cutting window in car cover

[egsj]

Hello all. I have to park my Traveller on road and am about to buy a car cover (probably Stormforce, on the basis of (mostly) good reviews on this site). BUT: later this year the Council is bringing in a Residents' Parking Scheme and they've refused my request to just to have my registration plate peeking out from below the cover (even though an inspector could quickly link that to their central records): my permit inside the windscreen will have to be on display at all times. So, I'm going to need to cut a panel out of the cover and use some kind of strong, clear plastic sheeting so that the permit can be seen. Any advice on how best to do this and keep the whole thing waterproof and durable?

Jamesy

[Matt]

That won't be easy!

I have seen car covers (in london) which have a pocket for parking permits etc on the outside.

The other thing is - I believe that any parking enforcment offer is not allowed to touch such a cover - so if you cover the numberplates up etc then they can't do anything?

I'm sure the permit will say something like "must be clearly displayed in windscreen" - which of course it will be (under the cover! ).

http://www.pistonheads.com/GASSING/topi ... 61359&nmt=

[egsj]

Thanks, Matt. I may try to brave it out in the first instance and see what they do. Different councils seem to have different policies here. Mine won't even allow me to display a copy of the parking permit in a plastic pocket which I could tape to the outside of the car cover. And if I do cut out a section to display the permit inside the windscreen, of course the warranty on my expensive new Stormforce cover will be void (and the cover itself, I'm guessing, less effective). But is there anyone out there who *has* attempted to cut a window in a cover? With what results?

Jamesy

[kevin s]

I am sure any decent coachtrimmer will be able to sew a window in for you.

[bmcecosse]

Don't worry - after a very few months the Stormforce cover will literally fall apart and they will have no problem seeing the whole car - never mind the permit.... Take this advice - it is from personal experience....my cover disintegrated after a very few months.....and they wouldn't consider a refund - because I had used it in sunlight.... Oh - and it will also rip on the Trav roof gutters.....

[egsj]

Thanks for the coachtrimmer tip. I'd not thought of that, but will investigate if it comes to it.

Re the Stormforce cover disintegrating: is there a more durable cover that you'd recommend instead? Should I alternate between Stormforce for winter and something else for summer? I know cars don't need so much cover in fair weather, but there's still the issue of protecting the Traveller wood from UV rays...

Jamesy

[bmcecosse]

I just cleared my garage and put it inside. MUCH better... Car under a cover is very much a 'second best' solution - ok for short term perhaps.....but you really DO need to keep a Traveller dry.

[egsj]

Thanks - but obtaining a garage is for me (as for many people) simply impossible. That's why I'm asking these questions.

Jamesy

[NOEL]

my stormforce cover has been used for the last 4 years,have had a couple of small rips but it certainly has not disintegrated, i think they are well worth the money, as an idea could you not use a clear laminated pouch and Velcro this on to the cover? that way you would not need to cut anything in the cover at all. the official should be able to see it clearly and hopefully it should be unaffected by rainwater. I use something similar at work when sending metal overseas

[egsj]

Thanks, Noel. I may try that solution in the first instance. The Council told me they'd need to see the actual permit beneath the windscreen (I had suggested displaying a photocopy in a plastic wallet taped to the cover - for fear of someone nicking the original), but hopefully they won't be *that* jobsworthy when it comes to it.

Good to hear a more positive opinion of the Stormforce. Sounds like most people on this site who've tried it have had a good experience. Mine's just turned up and looks pretty smart.

Jamesy

[neiltomlinson]

Hi I have a brand new one for sale I bought it for my traveller but no traveller now not sure what make if interested can look in loft for it I now it cost well over £100 Neil 07774585five 51

[egsj]

Thanks, Neil. I bought a new cover before I saw your message. Hope you find a buyer.

Jamesy