Discussion
I took delivery of the Leaper today. Lovely car, much lighter, more nimble and more powerful than my old coupé (now for sale - the best-looking, least marked 97 XK8 in the world). But I need advice on cleaning the hood, never having had a soft top before. I gave the car a quick wash after its 250 mile journey but didn't have a clue as to what I should do with the hood -- hose it down, sponge it, brush it, or leave it alone until I give it a full reconditioning...(with what?)
I did try to sponge off a dust mark but the fabric seemed to foam/smear when I wiped it - although it dried out ok, I think. But figured I had better ask here before going any further. What's the recommended way to do a quick spot clean on the hood -- say cleaning up a bird poop? And if I am washing the car, should I also wash the hood? The owner's manual isn't very helpful. TIA.
I did try to sponge off a dust mark but the fabric seemed to foam/smear when I wiped it - although it dried out ok, I think. But figured I had better ask here before going any further. What's the recommended way to do a quick spot clean on the hood -- say cleaning up a bird poop? And if I am washing the car, should I also wash the hood? The owner's manual isn't very helpful. TIA.
I replied to your other post with a 'What I did with my TVR' and here goes again! Although a Chimeara and XK hood are different they are both fabric so I hope this helps.
On a typical car wash I wouldn't even touch the hood, just the bodywork, perhaps with the exception of the rear screen (plastic). If it did need cleaning (dreaded bird mess and tree sap were about the only reasons) then I was able to do it with a very soft brush and pure water, I did use lightly diluted car shampoo and it didn't do any harm.
If at some stage you think it needs re-proofing then what I did was to lightly clean the hood of any soiled areas, let it dry, then hoover the whole thing - with the round brush attachment. I then used Thomson water seal from B&Q - this works superbly, is cheap, and I second the previous post, don't bother with the Autoglym kit, in fact check Jaguars carefully if you want to go down that route as I suspect it's very overpriced for what it is. Be very careful not to get Thomson/whatever you use on the bodywork - have a wet cloth handy just in case.
Chris
On a typical car wash I wouldn't even touch the hood, just the bodywork, perhaps with the exception of the rear screen (plastic). If it did need cleaning (dreaded bird mess and tree sap were about the only reasons) then I was able to do it with a very soft brush and pure water, I did use lightly diluted car shampoo and it didn't do any harm.
If at some stage you think it needs re-proofing then what I did was to lightly clean the hood of any soiled areas, let it dry, then hoover the whole thing - with the round brush attachment. I then used Thomson water seal from B&Q - this works superbly, is cheap, and I second the previous post, don't bother with the Autoglym kit, in fact check Jaguars carefully if you want to go down that route as I suspect it's very overpriced for what it is. Be very careful not to get Thomson/whatever you use on the bodywork - have a wet cloth handy just in case.
Chris
pr100 said:
Is 303 an automotive product or a general household item? Just wondering where to find it...
I've used http://www.thepolishingcompany.com in the past who do 303 productsGassing Station | Jaguar | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff