Never owned a convertible able b4 what are you doing to the roof? Do I need too? :?
Topless on a day like this?
- Thread starter bandit12
- Start date
Machine monkey said:
Don't.... You'll start all sorts of arguments
Many people use a cleaner and a treatment that doesn't waterproof the roof but protects it from UV and damp... Others use cleaners and proffers that seal the fabric (so water beads on it). The argument against the latter is that the roof is designed in such a way as to not require waterproofing, sealing it may dry out the fabric such that it cracks over time, and the way BMW recommend caring for the fabric roof backs this up. I have just run out of the BMW kit which does not waterproof it, and am pondering what to do before the weather gets too messy... Need to do some research on products, but I am not averse to looking at kits like Autoglym...
Anyway, someone else will chip in soon I am sure
Machine monkey said:
Well mate,I wanted to know how to protect the roof to make it last longer and stop it going green with moss.I didn't notice my roof when I bought my zed in april,but after in a certain light/angle it looked a bit green on the top.
I couldn't find much info on this forum,maybe not looking in the right place being a newbie.
So I turned to the Dark Side :lol:
I checked out a few soft top forums like MX5 and Audi etc and found this:
http://www.ttforum.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=115683
Here is some info,I hope there is no copyright! :lol:
All the credit goes to:
Quote from: Jac-in-a-Box ( the TT forum )
"TIP - Soft top care
First of all I really don't rate any of the "off the shelf" products, they're expensive and not very effective.
So, here's what I use...easy and cheap.
"Fabsil" is your friend. Buy it from camping/outdoor type shops, 2.5lts for around £13.00. Apply to a DRY hood with a 2" paintbrush, avoid splashing on paintwork (it won't damage paint - just messy!)And it does have a "restorative" effect deepening colour and giving it a new(er) look.
To clean your hood:
*Bucket, warm water and some Johnsons Baby Bath.
*Brush hood with hand brush to remove loose dirt (or vacuum)
*Soak hood with water and baby bath - work in solution using handbrush.
*Rinse with a free flow of water from a hose - no nozzle
*Allow to dry and re-proof with Fabsil. One coat is usually sufficient, though a second coat won't hurt 24hrs later.
Green mould? Use Milton baby bottle sterilising tablets and a soft toothbrush. The fluid will kill any mould spores. Mix as directed and apply solution with a nail brush and gently scrub. Leave for 5 mins and rinse off.
Bird Sh*t on roof? Carry a bottle of carbonated water and some kitchen towel, wipe off what you an with paper towel and trickle fizzy water over affected area... the bubbles will lift cr*p out of hood fabric."
I followed it to the book and now my roof looks like new.
The first time I used the Milton baby bottle sterilising tablets,it improved the roof but I could still see faint green bits so I did it again,but made the mix a bit stronger.The Milton baby bottle sterilising tablets kill the mould really good.
The link is well worth a read,it tells you how to do your roof.
Bing said:Machine monkey said:
Don't.... You'll start all sorts of arguments
Many people use a cleaner and a treatment that doesn't waterproof the roof but protects it from UV and damp... Others use cleaners and proffers that seal the fabric (so water beads on it). The argument against the latter is that the roof is designed in such a way as to not require waterproofing, sealing it may dry out the fabric such that it cracks over time, and the way BMW recommend caring for the fabric roof backs this up. I have just run out of the BMW kit which does not waterproof it, and am pondering what to do before the weather gets too messy... Need to do some research on products, but I am not averse to looking at kits like Autoglym...
Anyway, someone else will chip in soon I am sure
O no what have i started :evil: !!! I had never given it a thought. In my mind it was just easier to wash with no roof :roll:
Better get looking for info!!! But surly you just follow BMW's recommendations??
AlienZed said:If its dry the tops down,did a cruise round wales last Jan -8 degrees ,followed by a trip up to whitby at a troplcal -2 .must admit tho you do get a few funny,envious looks
Buts what the point of a roadster if you ain't gonna use it
When it's minus 8, typically you cannot even get into an E89 (let alone get the roof down). need to de-ice the windows just to get in.
Similar on the coupe IIRC.
On that particular day only problem encountered was on my mates Z3 with the plastic rear screen carefully warming up needed to avoid it splitting.Zed Five said:AlienZed said:If its dry the tops down,did a cruise round wales last Jan -8 degrees ,followed by a trip up to whitby at a troplcal -2 .must admit tho you do get a few funny,envious looks
Buts what the point of a roadster if you ain't gonna use it
When it's minus 8, typically you cannot even get into an E89 (let alone get the roof down). need to de-ice the windows just to get in.
Similar on the coupe IIRC.
Got my timing wrong this week. Took the Z out for a spot of surfing on Sunday afternoon.
Sunny all the way there. 8)
Good surf.
Hail storm on the way home.
Still kept the roof down though, just needed to pick the speed up a little to cope.
Z tucked up in the Garage all day Monday & Tuesday and nothing but clear blue sky. Like I said my timings a bit off.
Sunny all the way there. 8)
Good surf.
Hail storm on the way home.
Still kept the roof down though, just needed to pick the speed up a little to cope.
Z tucked up in the Garage all day Monday & Tuesday and nothing but clear blue sky. Like I said my timings a bit off.