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Topic: Hm...should I not have a tarp over my car? (Read 1313 times) previous topic - next topic

Hm...should I not have a tarp over my car?

So I was on another forum talking about storing my car for the winter and I mentioned that I had a car cover over my car, with a tarp over that. Someone on there told me that I shouldn't have the tarp on my car because it will damage my paint by trapping moisture under it.

I coulda swore there was a couple people on here that said they had put car covers over their cars with a tarp over that, and I never heard mention of any problems with paint.

Just wondering.

Garrett H.
'94 F250 XLT- 4x4, 5 speed, 7.3 IDI Turbo Diesel, 4" intake, 4" exhaust, 5" turnout stacks, manual hubs, etc.
'87 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe
Engine, wheels, tires, etc!
Exhaust sound clip
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Hm...should I not have a tarp over my car?

Reply #1
Quote from: Red_LX
So I was on another forum talking about storing my car for the winter and I mentioned that I had a car cover over my car, with a tarp over that. Someone on there told me that I shouldn't have the tarp on my car because it will damage my paint by trapping moisture under it.

I coulda swore there was a couple people on here that said they had put car covers over their cars with a tarp over that, and I never heard mention of any problems with paint.

Just wondering.




I dont see it causing a problem in cold weather.. maybe if it was warm outside it would "sweat"
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Hm...should I not have a tarp over my car?

Reply #2
I can't see the harm in it as long as the tarp is tight enough that it doesn't move with the wind
2015 Mustang GT Premium - 5.0, 6-speed, Guard Green - too much awesome for one car

1988 5.0 Thunderbird :birdsmily: SOLD SEPT 11 2010: TC front clip/hood ♣ Body & paint completed Oct 2007 ♣ 3.55 TC rear end and front brakes ♣ TC interior ♣ CHE rear control arms (adjustable lowers) ♣ 2001 Bullitt springs ♣ Energy suspension poly busings ♣ Kenne Brown subframe connectors ♣ CWE engine mounts ♣ Thundercat sequential turn signals ♣ Explorer overhead console (temp/compass display) ♣ 2.25" off-road dual exhaust ♣ T-5 transmission swap completed Jan 2009 ♣

Hm...should I not have a tarp over my car?

Reply #3
I don't see a problem with it. I use a blanket to cover the car, then a car cover and then a tarp over that.

Hm...should I not have a tarp over my car?

Reply #4
That's what I was thinking...I have it "bungeed" down so it won't blow around.

The whole reason I used the tarp is because I don't trust the car cover alone. It's a cheap one and it definitely doesn't repel water.

Garrett H.
'94 F250 XLT- 4x4, 5 speed, 7.3 IDI Turbo Diesel, 4" intake, 4" exhaust, 5" turnout stacks, manual hubs, etc.
'87 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe
Engine, wheels, tires, etc!
Exhaust sound clip
Another clip

Hm...should I not have a tarp over my car?

Reply #5
Sorry to resurrect such an old thread, but using a tarp ruined the clearcoat on my 'bird by trapping moisture underneath it.  Your best bet is a quality, breathable cover.
'83 302/AOD Heritage (silver/red, full restoration w/ SEFI, 5-lug, 8.8, rear discs in-progress)
'95 Explorer Limited (white/gray, 4x2, 323K mile daily driver)
'97 Cobra (black/black, bolt-ons, 4.10's)
'04 Lightning (black/gray, bolt-ons, stock-pulley gas guzzler)

Hm...should I not have a tarp over my car?

Reply #6
I'm with JR97Cobra I also used a tarp to cover my car when I wasn't working on it. It made the clear coat and some of the paint come off. I'd say to get a good breathalbe cover. Most of the time You can get a boat cover pretty cheap.
84 Turbo coupe 2.3T Modded with 88 upper and lower intake, 88 injectors, E6 manifold, T3-4 AR.60 turbo, 31X12X3 FMIC, Homemade MBC , Greddy knock off BPV.
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Hm...should I not have a tarp over my car?

Reply #7
Well, if my paint gets messed up, oh well. The clearcoat was already bubbling and peeling in a couple places anyway. I'll just fix it.

Garrett H.
'94 F250 XLT- 4x4, 5 speed, 7.3 IDI Turbo Diesel, 4" intake, 4" exhaust, 5" turnout stacks, manual hubs, etc.
'87 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe
Engine, wheels, tires, etc!
Exhaust sound clip
Another clip