washing of convertibles with fabric roofs

[cramorra]

the new fabric roofs on the clk are quoted car wash proof, however the dealers say it should be handwashed - what do other owners do

[r129sl]

I wash my fabric top with a proprietary cleaner whenever I wash the car (pretty much every day in summer) and proof it twice a year. Proofing it makes a big difference to its water repellence and appearance.

If you're not keeping the car for more than, say, five years, and if you're not an OCD saddo like myself, I would just put it through the car wash. Although car washes don't really clean the car very well in my experience: there's no substitute for either (1) elbow grease or (2) paying a man.

[Aidayboy]

I recently got rid of the wifes Cooper S Convertible and I was simply told don't wash it at all. Just brush any thing off it that might be there but do not touch it with chemicals. Possibly safest option.

[Parisien]

Don't worry r129sl, I'm not stalking you, merely picking your brains and delving into your wealth of 129 experience!

When you say proprietary cleaner and proofing of roof, what products do you use?

[Lowtimer]

I am using the Autoglym fabric roof cleaner and conditioner on my 129
http://www.autoglym.com/products/products/converti...

However I will still be interested to hear what r129sl is using on his, as he has many years' experience with these cars.

[MX-5 Lazza]

I would always hand-wash even if that means paying someone else to hand wash it for you (if you find someone who uses clean water & sponges). Auto-car washes do too much damage to car paintwork.

Edited by MX-5 Lazza on Friday 19th June 10:07

[Parisien]

I'm a woollen mitt man and two buckets myself on paintwork, dont want anyone else "washing" my pride and joy with old grit laden sponges and too hasty a technique!

[Nuisance_Value]

I remember reading somewhere that Johnsons baby shampoo is fine for fabric soft tops (or the R129 at least) and have done this myself with great results. One go over with warm water and shampoo and then a rinse. To get rid of mould that you often find in the seams etc, Milton sterilising tablets in water and a soft brush or toothbrush. This works really well too.

[r129sl]

I use the AutoGlym stuff. However, I recently got a Chemical Guys equivalent.

I'm a bit less OCD these days. I haven't cleaned the roof once this year! I still say it makes a big difference and is worthwhile. Half an hour scrubbing it with the cleaner and then applying the proofing agent makes it look like new again: less grey and faded.

[Parisien]

Lowtimer said:

I am using the Autoglym fabric roof cleaner and conditioner on my 129
http://www.autoglym.com/products/products/converti...

However I will still be interested to hear what r129sl is using on his, as he has many years' experience with these cars.

The Autoglym package contains their equivalent of a proofing agent ( ie called protect)?

Got a link for the Chemical guys equivalent r129sl?

[r129sl]

http://www.chemicalguysuk.com/category_s/72.htm

It was a (well-judged) birthday present from my sister. I'll let you know how I get on with it. I quite like the Chemical Guys stuff. I'm using their V32 and V36 polishes, Jet Seal and 50:50 wax at the moment.

[Lowtimer]

Parisien said:

The Autoglym package contains their equivalent of a proofing agent ( ie called protect)?

Yes, it is all as shown in the video on their website, or if you can't see that then it's on Youtube too
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJIbqTM1T04