Boxster roof is a filthy mess..........

[ryanmcco]

Hi Guys

'03 Boxster S, still on its original soft top... but its looking really filthy, seems to have sprung a multi-coloured pattern of crap that will not shift.

I"ve tried everything I can think of including the soft-top cleaner... I've even tried to srub it with a little soap-powder solution and a toothbrush but to no effect...

What is this crud on the roof and what is a good product to get rid? I'd probably try anything now, elbow grease has failed me.

higher res image: http://i.imgur.com/pQgqWl0.jpg

[buttercreamt]

A Cayman

[buttercreamt]

Very uncharacteristically facetious of me was that actually, just couldn't resist

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=121...

Try this!

[ryanmcco]

Ahh, you've seen my other posts about steaming up, condensation and leaks then?

I think a cayman would have been the better option... alas..

Thanks for that link, I did see it, thats what gave me the idea of the soapPowder/soda crystals, I guess it was the limescale... Its on the shopping list for today. I was a bit dubious if a single post would be the answer to my woes.. but we'll see.

[mak2503]

Auto Finesse have just released a few new products and this is one of them with a protector as well.

I don't have a convertible but their other products have done the job and are incredible.

http://shop.autofinesse.co.uk/rag-top-cleaner-500m...

Edited by mak2503 on Saturday 14th March 14:44

[Orangecurry]

I recommend from experience the only class-leading Autoglym product - their twin-pack cleaner and reproofer.

20 GBP at any motor factors.

Do actually follow the instructions. Results are excellent.

[ryanmcco]

Hi OrangeCurry,

I have a pack of that but it just doesnt lift it. The protector is great, but not the cleaner

[bitchstewie]

When I had mine Renovo was basically the dogs bks and presumably still is.

Brush it on, leave it, go to work with a stiff brush (not a household scrubbing brush something like a Meguiars brush) and it should do a good job.

[clockworks]

The Autoglym kit has worked well on my MX5, Cooper S and Z4. Strange it hasn't worked on yours.

I also use Milton sterilising fluid (baby bottle stuff) to stop the green mould coming back where water collects around the hood/body join.

[Orangecurry]

Did you use the funny hard sponge that looks like part of the packaging?

[Hard-Drive]

Boracol. It's the active ingredient in Patio Magic. On boats, you brush it onto sprayhoods etc to get rid of green and mildew. Brush it on, don't expect to see results for a week or so, and then it will slowly work it's magic!

[graeme4130]

Any deeper mould and crap that builds up in the roof will need some kind of steam clean or chemicals to remove it, so you'll need to budget in a re-proofing (and possibly re-colouring) after to get really good results
The autoglym stuff is decent, but it's probably worth factoring in a professional reproofing in after or you'll just end up with the same result again, but sooner

[rossa123]

I have used renovo on mine and it appears to do the job well on both cleaning and proofing

[Chris H1AVFC]

Start by hoovering it to get rid of any big particles of dirt then mix a solution of Milton sterilising fluid in a bucket & give it a good scrub/rinse with that which will kill the bacteria thats embedded in the canvas of your roof. Then scrub (& I am not kidding here!! It works!!) it with PH Netral baby shampoo to thouroughly clean it. You might find you need to repeat process then preassure wash it to remove those last few stubborn bits. Make sure you rinse it well to get rid of all the suds. Its worth releasing roof back a bit & doing all the recessed edges you can't normally see too. Finally apply a waterproofing agent. I use a couple of coats of Fabsil & do the roof once a year. Any water still bead's on roof even after 12 months & car lives outside in all weathers! Cost wise around £15 as opposed to the renvo kits costing £40+.

A good hoover/wash & shampoo of your roof every month after doing the above should keep any bacteria at bay.

Pic of beading below if it works :-)

Edited by Chris H1AVFC on Wednesday 18th March 09:56

[bobfrance]

When I had a Boxster I found caravan awning cleaner effective when scrubbed into the mouldy bits. However by the look of yours I'd have thought maybe a recolouring treatment after cleaning would be a good idea.

[ryanmcco]

Just to close it off..

the mr muscle bathroom stuff put on neat and left to soak in for 10-15 mins before scrubbing with a really bristly brush removed the majority of it.

followed up with a really good coat of protector and it was all good.


Thanks for the advice!