Looking for another car cover. I have used covers costing from $100 to $350 over the years and they all have the same thing in common. They do not last. So getting to the point. I would like opinions on covers that you have owned for at least 3 or more years. Would you buy the same cover again? I would want a cover for the GT (88) compared to a universal cover.
Seeing that I live in Miami, I don't need to worry about snow (you know the white stuff). My concern would be RAIN and HEAT.
Simonize builds 2 grades of covers. the less expensive one I would not buy but the better one is what i have. They don't build exact fit for fiero but i bought the same one I have for my corvette and had my local upholstery shop fit it to my 85 GT. Just a thought. sleek
Take a look at Seal Skin Covers. It's not a full custom fit but it does fit the fastback and notchback very well. Almost to the ground on the side. Comes with a cable and a cheap lock. They have a 10 year warranty even when used outdoors. I've not managed to keep one for 3 years. The first one was stolen. The second one was damaged by a falling tree. I'm on the third one that I've had outdoors for about 2 years.
I and others have to keep a car covered to avoid Code/HOA violation even parked in a driveway. My area likely has different rules for parking rarely driven to no tag vehicles then others so not getting into that.
Tarps and Car Covers die from mainly 2 issues on Fiero... 1. UV and polluted air and water "eats" them 24/7. 2. Back of Fiero doesn't support a big area of the cover and wind etc breaks the fibers/fabric where the cover bends over "sharp" places. "Sharp" edges to a tarp/cover is almost anything bends the fabric over 90° creating stress points/zones. Doesn't mean edge to cut outright.
Keep a cover snug to fight wind damage even if car has no "sharp" edges. If needed, add more tie downs like https://www.amazon.com/Grab...eeting/dp/B08GFDKQD3 Note: may need to trim the "tongue" to fit heavy covers etc. That and some others will add tie downs w/o major damaging the cover and maybe void the warranty if Co's want to see the dead cover.
If have a good cover, keep the receipt and/or register w/ maker at time of purchase. Then keep track of the warranty period and get new cover when current one fails.
------------------ Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should. (Jurassic Park)
I have used many cover covers over the last 20 years and what I found:
There is no such thing as an outdoor cover - they do not repel water, water that soaks through will carry dirt with it and the dirt gets trapped underneath - this will eventually scratch the paint. You need to remove every once in a while and even wash the cover. how much depends on your area.
I generally go with a generic cover that is multiple layers for the extra padding - and as cheap as I can find since I know it will most likely need to be replace in a few years (more expensive doesn't make it last any longer).
If outdoors make sure it is tied down tight - myself when I was leaving the vehicle covered outside for a long time (aka winter), car cover and then a water proof tarp on top.
I generally will not spend over a $100 for a cover (usually wait until they are on sale and grab one for $50 and keep it on the shelf until my current one needs replacing).
In May of 2023, I gave some endorsement for the Seal Skin Car Cover. Moving forward, I am retracting that endorsement.
The Seal Skin Cover isn't a custom fit but does work well on both fastback and notchbacks. One drawback is that if there is a spoiler on the car, water will puddle between the spoiler and rear window. This might be addressed if the rear was a little longer so it would tuck underneath the rear fascia and keep the upper area more taut. After about 3 years of use, usually only during rainy periods, the outer skin began to crack and separate. The felt lining stayed intact, but water was allowed inside. The cover came with a 10 year warranty. I exercised my warranty and after a few pictures, Seal Skin agreed to replace my cover. They didn't want the old cover returned. All is good. NOT!
The warranty is only good for one replacement. The replacement cover I received was not the same cover as I had. It was a very thin metalized cover. It had the same inner liner as the original heavy cover, but in less than a year, it fell apart. The outer layer cracked badly and even some areas separated and peeled away from the inner cloth lining.
I have since purchased a cover from Car Covers. Neither is it a custom fit but it is a much heavier cover than the Seal Skin, and carries a lifetime warranty. I've not looked into the details of that warranty, but so far after two years of being on the car almost constantly, rain and sun, it is still not letting water come through. The cover has 3 belly straps but they are essentially useless on the Fiero. The front and rear are in alignment with the wheels and the center one is too light to be thrown underneath the car to buckle to the other side. This is the only area I see where the Seal Skin Cover is superior. The front and rear straps of the Seal Skin Cover are in front of and behind the wheels and easy to buckle to the opposite side. They are totally removable while the Car Cover straps are sewn to the passenger side. I just zip tied each in a folded bundle and let them hang.
Both covers come with a cheap lock and cable that attaches through grommets in the center of the vehicle. I replaced mine with a heavier cable and lock. Makes it easy to sling it underneath the car. Generally, I don't attach the cable and during some 45+ MPH storms, the Car Cover Cover hasn't lifted off. Maybe because the nose and tail tuck way beneath the car and the sides are within inches of the ground. On several occasions I found the Seal Skin Cover half way across my front yard.
We have used the silver colored car covers made of a plastic material that is definitely waterproof.
------------------ " THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite. "THE COLUSSUS" 87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H " ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
