I have fog, sprinklers and birds that would keep me busy full time cleaning. Here is what I found for my coupe, although by no means an exhaustive search.:
Final choice:
1) Coverking part CVC3T99 (variant FD7410). This was custom for the 2005-2007 Coupe and Convertible. Material: Tyvek
Fits well, but tight. Maybe too tight in some places like the mirrors, front fenders and over the trunk (has std rear wing). Very light and white color keeps the car cool in direct sunlight. Small insects are attracted to something about this material. Good tie-down grommets. It did not have a storage bag. The rocker panels and fenders aren't exposed. You have to install the antenna grommet yourself (see note below)
Cost: $115.49 plus tax from www.ajusa.com, free shipping.
2) Budge Semi-Custom Premier size 3 cover. Material: Tyvek
Easy to get on and off. Strong elastic around bottom that holds it in place. Not a bad fit for a universal cover, but a far cry from the Coverking custom. Nice elastic loop (attaches to hook under car that I installed) on the back to help with putting it on. Poor tie-down system. It came with a storage bag. Sprinklers would wet down lots of the rear fender and rocker panels that don't get covered. Same material as Coverking. If it wasn't for the sprinklers getting the sides wet, I could have happily stuck with this cheaper cover for dirt and birds.
Cost: 39.96 plus tax at Walmart.
3) This is the Costco special. I didn't even get it out of the box before returning it. Don't remember the brand or part number. The price was right, but the more I held the box, and felt how heavy this Kimberly material was, the more I remembered pulling a 20+ lb. sodden mess off of a ZX2 I had, after it rained. That memory caused me to check out what Walmart had and hence figured that the Tyvek material would suit me best.
Cost: $39.96 plus tax.
Notes: I remove the antenna with a 3/8 wrench I keep in the trunk. Because of the shaker 500 MP3 feature (mucho music), I normally keep the antenna hole plugged with a allen bolt and o-ring.
I would add a picture, but this thing is so white that you wouldn't see anything of value.
I really don't know how well the Tyvek will hold up. It feels very light and thin, so I treat it gently. No snow here, and little wind so those aren't worries for me. It repels the sprinklers well. It dries in the sun, but not real fast given the color repels a lot of light and heat. It rolls up quite small.
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2006 GT Coupe Premium
Automatic, ICAP, IUP, Active Alarm, 17" Bright Cast Alum.
Graphic-Express hood & side stripes
Even though I keep my car in the garage, I bought a car cover to keep out the dust, and more importantly help prevent scratches from my kids. My garage, like most people, is rather full. I got my cover from www.carcoverworld.com. It's the technalon/evolution 4-layer cover, which is nice and soft against the paint, and being 4 layers, it cushions the car should something small bump against it. It costs a bit more, about $170.00, but it's worth it. You can get it in a light color which would also reflect some of the heat.
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'05 Sonic Blue GT w/ '07 V8 engine, 5-sp, IUP, Beige leather interior, nothing else -
just the way I wanted it. (1 of 113)
OK, so I've added a few things to it. Check my Profile - too many to list here.
Thanks for the detailed information. I've toyed with the idea of having a custom cover for safety when I'm not in the garage. I really like the idea of a custom-fit cover so now I have some links to browse through.
Thanks for the efforts!
Snack
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66 Coupe Tahoe Turq - 200, Pertronix & Flamethrower, 3 Row Rad, Cliff. 6/2 96 GT Vert Laser Red - FMS pulleys, Bullet ProM, BBK CAI, Prof. Prod. Elbow and 70mm TB, MAC Off-Road H, Borla side exhaust, Tokicos, B&M Ripper, 18x10 & 18x9 DD Bulletts 06 GT Tungsten, UIP, Red Leather, Stick, 18" blades, Steeda CAI, SCT XCal 2 w/ MC Racing 91 tune, MACs, BMR SP010 springs, BMR Adj Panhard, CDC ducktail & quarter louvers, Rear louver, painted black stripes
I keep my vehicle indoors as well but still opted for Moss Motors top of the line "Ultralon" cover.
It is fairly compact when rolled up, no where near as bulky as the cheaper ones and it does not absorb moisture.
It fits my 05 convertable with a CDC scoop quite well with the exception of the rear view mirrors which seem to be a bit baggy.
Adding a small note here that I forgot when originally posting.
Years ago, I covered my van with one of the Kimberly product covers, custom fit. I also used Rain-X (?) every three months or so. Within 18 months, the windshield area of the cover disintegrated.
I don't know if Rain-X has changed their formula, but I would check before using it and a cover.
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2006 GT Coupe Premium
Automatic, ICAP, IUP, Active Alarm, 17" Bright Cast Alum.
Graphic-Express hood & side stripes
I mentioned that the Coverking seems a bit tight in places. I expected the cover to stretch a bit in these places (rear wing and side mirrors) and it hasn't. In fact, the seams seem to be stretched to a point where they will prematurely fail. I'm guessing that the paint on the wing will get worn off quickly when the wind causes the cover to rub.
I've written to Coverking several times about this, and have received no satisfaction from their customer service. Unless they come through in resolving this issue, I'm going to return the cover and try yet another brand.
So, don't order a Coverking until they've committed to solving their design problems.
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2006 GT Coupe Premium
Automatic, ICAP, IUP, Active Alarm, 17" Bright Cast Alum.
Graphic-Express hood & side stripes
The only thing I would wonder about using a Tyvek cover is the UV resistance. Tyvek, when applied to a house, has to be covered quickly because the UV rays break it down. I would think the same would occur on a vehicle, meaning you'd have to replace it periodically.
How abrasive is it to the finish? What I like about my cover is the soft inner layer. There's no danger of scuffing the finish, even over time.
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'05 Sonic Blue GT w/ '07 V8 engine, 5-sp, IUP, Beige leather interior, nothing else -
just the way I wanted it. (1 of 113)
OK, so I've added a few things to it. Check my Profile - too many to list here.
my car sits outside all the time...I go for days with the cover on it...is that a bad thing?
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Saleen S/C 3.2 pulley tuned by JDM Engineering, GT500 pumps, CHE goodies on the rear, 4.10's, KOOKS/ high flow catted X pipe with PYPES Violators, Spydershaft, TCI 3500 stall, PA deep tranny pan. Meziere w/p,M&H 325/45/17 DRs.
future mods.... a 3.0 pulley
my car sits outside all the time...I go for days with the cover on it...is that a bad thing?
mine too...went most of the winter with the cover...no damage at all...my cover fits pretty loose and i tie it down to the wheels so the wind wont blow it off...has air vents too...if you look close...thats important...keeps it cool and lets the air circulate so the stripes stay good
The Tyvek (used to make car covers) is not similar to the stuff on your house, and is made for covering cars. It is very white and reflects almost all the light. Even on hot, sunny days the interior stays cool. The inside is soft and won't scratch the paint IMO.
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2006 GT Coupe Premium
Automatic, ICAP, IUP, Active Alarm, 17" Bright Cast Alum.
Graphic-Express hood & side stripes
thanks My car is white which is why I brought a white car knowing It would be outside...my cover is tan....should have looked more into car covers..white one would have been great!
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Saleen S/C 3.2 pulley tuned by JDM Engineering, GT500 pumps, CHE goodies on the rear, 4.10's, KOOKS/ high flow catted X pipe with PYPES Violators, Spydershaft, TCI 3500 stall, PA deep tranny pan. Meziere w/p,M&H 325/45/17 DRs.
future mods.... a 3.0 pulley