soft top lubrication
- Thread starter IMZ4N
- Start date
Just stop it at the half way point and you'll see all the hinges. Don't use WD40. Use a light grease or a light oil like 3in1. Also oil/grease the rollers in the screen top that the hood locks into. That's what I do for what it's worth 
TINO said:lube mine every 2 months with 3in1 as said half open no probs yet, fingers crossed
I live in the desert in New Mexico. If you are lubing your rollers every two months, how often should I be lubing mine? The wife purchased the car about 4 months ago and I have yet to do anything with the top other than some 303 cleaner and protector on the fabric itself. With the sandstorms and wind here I should have suspected lube was required on the rollers. I will do it soon for sure. 3-in-1 seems to be the general consensus so that is what I will use. Just the rollers with the 3-in-1 then?
Thank you guys for the replies. I did not know what to use, and did not think of the parts in the soft top at the windshield. 
I had considered using a graphite lube to keep from collecting dust. I figure less is more in this case and just do it often ( twice a year as the top is open/closed all year long here ). 
I had considered using a graphite lube to keep from collecting dust. I figure less is more in this case and just do it often ( twice a year as the top is open/closed all year long here ). Get a hardtop or better yet, trade it in on a coupe and problem solved!IMZ4N said:Thank you guys for the replies. I did not know what to use, and did not think of the parts in the soft top at the windshield.
Incompatible Get a hardtop or better yet, trade it in on a coupe and problem solved!
So what you are trying to say is , you have no useful input on this question. If I did what you suggest, it would then create a different issue. I would have people offering to bring sawsalls and can openers to meets for me. LOL :roll:
IMZ4N said:Incompatible Get a hardtop or better yet, trade it in on a coupe and problem solved!
So what you are trying to say is , you have no useful input on this question. If I did what you suggest, it would then create a different issue. I would have people offering to bring sawsalls and can openers to meets for me. LOL :roll:
This sort of thing is quite natural, It's a form of penis envy, affected C owners usually learn to deal with their lack of equipment :wink:
Incompatible and I do drives and see each other quite often ( inside joke going on here ) I have offered to bring such tools for him in the past. LOL I love my roadster and enjoy the ability to have the top up and hide from radiant sun or to drop the top and enjoy the wind rushing across my scalp ( darn near bald ) LOL
IMZ4N said:
".....have put top up and hide from radiant sun" - You have no idea how much a comment like hurts us here in the land of eternal cloud!
A few years ago I did route from LA to vegas, back through death valley, over the hills then the pacific coastal roads to SF and then North, spectacular driving. I would love to do it in a Zed but unfortunately I had a rental sedan, maybe post a thread with some pics of your best roads? I'm sure us cold, damp Brits would enjoy (Big Sur sticks in my memory). 8)
Here are just a few, LOL I feel for those that need to store their cars in winter. Winter to me is the fact we must drive the beaches rather than the mountains. Sorry
http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=11897
http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=6636
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yO_mROUTq50
http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=11897
http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=6636
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yO_mROUTq50
I do mine every month regardless, used to have a Z3 and left that to every quarter and paid the price. I use WD40 on all hinges and rollers, also the front claw catches. I use a very light Vaseline coating on the rubber seals all thevway round, once dry I also use normal boot polish on a rag to give a protective film, i only apply a light covering.
Additional I use boot polish on my seats, it keeps them in brilliant condition and can remove belt buckle etc scuffs and scratches.
Dave
Additional I use boot polish on my seats, it keeps them in brilliant condition and can remove belt buckle etc scuffs and scratches.
Dave
ZED_NOT_ZEE
Member
Swashbuckles said:I do mine every month regardless, used to have a Z3 and left that to every quarter and paid the price. I use WD40 on all hinges and rollers, also the front claw catches. I use a very light Vaseline coating on the rubber seals all thevway round, once dry I also use normal boot polish on a rag to give a protective film, i only apply a light covering.
Additional I use boot polish on my seats, it keeps them in brilliant condition and can remove belt buckle etc scuffs and scratches.
Dave
Probably not a good idea actually. WD40 is a water disperserant, not a lubricant. It also evaporates into a sticky residue usually compounding the issue. 3-in-1 is an oil, not a grease.Stick with an actual grease such as lithium grease or white grease (which is typically what is used for convertible tops, power windows, and hinges.)
Also Vaseline on rubber seals is a definite no-no. Vaseline is petroleum based and will actually 'eat' through rubber and latex causing small holes and eventually rips/tears. What you want is a silicone based lubricant.
