The dreaded roof issue has come calling !

[RobbiZ4]

Another point is seal care.

I recommend the following for a yearly use on all bigger seals of the roof:

1559365490077.png (150.68 KiB) Viewed 1012 times

My collected recommendations:
https://www.zroadster.com/forum/threads ... st-3103026

[304frp]

Very informative, I’ll not use a lube again then , I’ll be told I don’t have an image of the seal protectant come up , what is it you recommend?

[RobbiZ4]

Very informative, I’ll not use a lube again then , I’ll be told I don’t have an image of the seal protectant come up , what is it you recommend?

Welcome.

Well, I made an update on my former post and replaced the initial link with a pic. Even if its a German eBay offer, you'll find it anywhere on the web.

[304frp]

Cool , I’ll take a look at that stuff .Also the roof has worked fine today which lends to your theory of the differing climates change the reaction in the switches . If they use differing metals inside the switch is probably galvanic corrosion, which is occurring .

Thanks again
Andy

[RobbiZ4]

If they use differing metals inside the switch is problem galvanic corrosion, which is occurring.

Well, have a look at a grinded(correct?) microswitch coupling lock:

20210313_MS_Koppelverschluss.jpg (174.35 KiB) Viewed 1000 times

Interestingly this item still works electrically as well as mechanically correct.


A better view on this very special switch:

20180712_104436_small3.jpg (148.02 KiB) Viewed 995 times

[304frp]

Hi great cut away And yes it looks galvanic , note the clean steel /stainless spring , I assume the rest will be copper Coated steel , and water /damp ingress is the electrolyte . This will definitely occur to all our cars given time . The swmitch manufacturer would surely have known this , as its basic bloody chemistry .
Again , nicely cut away

Regards
Andy

[RobbiZ4]

And yes it looks galvanic , note the clean steel /stainless spring , I assume the rest will be copper Coated steel , and water /damp ingress is the electrolyte . This will definitely occur to all our cars given time .

Correct. In some of the already opened switches, small green corroded areas could be seen on the copper parts. That indeed indicates water or damp inside of the housings.

[flybobbie]

Metal lever looks cadmium plated, which is a sacrificial coating, so will corrode if damp.

[enuff_zed]

The switch manufacturer would surely have known this , as its basic bloody chemistry .

Yup, and if they made it perfect, they'd never make all that money on spares.

[Bomber Browne]

Bomber Browne here,
A new member having owned my E85 2008 rag top and having been laid up and being on Flexi Furlough felt I could do some necessary jobs to my Z4 , coil overs went on then the wind deflector , replacement fog lights as corroded at the time of sale, and finally felt I should upgrade the bulbs for led Cree free, up to this point all worked well with the roof up and down from the panel in the car above the ash tray which is or has never been used. The car has been a garage queen during lock down and with only 28,000 miles on the clock is in excellent condition. My question is would replacing the bulbs affect the roof electrical supply, the red light does illuminate but nothing happens, I have yet to check the fuses but felt I should ask the more experienced owners, I look forward to your comments and experiences. Thanks for your time Bomber Browne

[GuidoK]

Metal lever looks cadmium plated, which is a sacrificial coating, so will corrode if damp.

I'm pretty sure its zinc plated with an ink coloured passivation.
Cadmium has been banned for years now in most industries.
Btw cadmiumplating is greyish. The classic yellow comes from hexavalent chromium passivation (also banned)

BTW why do people here say galvanic corrosion?
Between which parts/metals?

[RobbiZ4]

Bomber Browne here,
A new member having owned my E85 2008 rag top and ...

Are you asking for this E85 or did you change over to an E89, as this is the E89 section?