The 'E' Type Forum

I know there are a few older threads on this but would like some up to date opinions on what owners use.

I've got an old airchamber but it's too small for the (soon to be acquired) E-Type and was wondering what best to replace it with, if anything.

From a quick look it would seem the Carcoon Veloce gives a good combination of protection and easy access.

I've a choice of half a brick/block double garage or a larger single enclosed barn-style garage, both with concrete floors. I don't think space will be an issue.

And would a dehumidifier be of benefit as well?

My main areas of concern are keeping the car as dust-free as possible and to help drying out after a run or wash. The car will be regularly used Spring to Autumn but probably stored over winter to avoid any dangers of salt!

What matters most is keeping the car well ventilated and moisture levels low.

Best option is a heated garage (like mine) which means that relative humidity levels are always low in winter and any moisture quickly evaporates. Then I only need to use a light stretchable dust cover.

Second best is a humidifier (like Simon 288gto has) which keeps the moisture down below 50% in winter in an unheated garage. Its surprising just how much moisture that removes!

Failing that plenty of ventilation

Hi ive been using a Carcoon for years ( it came with my wifes E back in 2001 ) and each winter it goes in and , the body has stayed good , the brakes ,and clutch never stick and the alli cam covers etc dont go powdery , would definitely recommend , so much so I even bought an out door one for when I occasionally have to leave something outside , I also run an industrial ( the advantage of being in plant hire ) dehumidifier as a bit of belt and braces

Thanks for the replies.

2LFE - do you run the dehumidifier inside or outside the Carcoon?

Hi I run it outside the carcoon , free standing in the garage helping to protect our other cars , there wouldnt be room inside with the car as well

Carcoon Veloce for me. I wash it and it stays dust free. Even the softest covers will eventually micro scratch the paint. I installed LED strip lights on the inside frame.

Nice!

Paul, may I ask what size Carcoon that is? I think they recommend Medium for an E-type but I wonder if a larger one would be easier to live with.

I have a couple of outdoor Carcoon's although the E Type lives in a heated garage.

Just this weekend I exhumed my old Merc 450SL from it's Carcoon winter slumber (it was zipped in last October) to find it perfectly preserved. Not even a hint of dust on the exterior paintwork and the interior was as fresh as a daisy. The built in battery conditioner ensured that the car started 1st turn of the key 8)

The outdoor model uses a double skin which creates an air gap when inflated and this along with the UV protection fabric ensures more stable temperature and humidity control. Highly recommended.

Cheers

Mark

drcarrera wrote:Nice!

Paul, may I ask what size Carcoon that is? I think they recommend Medium for an E-type but I wonder if a larger one would be easier to live with.

I am pretty sure it is the medium. They are all the same width. I get the nose up as far as I can and have space to walk around the back when inflated. There is not much space at the back but enough to walk sideways to get around. I can do minor stuff in the engine and accept that if I need to do something more it will have to come out.

The only dust I notice the car getting is when it is driven outside.

my main worries about Carcoons are :
. how long does it take to take a car in and out ? - in other words is it suitable only for long period sleeps or for a daily/weekly use ?
. how flat does the floor have to be ? in other words can it be seated on gravel under my car port or does it have to be smooth, flat, stone-free concrete ?

PS: we had long discussions with members of Mk2 forum about hetated garages and the general opinion was that there is nothing worse for corrosion than entering the car after it has taken humidity or rain into a heated garage (water+heat = corrosion); so a heated garage HAS TO be ventilated and dehumidified (call it an Air-conditioned garage then :D)

rolando38 wrote:my main worries about Carcoons are :
. how long does it take to take a car in and out ? - in other words is it suitable only for long period sleeps or for a daily/weekly use ?
. how flat does the floor have to be ? in other words can it be seated on gravel under my car port or does it have to be smooth, flat, stone-free concrete ?

PS: we had long discussions with members of Mk2 forum about hetated garages and the general opinion was that there is nothing worse for corrosion than entering the car after it has taken humidity or rain into a heated garage (water+heat = corrosion); so a heated garage HAS TO be ventilated and dehumidified (call it an Air-conditioned garage then :D)

I have the Carcoon Veloce which has the internal frame so you just unzip the end and drive in. Takes 10 seconds to open up. You can keep it in there as long as you like.

The Carcoon has a thick vinyl floor however I wouldn't put one on gravel as I would think that over time it could suffer micro punctures.

I did a lot of research on them before I decided to buy one. Not many negative reviews at all. Quite a few car museums and car storage places use them. Good enough for them good enough for me.

Everything stays dry and dust free. Not even the disks get surface rust which would not be the case in my garage.

I've used a car coon for years and swear by them. Mostly mine are storing longer term because moving cars in and out (mine are frameless older type) is frankly a chore.

The framed type would be far easier to live with (no placing and dragging of cover on paintwork for starters) and when a new one is required would purchase one of those.

Don't see the purpose of using in conjunction with a dehumidifier...

Thanks everyone.

Looks like a Carcoon Veloce for me, then. :D

Anyone want a used Airchamber that's too small for an E-Type ...?!