Cleaning a convertible hood.

[bob1179]

I was just wondering if anybody had some advice on the cleaning and protecting the fabric roof on a convertible?

Mine is a little grubby and could really do with a good clean, and then reapplication of some hood 'stuff'. I'm just looking at making sure it is tip top condition and give it a bit more longevity.

[deltashad]

I did, probably the worst thing, but it seems ok now. I gave it a 'good' soapy jet wash, then left it to dry, it didn't, it rained and kept raining which in turn soaked the interior.

Eventually when the weather improved I gave it two coats of Nikwax Tent And Gear Solarproof Spray-On Tent Waterproofer. Only cost about £4.00

It's worked a treat so far.

[Ari]

I've used the Autoglym two part hood stuff (one cleans, the other proofs) and it was superb!

[Tyrewrecker]

deltashad said:

Eventually when the weather improved I gave it two coats of Nikwax Tent And Gear Solarproof Spray-On Tent Waterproofer. Only cost about £4.00

Where from? Tiso or the likes?
TIA

[Cupramax]

Ari said:

I've used the Autoglym two part hood stuff (one cleans, the other proofs) and it was superb!

This. End of thread.

[RESSE]

I recommend the following Vertar products.

The soft top on my wife's Boxster (1999 model) was in a very poor state (stained and faded), and this worked brilliantly (roof looks like new).

1. Renovo soft top canvas cleaner £13.25 (500ml)
2. Fabric hood ultra-proofer £13.25
3. Fabric hood colour reviver £33.52 (1 litre)

BEFORE:



AFTER:

[Tyrewrecker]

wow - both after pics look very difference. Got a pic from a little further away?

[bob1179]

Thanks for the replies, really helpful stuff.

The Boxter roof came up an absolute an absolute treat! Mine isn't too bad, I just want to protect it and stop any further deterioration.

[C.A.R.]

Used the AutoGlym stuff on a fabric and vinyl convertible hood in the past and can't see how anything could be better?

Does what it needs to with little effort. Can be fun rinsing it off cos if you use too much of the cleaning solution it takes forever.

If doing a black vinyl hood I recommend going over it lastly with a bit of AutoGlym Instant Tyre Shine on a bit of cloth/microfibre. This gives it a much better colour and lasts too.

[billzeebub]

Cupramax said:

Ari said:

I've used the Autoglym two part hood stuff (one cleans, the other proofs) and it was superb!

This. End of thread.

I also am a firm advocate of this stuff. I have always used it on my Convertible cars. Very good results

[Harry Flashman]

Is the autoglym stuff a colour restorer too, or just cleaner/waterproofing?

[Decky_Q]

Ditto for autogym, even comes with a stiff sponge perfect for scrubbing crap out of the fabric and channels. Theres enough in the bottles to do 4 washes of a vx220 roof, so probably enough for 2 ordinary sized roof treatments.

[TommyBuoy]

billzeebub said:

Cupramax said:

Ari said:

I've used the Autoglym two part hood stuff (one cleans, the other proofs) and it was superb!

This. End of thread.

I also am a firm advocate of this stuff. I have always used it on my Convertible cars. Very good results

Agreed, really good and the water doesn't soak in at all.

Just don't let someone take the sponge that comes with it to clean the bathroom

[RESSE]

Tyrewrecker said:

wow - both after pics look very difference. Got a pic from a little further away?

Sorry, no.

I wish I had taken more (better?) photos as the difference before/after was a revelation.

PS The waterproofing has come into it's own over the last few days (rain 'sits' on the canvas as if it were made of metal (the canvas not the rain).

[blueheron]

+1 for the Autoglym Cleaner/Protector kit.

The rough sponge that comes with it is very good!

[standfree93]

I use Meguiars Convertible and Cabriolet Cleaner. Very effective!