soft top

[zack]

Two questions on the one nite, how or what can you treat the roof with to give it a bit of protection and a all over blackness cheers zack

 

[THX911]

I have heard a lot of people mention renovo and is a product used by professionals too. The tricky bit is the application, never used it but apparently like paint it is not very forgiving on uneven layering and needs precise application (someone who has used it can give first hand comment). Something more mass market and immediate (can get it from Halfords) is AutoGlym Cabriolet Fabric Hood Cleaning Kit but it is just a cleaner and protector (prevents water absorption) and not a restorer. It comes in as a spray and is forgiving if over applied. With all products preparation is the most important and time consuming stage. Opening the roof slightly and hanging bin-liners all-over is a good start and then get a good masking tape and cover the rest non-fabric bits.

 

[SKITTLES]

Hi I have been using a project called “FABSIL” You can get this from most camping stores Millets / Blacks. Costs about £22 for 2.5lts but this will do about 10-20 cars. I would NOT recommend the aerosol spray as it ends up going everwear but use the liquid and just paint it on. Will take about 10 – 15 Minutes. I have used two coats and always look great. This product is a clear solution and is a water repellent not a colour restorer

 

[juliany27]

Kish's advice is good. But you can start the cleaning of the hood with a fluff remover or sticky paper - you will need a lot of it. That gets rid of those tiny bits of dirt and fluff and seems to be a good basic preparation before you move on to something more complicated.

 

[tommo1]

I've used the Autoglym Cabriolet Fabric Hood Cleaning Kit on my Boxster and although it is not a soft top restorer if you use the cleaning kit followed by the protector I find the roof looks good and water repels off the roof therefore protecting it

 

[Badger]

I can vouch for the effectiveness of the Autoglym kit too - but make sure you do not get the re-proofer on your paintwork it's a bu***r to get off.

 

[Black80XSA]

From your description is sounds like there is some fading of the material in places - give the roof a good scrub with a soft bristled brush and normal car shampoo diluted as directed, you might be surprised how much drt is in there. Then a very good hose off - if you use a pressure washer and get too close you will damage the fabric, so take care. If the roof, once fully dried looks OK then just reproof - Fabsil is OK, Autoglym is fine but not very long lasting - the best is Scotchbrite Heavy Duty waterproofer spray, thats sold in the household section of bigger B&Q depots (turquoise coloured can). If the roof is patchy then the only option is Renovo, but as Kish has already pinted out its very difficult to get a very even coating - i've seen some real disasters with this product - application is critical.