Cabriolet Hood Cleaning
Discussion
Have to say I've been lucky with bird shit (famous last words now I've said that there's probably one out there now) but the basic tip is lots and lots of water and don't rub it as it'll just go into the fabric.
I've not tried it but I've heard that carbonated water is good as it's obviously safe but also the bubbling lifts the grime/crap out of the fabric.
For a cleaner/protectant, not sure who makes the Porsche OEM stuff but I would expect it's good stuff, otherwise have a look at Autoglym, 303 Aerospace, RaggTopp and Renovo (in no particular order).
I've not tried it but I've heard that carbonated water is good as it's obviously safe but also the bubbling lifts the grime/crap out of the fabric.
For a cleaner/protectant, not sure who makes the Porsche OEM stuff but I would expect it's good stuff, otherwise have a look at Autoglym, 303 Aerospace, RaggTopp and Renovo (in no particular order).
OK. You will find this terrifying but I swear it works.
Buy the Autoglym Canvas Cabriolet roof cleaning kit. Comes with a cleaning brush and two spray pots.
Spray the cleaning stuff - which is an ultrapowerful detergent all over your roof and massage it in with the brush - dampening it gently with a little water.
Now (here's the terrifying bit). Get out your pressure washer and blast your roof with it. The detergent stuff will foam and foam and foam but keep on going until its all off. Your roof will now be mega-clean. Let it dry THOROUGHLY. If necessary put it back in the garage overnight.
Now. Mask up all around the roof so you don't overspray with the "roof sealant" spray. I really mean this - anywhere on the plastic or on the glass it forms a gummy gooey layer you'll have to every so gently and painstakingly peel off. TOTAL PITA so mask up PROPERLY.
Now spray your roof as per manufacturers instructions. Allow to dry in the garage preferably - but away from as much dust as possible as it's sticky for a few minutes.
Not only does the colour of the roof come back but it looks fantastically clean, resists getting dirty better and water will bead up on it like on the metal after a good waxing.
Once this has been done (only necessary once a year IMO - car garaged - perhaps twice if not) you can pressure wash the roof to get rid of bird shit.
BTW: DISCLAIMER: I do this to my roof and nothing untoward has ever happened. Your mileage may vary. Perform the above procedure at your own risk. etc etc
Buy the Autoglym Canvas Cabriolet roof cleaning kit. Comes with a cleaning brush and two spray pots.
Spray the cleaning stuff - which is an ultrapowerful detergent all over your roof and massage it in with the brush - dampening it gently with a little water.
Now (here's the terrifying bit). Get out your pressure washer and blast your roof with it. The detergent stuff will foam and foam and foam but keep on going until its all off. Your roof will now be mega-clean. Let it dry THOROUGHLY. If necessary put it back in the garage overnight.
Now. Mask up all around the roof so you don't overspray with the "roof sealant" spray. I really mean this - anywhere on the plastic or on the glass it forms a gummy gooey layer you'll have to every so gently and painstakingly peel off. TOTAL PITA so mask up PROPERLY.
Now spray your roof as per manufacturers instructions. Allow to dry in the garage preferably - but away from as much dust as possible as it's sticky for a few minutes.
Not only does the colour of the roof come back but it looks fantastically clean, resists getting dirty better and water will bead up on it like on the metal after a good waxing.
Once this has been done (only necessary once a year IMO - car garaged - perhaps twice if not) you can pressure wash the roof to get rid of bird shit.
BTW: DISCLAIMER: I do this to my roof and nothing untoward has ever happened. Your mileage may vary. Perform the above procedure at your own risk. etc etc
Cheers Don. Must say at the moment that the car is mint unfortunately which means I'm treating it like I have to keep it wrapped up in cotton wool (I'll get over it!) so the roof is fine at the moment but the water-proofing stuff from Autogylm sounds good for the time being. I have no idea if it
was treated previously but will do it anyway. I'll get the gear for cleaning and wait for that pesky bird crap!
was treated previously but will do it anyway. I'll get the gear for cleaning and wait for that pesky bird crap!
For day to day cleaning use a hoover with a soft brush attachment and/or those sticky clothes rollers that pick up fluff 
The less often you wash it the less often it needs reproofing. In five years of owning Porsche soft tops I only washed the hood about half a dozen times tops and both of mine were still in fantastic condition when I sold them.
The less often you wash it the less often it needs reproofing. In five years of owning Porsche soft tops I only washed the hood about half a dozen times tops and both of mine were still in fantastic condition when I sold them.
Once you have the roof clean the best stuff to keep it clean and waterproof it is Fasil. You can pick it up from Millets or other camping shops. Seem to remember that Halfords also stock it in the caravan section too.
Make sure that you buy the tin of fabsil to put in with a paintbrush, do not buy the spray can version. Really easy to put on and the water should just bead off after one (maybe two) applications.
Make sure that you buy the tin of fabsil to put in with a paintbrush, do not buy the spray can version. Really easy to put on and the water should just bead off after one (maybe two) applications.
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