My sister in Manitoba several years ago had the misfortune of a bad
hailstorm the day she brought home her new SUV. Looked like a golf ball
in about 5 minutes.

I would suggest the simplest idea you'll get perhaps:  Use a sheet or
two of 1/2" plywood on the roof with a foot or two of overhang to catch
any coming at an angle. Put holes in it so you can bungee them to the
fenders and wheel wells when you need to. Plywood will absorb the
impacts of hail. If you're worried about them catching the wind, toss a
few sandbags around the edges to keep them from lifting.

Good luck,

Eric
80 Westie 'Rusty'

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of VWNut Hawk
Sent: Monday, August 04, 2003 11:11 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Crazy idea - hail shelter

This summer has been weird here in Ilinois.  We had had it relatively
cool and lots of rain. Most of the rain is accompanied by storms close
by and we are frequently warned of 2" hail being possible.

I've been floating around ideas in my head on how to shelter the
vehicles I can't fit in the garage.

1.) some type of inflatable cover
I have an air compressor here at home, I could run out and fill them.

2.) some type of folding cover that has insulation board in it. (both
cover would have to have straps to hook on to whell well or
something)

3.) Force field (no tech yet, never mind.)

etc.

I'd hate to know that the hail was coming and I couldn't do anything
about it.