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Waterproofing E85 roof?
- inkey$
- Lifer
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- Location: Sevenoaks & Suffolk
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Waterproofing E85 roof?
Fully cleaned my roof a few weeks ago. Followed up with AG roof cleaner spray and left it to dry. When I took the car out last week it decided to rain heavily and I noticed zero beading on the roof - just a wet, saturated outer skin.
Now, this isn't a surprise to me as I didn't use any kind of waterproofing agent on the fabric, but is the general advice to re=proof it from time to time or just leave it? I've seen posts on here saying you should never add a waterproofing agent as the roof is designed to cope with the water soak, but others who swear by Renovo.
Added a poll for interest too.
Now, this isn't a surprise to me as I didn't use any kind of waterproofing agent on the fabric, but is the general advice to re=proof it from time to time or just leave it? I've seen posts on here saying you should never add a waterproofing agent as the roof is designed to cope with the water soak, but others who swear by Renovo.
Added a poll for interest too.
Current: Project Audi A2 1.4SE
Previously: Z3R 2.8 • E46 330i • Z4R 3.0 • Z4///MC • E90 335i • Z4///MR • Z3///MC 'Breadvan' • Z3R 2.8 • E30 325i R • Z4C • Z4R 3.0
Previously: Z3R 2.8 • E46 330i • Z4R 3.0 • Z4///MC • E90 335i • Z4///MR • Z3///MC 'Breadvan' • Z3R 2.8 • E30 325i R • Z4C • Z4R 3.0
- enuff_zed
- Lifer
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- Location: Attleborough, Norfolk
Waterproofing E85 roof?
The argument is that water passes through the top layer and there is a layer of rubber (or suchlike) underneath which makes it waterproof. So in that case, no you don't need to waterproof it.
I have heard that some products make it stiffer and harder to fold? I've no experience of that.
My take on it is that what harm can a spray waterproof such as the AG one do?
Does it matter if the water doesn't reach the rubber layer?
I also wonder if the roof was waterproofed, would that prevent rainwater from carrying the algae spores under the outer layer and perhaps cut down on the green spots we get?
Dunno the answer to that, but yes, I use the AG waterproofing spray and have never had any issues.
If anyone can give me a valid reason for not using a waterproofer, other than 'you don't need to', then I will possibly change my mind.
I have heard that some products make it stiffer and harder to fold? I've no experience of that.
My take on it is that what harm can a spray waterproof such as the AG one do?
Does it matter if the water doesn't reach the rubber layer?
I also wonder if the roof was waterproofed, would that prevent rainwater from carrying the algae spores under the outer layer and perhaps cut down on the green spots we get?
Dunno the answer to that, but yes, I use the AG waterproofing spray and have never had any issues.
If anyone can give me a valid reason for not using a waterproofer, other than 'you don't need to', then I will possibly change my mind.
- inkey$
- Lifer
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Waterproofing E85 roof?
Cheers Martin. Similar thought process as me at the moment. Which AG product do you use to reproof?enuff_zed wrote: ↑Tue Apr 25, 2023 5:55 pm The argument is that water passes through the top layer and there is a layer of rubber (or suchlike) underneath which makes it waterproof. So in that case, no you don't need to waterproof it.
I have heard that some products make it stiffer and harder to fold? I've no experience of that.
My take on it is that what harm can a spray waterproof such as the AG one do?
Does it matter if the water doesn't reach the rubber layer?
I also wonder if the roof was waterproofed, would that prevent rainwater from carrying the algae spores under the outer layer and perhaps cut down on the green spots we get?
Dunno the answer to that, but yes, I use the AG waterproofing spray and have never had any issues.
If anyone can give me a valid reason for not using a waterproofer, other than 'you don't need to', then I will possibly change my mind.
Current: Project Audi A2 1.4SE
Previously: Z3R 2.8 • E46 330i • Z4R 3.0 • Z4///MC • E90 335i • Z4///MR • Z3///MC 'Breadvan' • Z3R 2.8 • E30 325i R • Z4C • Z4R 3.0
Previously: Z3R 2.8 • E46 330i • Z4R 3.0 • Z4///MC • E90 335i • Z4///MR • Z3///MC 'Breadvan' • Z3R 2.8 • E30 325i R • Z4C • Z4R 3.0
- DMike
- Senior Member
- Posts: 2441
- Joined: Tue Sep 11, 2007 7:15 pm
Waterproofing E85 roof?
Chiming in, similar to enuff_zed I have been waterproofing the fabric. I’ve reasoned that waterproofing the top layer wouldn’t do any harm as any water that could get between the fabric and the insulating layer still can evaporate away. And as circumstantial evidence, BMW does make a fabric kit, with cleaner and water proofing, for their soft tops… I’ve used the AG kit (the one for fabric hoods, not vinyl) and the BMW kit, which I like marginally more.
2005 Z4 3.0i Sterling grey
- inkey$
- Lifer
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Waterproofing E85 roof?
Good info, DMike. Thanks
Current: Project Audi A2 1.4SE
Previously: Z3R 2.8 • E46 330i • Z4R 3.0 • Z4///MC • E90 335i • Z4///MR • Z3///MC 'Breadvan' • Z3R 2.8 • E30 325i R • Z4C • Z4R 3.0
Previously: Z3R 2.8 • E46 330i • Z4R 3.0 • Z4///MC • E90 335i • Z4///MR • Z3///MC 'Breadvan' • Z3R 2.8 • E30 325i R • Z4C • Z4R 3.0
- paddy wright
- Lifer
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Waterproofing E85 roof?
I never waterproofed but the AG kit did give beading after I used it.
Z4 2.2 sterling grey,Msport seats,retrofit cupholders,cruise,footwell lights,sound gen and mfsw,18"ellipsoids,xenons+light washers,ZHPknob,folding mirrors,3"stubby,update wheel caps,gateway300 ipod, wind deflector to keep the wife happy!
- enuff_zed
- Lifer
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Waterproofing E85 roof?
The spray one that comes in the pack with the cleaner.
- PerryGunn
- Lifer
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Waterproofing E85 roof?
Having used it for over 10 years, I can recommend Gtechniq I1 Smart Fabric for the roof - it's breathable, doesn't affect the colour and water just beads and runs off.
https://www.gtechniq.co.uk/shop/auto/in ... fabric-ab/
Amazing stuff - I've also used it to waterproof fabric shoes...
You can even make water-repellent kleenex...
...or kitchen roll
https://www.gtechniq.co.uk/shop/auto/in ... fabric-ab/
Amazing stuff - I've also used it to waterproof fabric shoes...
You can even make water-repellent kleenex...
...or kitchen roll
Alpina Roadster S #320
* Quaife ATB LSD * StrongStrut Braces * Turner RTAB Limiters * Gap-Tech RCH+ *
* Intravee & KCA-420i * Mini 0806 * Cheetah C550 * Stubby *
* Quaife ATB LSD * StrongStrut Braces * Turner RTAB Limiters * Gap-Tech RCH+ *
* Intravee & KCA-420i * Mini 0806 * Cheetah C550 * Stubby *
- inkey$
- Lifer
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Waterproofing E85 roof?
Cheers gents.
Current: Project Audi A2 1.4SE
Previously: Z3R 2.8 • E46 330i • Z4R 3.0 • Z4///MC • E90 335i • Z4///MR • Z3///MC 'Breadvan' • Z3R 2.8 • E30 325i R • Z4C • Z4R 3.0
Previously: Z3R 2.8 • E46 330i • Z4R 3.0 • Z4///MC • E90 335i • Z4///MR • Z3///MC 'Breadvan' • Z3R 2.8 • E30 325i R • Z4C • Z4R 3.0
- mr.tourette
- Lifer
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Waterproofing E85 roof?
I believe has been the odd case of roofs not being able to close properly after years of using the waterproofing agents due to them stiffening the fabric but they are pretty isolated. When I had my e85 I did it a few times until the Autoglym ran out but didn't bother buying more as technically it doesn't actually need it, never had any issues with the roof either way
if its got tits or tyres..its trouble
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Waterproofing E85 roof?
When I had my old VX220 I used something called 303 - it came in a kit with a cleaner and fabric guard. Some of the VX220 guys recommended it as a kind of 'sssshhhhh no one knows about this but its bloody brilliant' - almost like some foretelling, the box had a Z4 on the front of it!
I took a video the following day after applying it, I watch it occasionally as its oddly satisfying
https://youtube.com/shorts/NrmSxJ8umZU
I took a video the following day after applying it, I watch it occasionally as its oddly satisfying
https://youtube.com/shorts/NrmSxJ8umZU
Last edited by coldel on Wed Apr 26, 2023 9:02 am, edited 1 time in total.
Currently BMW Z4 E85 3.0si
Previously
BMW Z4 E86 3.0si
Vauxhall VX220 Turbo
Toyota Celica ST205 GT4
Nissan R33 Skyline GTST
Vauxhall VX220 NA
Nissan 350z
Previously
BMW Z4 E86 3.0si
Vauxhall VX220 Turbo
Toyota Celica ST205 GT4
Nissan R33 Skyline GTST
Vauxhall VX220 NA
Nissan 350z
- inkey$
- Lifer
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Waterproofing E85 roof?
Thats incredible!coldel wrote: ↑Wed Apr 26, 2023 9:00 am When I had my old VX220 I used something called 303 - it came in a kit with a cleaner and fabric guard. Some of the VX220 guys recommended it as a kind of 'sssshhhhh no one knows about this but its bloody brilliant' - almost like some foretelling, the box had a Z4 on the front of it!
I took a video the following day after applying it, I watch it occasionally as its oddly satisfying
[youtube]https://youtube.com/shorts/NrmSxJ8umZU[/youtube]
Current: Project Audi A2 1.4SE
Previously: Z3R 2.8 • E46 330i • Z4R 3.0 • Z4///MC • E90 335i • Z4///MR • Z3///MC 'Breadvan' • Z3R 2.8 • E30 325i R • Z4C • Z4R 3.0
Previously: Z3R 2.8 • E46 330i • Z4R 3.0 • Z4///MC • E90 335i • Z4///MR • Z3///MC 'Breadvan' • Z3R 2.8 • E30 325i R • Z4C • Z4R 3.0
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- Senior Member
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Waterproofing E85 roof?
Autoglym
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Waterproofing E85 roof?
Yes its bonkers isnt it. I used it on the VX220 for two years and had no problems. Cant comment on any longer term impacts (if any) beyond two years though.inkey$ wrote: ↑Wed Apr 26, 2023 9:02 amThats incredible!coldel wrote: ↑Wed Apr 26, 2023 9:00 am When I had my old VX220 I used something called 303 - it came in a kit with a cleaner and fabric guard. Some of the VX220 guys recommended it as a kind of 'sssshhhhh no one knows about this but its bloody brilliant' - almost like some foretelling, the box had a Z4 on the front of it!
I took a video the following day after applying it, I watch it occasionally as its oddly satisfying
[youtube]https://youtube.com/shorts/NrmSxJ8umZU[/youtube]
Currently BMW Z4 E85 3.0si
Previously
BMW Z4 E86 3.0si
Vauxhall VX220 Turbo
Toyota Celica ST205 GT4
Nissan R33 Skyline GTST
Vauxhall VX220 NA
Nissan 350z
Previously
BMW Z4 E86 3.0si
Vauxhall VX220 Turbo
Toyota Celica ST205 GT4
Nissan R33 Skyline GTST
Vauxhall VX220 NA
Nissan 350z
- darich
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Waterproofing E85 roof?
I used Renovo Ultraproofer on my roadster many years ago. Couple of coats of that worked a treat. No colour change, no issues with stiffness and water would bead on the roof too
Previously 2004 Sterling Grey E85 3.0SE
Currently 2007 Silver Grey E86 M Sport
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Currently 2007 Silver Grey E86 M Sport
Instagram - Zed4Coupe