soft top !

[Hannu]

Hi had my 3.2 s for a week now and loving every minute. When I picked it up I did note that the soft top had loads of white bits all over it like someone had rubbed it with a cotton cloth.
Tried to get rid by using one of those "sticky tape" trouser brushes without success.
Anyone any ideas ?
also its the first time I've had a soft top, I know you dont wash them each time you wash the car but how do you clean them ?.

 

[Helen Goff]

try using a clothes brush to get the white bits off.

use only water and for birds poo or other stains use a soft brush like a tooth brush. its also a good idea to scotch guard treat every few months so that the water dosn't soak into the fabric. you can buy a spray can of the stuff for tents/awnings from B&Q for about £3. but do becareful not to get it on the paintwork.

 

[penfold944]

I've used an autoglym cabriolet hood cleaner and protector before on a bmw 3 series cabrio... I've gotten it again to do my 986 roof when I get a chance.

I got mine in halfords and I think its probably under 20 pounds (I paid 25 in real money - euro that is!) and its great stuff.

 

[Elliot Davies]

Autoglym roof proofer isnt anywhere as good as scotchguard or fabsil. I have it also, I use the cleaner only
Scotchguard (not tested it myself) but is reputedly the best at about £8 per can available at some B&Qs ? and fabsil around £4 at most camping shops and works well also its clear so no discoloration.
You will get a good few treatments out of one spray can.
As Helen stated, watch the paintwork and the windows especially if plastic rear, mask it off.
Cleaning
Re. Fluff on roof.....I use a clothes brush, the one direction velcro type and have no problems removing debris.
Spray with lots of water and use a soft top cleaner initially as per bottle instructions, then i use the car shampoo, loads of clean water till its running clear.
Let it dry completely, mask of rear window, put towels over screen and drop side windows and do likewise raising till almost up.
and spray away covering the areas particularly the stiching and fold area on the rear quarters.
Once you have completed this process above you shouldnt need to do all this above too often unless it is needed.
I personally get away with just rinsing the roof with clear water to remove the dust, if you use car shampoo/wash often on the roof its going to remove the proofing so will need reapplying again.
I feel tired already []

 

[JCB..]

Save your money guys and gals.

These soft-tops are waterproof with or without any chemical extras.

Fluff should come off with one of those rollers you can get from a dry cleaners. There is a technique to using them though as it's quit easy to dump all the fluff back on the hood in a nice streak!

JCB..

 

[Elliot Davies]

Agree JCB but the water beeds and runs off when protected by a waterproofing agent.
I beleive porsche proof the hoods when new so we are only topping up, it also makes it easier to clean.
We could all save money by not waxing our cars too, the paint protects the metal []

 

[Guest]

try masking tape takes the fluff off a treat, and the scotch guard from b&q is just as good as the £50.00 stuff from opc, just cover all the glass /plastic up and get ready to catch the drips on the paint work.