Hey, I've been in those hailstorms that John is talking about (probably the
same storms, I'm in Illinois too) and it is no fun watching the hailstones
bounce off your van.  I don't have room to add a semi-permanent structure, like
BenT suggested, either.  It would be great to have a quick protective cover to
throw on when the hail hits.

Maybe this is a good idea: get a car cover of the appropriate size for the
van, and add an outer layer of 'armor plating' in the form of styrofoam sheets,
the kind you can get at the local home center.  They have some thin sheets
that would be easy to glue or sew on, and would protect from direct impact.  Make
the pieces small enough to facilitate folding.  Like an armadillo.

I do like the idea of an inflatable one, maybe with CO2 cartridge inflation
for greater speed.

Bill Marshall
85 GL Tiico "Pandora's Box"
Aurora, IL