My '79 is taking up one bay of my garage that I would like to be able to park my daily driver in this winter. I live in Montana so we get plenty of snow and cold temps. The area I'm in I would consider the "banana belt" of the state so we get lots of freeze/thaw cycles. I left the '79 parked outside for two winters and noticed it was pretty hard on the aging paint and it started to get cracks in the hood. Otherwise it would be outside right now.

I'm planning to build a dry storage shed out back, and the truck will likely live in there at that point. However, that won't be until next spring/summer. I've never used a car/truck cover, but curious how that would handle an entire winter season outside? Anyone have any experience doing this? Aside from the cover the battery would be pulled and probably throw another shot of fuel stabilizer in it. Dryer sheets in the cab for some mouse deterrent.

 

Been down this road many times in past. Have to be REALLY careful with outdoor car covers. Even more so in windy areas. Flapping in wind can destroy paint. A cover that does not breath well and traps moisture will also destroy the paint even without wind. Any microscopic dirt or dust that filters through or under a cover will be like sandpaper when the wind moves the cover. I'd just keep the paint waxed or whatever protectant you use, screen the glass to block sun from interior, verify antifreeze protection, pull the battery, and leave it without a cover. There is just no substitute for indoor storage that does not come with risk.
I have a 2002 Super Duty project truck with decent paint I hoped to finish before winter and sell but now its going to have to sit out and I already know it will NOT be covered.

 

If you get a nice, waterproof cover, it'll be fine, just tie it on well to minimize scuffing and you'll need something in the bed to support the cover. Might be some ideas here, is my plan .... Truck Covers - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

I bought a thicker waterproof for a Mercury, counting on the padding to protect from hail too. Before adding a carport, I had several under car covers but always snugged with ties as it is windy on this hill.

I received a gifted cover for my '77, gonna use it too. I got my support / bed cover done.

Back in the early '80s I started using covers, on a '67 Chevelle .... never saw a scuff. I even keep covers on cars in carports, to cut dust.

 

tbear, Montana winters are long and brutal. Nothing like VA.....or most other states!! 👍

 

I think you're better off not using a cover than even a well strapped down cover. Once the snow falls it will stop the buffeting on the roof and hood, but the sides are going to get obliterated. Sustained high winds that go on for months and months WILL cause damage, I don't care how nice of a cover you buy. Trust me, I live in Michigan and have learned the hard way. It's kinda like the old adage that water will wear a rock into a pebble given enough time. If you can buy a foldable tonneau cover to install to keep the snow and debris out of the bed that will be the best thing you can do IMHO. Make sure the drains in the cab are not clogged and clean the debris off the truck periodically. Best of luck.

 

As a wild suggestion can you rent a enclose storage unit? Like the giant rows of storage units with gated secured storage? Other wise X2 no cover and for sure put some quality mouse deterant in the cab and under the hood.

 

Thanks for all the suggestions!

The lot where it would be parked doesn't have any overhanging trees or anything so buildup of debris in the bed is of minimal concern. Snow melting and running out shouldn't be a problem. I did have to clear out the drains one time before. When it was out in the winter the thaw/freeze cycles got them plugged off and ended up with a little moisture on the floorboard as a result. That was another reason I was asking about the cover. If I go out and broom the snow off of it after the storm cycles that should limit the amount of water that can run in there in the first place. I didn't do that before.

I hadn't really thought of the storage unit route. Quick glance prices range on those in my area from $90-$165/month for 10x20 - 10x30 sizes and I'd need it for 5 months minimum, maybe 6. One place close to my house at the $90 rate has a fall special with the first 3 months 50% off. That would make it about $400 for 6 months. Not terrible, as long as they allow storage of vehicles inside there.

Aside from those things, I was talking to my dad last night and he volunteered space in his 50x100 shop for it to sit for the winter. It's 200 miles away, but he said he'd bring a trailer next time he's in town. So I might just take him up on that offer!

 

If you don't take him up on that you're crazy. Load it up.

 

X2 take dad up on his offer and then take the money you saved and buy him something real cool.

 

Have you looked at maybe getting one of the tarp sheds? I have used them in tha past and they have held up well to wind. You do have to watch if you have heavy wet snow that you clear the roof off. You can't just let it sit all winter with out being cleared off.

 

We seem to do that for each other from time to time. Random tools, ATV and snowmobile parts, and travel to help each other out on big projects. Come to think of it I've been storing one of his snowmobiles for the last 2 years so it equals out!

I haven't. Mostly because if I spend the money it's just going towards the new, larger shed. Have a bunch of vintage snowmobiles and both trucks could be in there if need be.

Thinking something like this https://www.versatube.com/building-k...x-36-l-x-12-h?

I have plans drawn up for a full 2 car garage addition on my house aside from my detached garage, but it's not my forever home and the versa tube shed I could disassemble and move in the future. I wouldn't be able to recoup the cost on the addition I don't think.

 

Wow are they proud of that Versatube stuff. What about getting a plain ol metal carport and closing in the sides and or one end youself with metal?

New 20x30 2 car for 3K https://alansfactoryoutlet.com/3d-ca...0aAjivEALw_wcB

They usually come put them up in a couple of hours. And you can close in the rest of the sides and end on your own for cheaper. I have seen folks get them tall enough to put a roll up garage door in one end. And yes they come back down and apart easy enough. I got this tall one (over the red 79) for 500 bucks off FB MP and 15 min from the house, took it down and put it back up in a couple of hours. Same deals to be had on all the others.


6" lift and 38.5's and plenty of room.


Truck port

400 bucks off Craigslist. 18x20, 10 " center peak, 8' side walls.

I have since self added a 10' section to the end, making it 18x30.

Catch all Bronco port.

Old style all pipe Bronc port.

Yes I am a little bit carport loaded up on, but ya can't pass up on a deal. I got THREE 18x20 car ports and a storage shed (next to the blue black Bronco) for 700 bucks. Only issue was all 3 had to come down and be off proprty, along with the shed that day. I took them all apart (with one helper) in about 5 hours, and used a buddy with a roll back wrecker to move the shed.

https://www.carportcentral.com/metal...waAiDUEALw_wcB

 

I don't want to have multiple carports with the legs between them and want the space to be fully closed in with electricity. I'm still located in town and want to keep items out of sight and locked up as much as reasonably possible. When you start pricing things out apples to apples the price of the Versa Tube stuff is pretty comparable. They actually have a sale running this month that knocks about 15% off.

 

I agree with the don't use a cover comments, I found out they are hard on paint and only useful indoors where there is no wind. The other problem with them is if you don't have a bed cover of some sort the snow/water fills that area and can tear the cover.