Gutted!

[Sean d]

The main problem with storing cars is humidity, especially under covers, once the cold air condences there is nowhere for it to go so it just sits there and soaks all aspects of the car, then it sits there causing all sorts of issues such as the ones that you are now experiencing such as mould and micro blisters, it seems a short time to have had such an adverse effect on your paintwork so I would imagine that something was amiss with it to begin with but I'm afraid the blisters will more then likely be down to bare metal and will need to be fully stripped before repainting,
My Z is currently stored in a large workshop and therefore doesn't undergo the problems with hot and cold air, however once its at home it will be in a small garage, it shocked me how wet my last Z got whilst in this garage due to condensation,in winter before I left for work every morning I would open the garage doors to let theair circulate and dry it out

 

[Eddie Zedder]

A few months ago they binned the company who washed/repaired our overalls etc. and gave us 3 pairs of new trousers.

Tony.

Just done the same with our workwear, there is 12cm between overall sizes, so you either look like the Michelin man or a Scouser in a shell suit.

 

[t-tony]

Funny thing is one guy at work, (the LFB) still wears a boiler suit and to call his "snug" would pushing it

Tony.

 

[Eddie Zedder]

The main problem with storing cars is humidity, especially under covers, once the cold air condences there is nowhere for it to go so it just sits there and soaks all aspects of the car, then it sits there causing all sorts of issues such as the ones that you are now experiencing such as mould and micro blisters, it seems a short time to have had such an adverse effect on your paintwork so I would imagine that something was amiss with it to begin with but I'm afraid the blisters will more then likely be down to bare metal and will need to be fully stripped before repainting,
My Z is currently stored in a large workshop and therefore doesn't undergo the problems with hot and cold air, however once its at home it will be in a small garage, it shocked me how wet my last Z got whilst in this garage due to condensation,in winter before I left for work every morning I would open the garage doors to let theair circulate and dry it out

Thanks Sean, luckily it's only the bonnet that's affected and it was far from perfect in the first place. I suspect the front may have been resprayed with rattle cans at some point as you can see overspray and a line where it blends to the original.

I think I will try to source a replacement first as they are relatively cheap, but what do you reckon I would have to pay for a full bonnet respray?

 

[Tracy Dee]

Why I don't use covers now they scratch the paint get damp underneath.
Mine stays out all year a good coat of wax before winter sets in is best bet.

 

[Jack Ratt]

If you experience condensation problems with a normal size "house" garage you could think about getting a small greenhouse heater. I used to use a paraffin heater in the corner of the garage and it worked a treat and a gallon of paraffin used to last for weeks.

 

[Grumps]

Ahem

Tony.

Don't be pushy Tony

 

[Grumps]

My zed was always under the carport until we moved so it did get dusty but kept the weather off it. Now I have the garage, I did go up yesterday to get something out and the car was bone dry and no dust on it at all. After reading this I'm hoping it's ventilated enough to stop the damp issues Bryan has suffered but I shall be checking it regularly over the next couple of months whilst it's parked up.
Bryan, you ain't having much luck at the minute mate. I really hope things improve for you soon.

 

[Synclare]

Down the farm we use a fan to keep air moving, stops condensation forming on cars and machinery. Can be a problem otherwise in winter with the constant cold/mild temp changes.

 

[Antm72]

I had this kind of damage to a focus i owned i had a bonnet bra on it as it got wet /damp underneath the constant temp change with the dampness caused the bonnet to micro blistered in the same way.
Sorry to see this and hope it gets sorted..

 

[BillyB]

Horrible to see that damp and damage to your Z @Eddie Zedder The first winter I bought a good cover for the Z but noticed the damp collecting under it so off it came. Then I used my Dad's old greenhouse heater for a few hrs in the evening and w/ends that was a lot better. This year I have the greenhouse heater on low for air circulation and a dehumidifier set to come on when it detects damp and both are on timers for 5 hrs in the evenings . Fantastico even all the tools and containers in the garage are dry now and far better for me when I,m in there working

 

[Ianmc]

My Z3 gets used most days, no damp or other problems that irregular use causes.
Our E36 convertible lives out doors and gets a little green mould from time to time. White vinegar easily sorts it, can pong a bit though.

 

[Jonnysnapzzz]

Pretty sure you will clean that mould up easily enough.
Really crap about the blisters, sorry to read that :-(

 

[jaguartvr]

If you experience condensation problems with a normal size "house" garage you could think about getting a small greenhouse heater. I used to use a paraffin heater in the corner of the garage and it worked a treat and a gallon of paraffin used to last for weeks.

Do not under any circumstances use a paraffin heater, they produce a lot of water and whatever damp problem you are having, a paraffin heater will make it 10x worse.
I have a few cars under breathable covers. Always wax them first and always leave the windows open a crack to allow air flow. I also have a small dehumidifier that I bought on eBay for £30. Regularly put it in different cars to dry them out. My SL has a widow seal leak that I don't seem to be able to fix, the car seems dry but the dehumidifier pulled out a couple of litres of water over a couple of days. If you want to buy one from eBay, make sure it works with refrigerant, otherwise they are just fans which don't work.

 

[Steve Medlock]

I bought my car with the magnetic stone guards in place. I hadn't really appreciated at the time that they were removable and the first time that I took them off it revealed neat areas of bubbled paint where the guards had been as the water had capilliaried underneath. I had to have the rear wings resprayed. I never leave the guards on the car now.

 

[Eddie Zedder]

Bryan, you ain't having much luck at the minute mate. I really hope things improve for you soon.

Cheers Dave, that's life for you, or as they say over the pond, s*** happens. They it comes in 3's, just waiting for the next one now .