Roof covers

J

Jay-Z4

Member
For those of you who don't have the luxury of having a garage for your Zed to sleep in, do you use a roof cover? Is it worth the purchase? I'm looking at buying this one -

http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Z4-SOFT-TOP-ROOF-HOOD-HALF-COVER-094-/311221023567?nav=SEARCH

It's not cheap but I think saving condition of the roof will be worth the money.

Let me know your thoughts guys!
 
Nope. It didn't matter how well I prepared the car , I still got scratches on my black paint work from dust particles being blown between the cover and paintwork. And I drove the car less as every time I removed the cover, I had to wash the car before I put it on again.

Also my black cabrioshield turned brown and they didn't care.
Now I keep my drains clear and drive the car when I want.
 
My car lives outdoors all year - I bought a half-cover from here

https://www.classicadditions.com/car-covers/outdoor-car-covers/waterproof-half.html

£45 - fully waterproof, I use it in the winter months - its quick to put on (can be a challenge in the wind!) and does the job :thumbsup:
 
Hi Jay, I've always used a half cover on both my Zeds as I keep them outside (garage full).

The first one I bought came from Roadster Solutions and cost about £50. It was light and made of a silver waterproof material using elastic straps which went under the rear and front to hold in place (with rear door mirror pockets). It worked well and kept rain out the roof motor - I used it every night. :thumbsup:

Then a group purchase of a 'Buzz Top' at £55 or thereabouts came up on the forum. I fancied a heavier cover and this was made of a much thicker and heavier material. It was held on by Velcro straps under the door mirrors and magnets along the edges set into the material seams. I used it for months - the material changed colour from black to light green due to light but it also marked the clear gel coat of my paint - clouding it along the top of the doors and the below the rear window - it was a pain to buff out. :cry:

So I saw a more expensive 'UKCustomCovers' cover for sale on the Forum which I thought might be better made and went ahead and bought it.

It was far better made and had what seemed a better seam as well as being secured through being trapped in the boot - it was an excellently made cover and came in it's own case - quite superb. However it was the worst for marking my paint causing scratches and marks which called for work to correct - I stopped using it within a week. :( (Both heavy covers are in my garage and will not be used again nor sold on) My mate is in email with this company asking for his money back as the cover he purchased ruined his black paint with deep scratches and marks - he was heart-broken :cry:

I have reverted to my initial light material silver cover from Roadster Solutions which of all three does keep the rain and muck off the roof - the only issue with this one is that the elastic straps do mark the gel coat if it's windy - but this is easily buffed out with some paint corrector from AutoGlym. :thumbsup:

I guess the answer is keep your Zed very clean if using a cover as they all mark the paint but the best one for me was Roadster Solution which is easy to store in the boot (it has it's own zip up case) and very light but effective. If you are OCD over your paint then don't get a cover but keep your drains clear (not a hard job once you've done it once).
 
I've been using a Cabrioshield since getting my car 3 weeks ago, not getting any issues with scratches so far.
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paulgs1000 said:
Hi Jay, I've always used a half cover on both my Zeds as I keep them outside (garage full).
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:o You have a garage and your Zed is outside :o Priorities Paul :!: - get it emptied :poke:

p.s. it sounds like we have a very similar half cover, I've often wondered if I should buy a more expensive one but your experience with them suggests I should stick with the one I have :thumbsup:
 
Marlon said:
paulgs1000 said:
Hi Jay, I've always used a half cover on both my Zeds as I keep them outside (garage full).
Click to expand...

:o You have a garage and your Zed is outside :o Priorities Paul - get it emptied :poke:

p.s. it sounds like we have a very similar half cover, I've often wondered if I should buy a more expensive one but your experience with them suggests I should stick with the one I have :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

Considering a second wooden garage in space we have in the garden, we shall see . . . .

After my experiences and expense I'm more than happy to continue with my light cover - it serves it's purpose well, folds up small in the boot when I'm travelling and most importantly does least damage. It's lasted a long time as well though the elastic straps are losing their elasticity - I'll buy another to replace it for the winter.

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Paul, as you have two heavier covers in the garage, have you thought about experimenting and modding them by fixing strips of thick microfibre toweling to the inside to soften the areas where they marr the paintwork?
 
PerryGunn said:
Paul, as you have two heavier covers in the garage, have you thought about experimenting and modding them by fixing strips of thick microfibre toweling to the inside to soften the areas where they marr the paintwork?
Click to expand...

I considered it when I first had problems - seeing as how they are just sat there, I may give it a go in the future but it's such a pain when I had high expectations of the particularly well made version.

Marlon said:
Paul - that's identical to my half roof cover :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

I think you're right to stay with that one then Marlon :thumbsup:
 
I really don't like the look of those elastic straps going across the paint work.

I have the BMW one, it seems a much better fit and there's little to scuff the paint. I'll take a photo when I get the chance but I've not used it since I stopped parking under trees where the roof was both getting covered in sap and albatross sized bird poops.
 
Your right Paul I was heart broken :cry: But also like you annoyed after paying the money to save myself if the future of buying a roof motor... Or even a new hood. I have made things worse with the paint work.
 
Black paintwork shows up every little scratch or paint marring. Silver will definitely hide damage. If I was using the cover on a silver car, I would be looking at the roof cover contact points at every angle to keep an eye on damage being caused.
 
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