will find your hood turning green!
If you don't get the breathable ones - you will find your hood turning green!
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rsvgreg
Active Member
- Joined
- May 5, 2007
- Messages
- 260
- Location
- Newmarket, The home of Horsepower
- Car
- CLK63 AMG, CLK55, Audi Q7-4.2, A6-4.2, Ducati Monster 1200S, Aprillia RSV1000R, A210 LWB
Gareth. sent a PM to the same effect below, but just in case....
Thought I would drop you a line to advise that having just brought a new Large Car cover from Halfords they have either changed the cover or what I was using on the CLK63 was a larger cover.
In summary the new large cover is too tight to fit my CLK63. It covers it completely but the cover is so tight around the shark fin aerial that I decide to use the new cover on the CLK55 and leave whatever size cover I have on the indoor kept CLK63.
The new large cover has three straps (very welcome) and looks the same quality as the last item, just a tad smaller.
Hope this note of advice is not too late and you are stuck with a cover that is too tight for your W209.
Regards.
Greg
Thought I would drop you a line to advise that having just brought a new Large Car cover from Halfords they have either changed the cover or what I was using on the CLK63 was a larger cover.
In summary the new large cover is too tight to fit my CLK63. It covers it completely but the cover is so tight around the shark fin aerial that I decide to use the new cover on the CLK55 and leave whatever size cover I have on the indoor kept CLK63.
The new large cover has three straps (very welcome) and looks the same quality as the last item, just a tad smaller.
Hope this note of advice is not too late and you are stuck with a cover that is too tight for your W209.
Regards.
Greg
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Thanks for the replies, ive been finishing off a DIY project so not been able to get back on here!
i popped out earlier and picked up the Halfords cover but not opened it yet. based on Gregs advice as well as Johns i'm inclined to return it.
it does state '3 layer breathable material allows condensation to evaporate' but i dont fancy a green roof.
one other thing occurred to me. my car is parked on the street, do i need to keep the registration visible of is there any laws surrounding that? (was thinking about road tax)
thanks
Gareth
i popped out earlier and picked up the Halfords cover but not opened it yet. based on Gregs advice as well as Johns i'm inclined to return it.
it does state '3 layer breathable material allows condensation to evaporate' but i dont fancy a green roof.
one other thing occurred to me. my car is parked on the street, do i need to keep the registration visible of is there any laws surrounding that? (was thinking about road tax)
thanks
Gareth
MWCLS
MB Enthusiast
If your going down the car cover route it's definitely worth spending the extra on a bespoke tailored cover for your car. Some manufactures have plate view using clear vinyl. Again a reason to get a quality cover especially if your parking on the road.
