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Water proofing convertible roof

Tyrlan

Tyrlan

PCGB Member
Member
I recently purchased a 7 year old boxster, not sure if the roof has been treated in the past. I’ve given it 2 coats of Renovo but water is still being absorbed it is not beeding off ( I haven’t got any leaks). Am I doing it right, or expecting too much of it? Or should I use Fabsil Gold, it seems to have good reviews. Any comments please.
 
Ive had my 2001 986 Boxster S for 6 years now and annually in the spring time use Auto gleam water proofing kit. Has worked every year so it must be ok.

 
Tried all sorts over the years have been using Fabsil Gold on last 3 cars and have been more than pleased with results

 
Probably worth giving it a good clean with a convertible roof cleaner first before applying the sealer

I've always used 303 Convertible cleaner followed by 303 Fabric Guard and it ends up beading like your paintwork !! [8D]

Heard a lot of good things about Fabsil Gold which sounds a lot cheaper, and I'm tempted to try that next time, once I've run out of 303

But I am very happy with 303.

 
If its not beading could be the roof needs a good clean first, the other critical thing is to leave plenty drying time between coats. I recall Renovo is water based which is what I prefer but the less friendly products I believe are more durable. Bear in mind its the membrane layer below the outer fabric that is waterproof so a leaky roof is not because of proofing. That said the roof will look better and last longer if cleaned and proofed, plus helps keep the nasties from getting into the fabric and the membrane.

Cheers

Jeff

 
As a car valeter & detailing I find Fabsil Gold beads well.

Prep is key make sure roofs as clean as possible and any fluff removed before carefully using a brush to put on Fabsil onto the fabric.

 
Further to my post about using G Techniq.

When I first got my 981, I cleaned the roof with G Techniq I2 Tri-Clean

All I now do is vacuum the roof and apply the Smart Fabric I1, bottle comes with a spray and I spray directly onto the roof and massage into the material with a latex gloved hand.

Do at least once a year, sometimes twice.

 
Waterproofing is essential for reducing moisture levels on interior surfaces as well as preventing water damage and serious damage to surfaces such as sidewalls, ceilings, basements, platforms, and rooftops. The roof must first be carefully cleaned for this reason. Using a wet vacuum cleaner extends the life of the convertible roof cleaning.

 
As per BOXSTERLL11, I have used GTECHNIQ I1 SMART FABRIC successfully on my 981 and on my 718 Boxsters with great results. I look at the beading on the roof when it's wet and it has always been once every three years before requiring a further application. My Boxster has always been kept in a garage so the protection may not last as long with a car that is outside throughout the year.

 
Fabsil does it for me. Water beads beautifully. Apply carefully with a brush, in the dry, and be sure to dyson the roof first. Avoid abrasive sponges! Warning: Fabsil is very volatile and can be difficult to pour from 5 litre can. Apply every couple of months if the car lives outside (depending on rainfall).

Andrew

2016 Boxster S

2022 Macan GTS

 
Some time ago I asked Fabsil’s manufacturer what the difference is between ordinary Fabsil (Universal) and Fabsil Gold. They told me that Gold has better water repelling properties but one third of the UV resistance of Universal. They recommended that if you keep your car outside, two coats of Universal would give similar water repellency to Gold but with far superior UV resistance. Just in case anyone else was wondering!

 
Yes I do find the Fabsil Gold good, but after a full day in the rain it does stop beading and looks saturated. Not sure if an extra coat will stop this. Only had the car a few months and do not know if it has ever been r sealed. The car is garaged so isn’t really a problem.

 
2 coats of Fabsil Gold sorted mine out 4 years ago, roof still beads up nicely even now, but the car is garaged.

 
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