Keeping a Caterham outdoors (covered parking)

[anonymous-user]

[redacted]

[anonymous-user]

As a long time Caterham ummer and arghher, I would like to know what experiences Caterham owners have had regarding rust from leaving their cars outdoors, even under a cover.

The answer(s) may determine whether I take the plunge as well.

[gareth h]

I’ve had a couple, lived outside the house under a cover and in the workshop during the winter, If it was living outside full time you’d need something that was rust free to start with, and then treat it with something like ACF50 which motorcyclists use to stop corrosion on bikes used through the winter.

[trackdemon]

Another one looking for info on this; it's the driving experience I hanker for most once I move on the other kit. No driveway, so it'll be street parked outside my flat. I had a TVR years ago and did the same with it under cover so assuming/hoping the Caterham would be similar...YMMV

[Tango7]

I've stored a caterham outside for several months and it came out in the same condition as it went under. i always wash my cars though and dry them off and then take them for a run to dry the brakes and leave it without the handbrake on. For the cover I've used the Covercraft Noah type which is breathable fabric and seems to work well. There is a similar type from Storm car covers run by Carl van Baars which is worth a look too.

If you are parking on the street, make throw a cheap Halfords larger cover over the fabric cover so its it not so obvious what's underneath. Thus saying that i've never had any problems leaving my Caterham on the street wherever it has been parked.

[anonymous-user]

I would think, as already suggested, that putting it under cover dry would be important.

Unless a lot of effort has been put into it after build to combat it, they aren’t the best designed or built to resist corrosion.

[gareth h]

And for theft protection fit a removable steering wheel

[g7jhp]

gareth h said:

And for theft protection fit a removable steering wheel

+ Battery cut off key

[Eugene7]

For about 10 years my 7 has lived outdoors (outside my parent's, and later the girlfriend's, house basically)...
(This was about 25 years ago...)
Had no issues at all - but kept it treated with WD40 and ACF50.
Never used a cover, as was not keen on condensation, etc. Just put the tonneau on.