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Jul 21st, 2025 | | | | Joined: Sep 2014 Posts: 120 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Sep 2014 Posts: 120 | My panel sits outside and I would like to find a durable, reasonably priced cover for it.
I got on the internet and found zillions of options. Too many to make a
good decision. A search on this site suggested a cover from Budge Industries, part # U3. My panel is unrestored and in original condition so I don't want to break the bank just to keep off occasional rain and dew.
Any suggestions?
Jerry
1 1951 Chev Panel with a 350 small block, automatic tranny.
1 2004 Chev 2500 HD pickup... stock
1 1950 Chev 5 window pickup; 261 c.i. engine, 4 on the floor.
With lots of time and money, any Stovebolt can be restored.
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2013 Posts: 119 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Apr 2013 Posts: 119 | instead of covering it (top down) protect it underneath by building a wood platform & park it thereon. You want air to circulate ALL AROUND. Rain & dew are NOT your enemy (particularly in arid Gilbert)
Last edited by Miss Church; 01/08/2015 2:53 PM.
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2014 Posts: 120 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Sep 2014 Posts: 120 | My panel is far from perfect. As always, rust is the eternal enemy. It would be good to find a cover that "breathes." You are right, moisture is not a big, big problem most of the year here in the desert. Oddly we've just had several weeks of heavy dew each morning and some rain. Dust and UV rays are also an issue and a cover does keep prying eyes away.
Jerry
1 1951 Chev Panel with a 350 small block, automatic tranny.
1 2004 Chev 2500 HD pickup... stock
1 1950 Chev 5 window pickup; 261 c.i. engine, 4 on the floor.
With lots of time and money, any Stovebolt can be restored.
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,262 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,262 |
My limited experiences in dry climates is that moisture can rise from the ground/soil/sand beneath a vehicle.
You should have a vapor barrier beneath your vehicle, when it is parked over a non-sealed surface. Wood/boards over soil/ground/sand is most likely not a moisture seal. Put a heavy sheet of polyethylene/etc under the wood.
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2014 Posts: 120 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Sep 2014 Posts: 120 | Tim, et.al.
Thanks for the input. The panel sits on a concrete driveway. A search on this forum recommended a Budge Cover #U3. I ordered one online this morning. Will advise how it fits and value. 7 year warranty... we'll see.
Jerry
Last edited by Jerry Bubolz; 01/08/2015 4:39 PM.
1 1951 Chev Panel with a 350 small block, automatic tranny.
1 2004 Chev 2500 HD pickup... stock
1 1950 Chev 5 window pickup; 261 c.i. engine, 4 on the floor.
With lots of time and money, any Stovebolt can be restored.
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2013 Posts: 119 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Apr 2013 Posts: 119 | A search on this forum recommended a Budge Cover #U3. I ordered one online this morning. Will advise how it fits and value It's your money, Jerry | | | | | Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall | | Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 | Also be aware that concrete is not "fail safe". Ever wonder why metal/tin fames of washing machines rust on the bottom when they sit on concrete?
Right on Tim, got to have a vapor barrier. | | | | | Joined: May 2010 Posts: 74 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2010 Posts: 74 | I have used the Budge Industries cover for several years now. Living in Georgia, there is a good bit of rain, and also sun and heat in the summer. The cover is good...but don't expect it to last 7 years. I have been getting a cover that is warranted for 10 years. I get maybe 2 years out of it. However, I will say that they are good in honoring the warranty. I call them up and they send out a new one at no charge. Sometimes they want me to return the old one (at my expense), sometimes not. | | | | | Joined: Sep 2014 Posts: 120 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Sep 2014 Posts: 120 | Bought the Budge. Fits good enough, a little long, but also fits my 3/4 ton pickup with camper shell. Price was good and also got a discount.
1 1951 Chev Panel with a 350 small block, automatic tranny.
1 2004 Chev 2500 HD pickup... stock
1 1950 Chev 5 window pickup; 261 c.i. engine, 4 on the floor.
With lots of time and money, any Stovebolt can be restored.
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,262 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,262 | | | |
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