Protecting Convertible Roof

[Anonymous]

When I got my car two years ago I used gtechniq’s Smart Fabric V2 to protect the roof. It’s been really good and water still beads from the top but the sides have finally stopped beading. It’s a bit of a pain to apply even though it’s just a spray on product as you have to keep it off everything else! Just thought I’d post to recommend the product, I’m not connected to them in any way if you’re wondering!

 

[PaulWildsmith]

I just use ordinary camping canvas sealer, fairly cheap. Apply liberally with paintbrush, take some care not too drip everywhere!

Used this on my volvo convertible, roof looked as good as when we first had it 10 years previously. Never open the roof when wet.

 

[Anonymous]

I bought 2 products like this from Halfords one was autoglym product the other I can't remember without going out to the shed , at the time of application and after for a while yes they seemed to be protecting , but since Nov-Dec it rained every day and prior to covering car up for the winter I never seen any beeding , so would say they 6mnth of protection the bottles say is rubbish , car has ha thick bit of carpet on the top then the car cover , is in hibernation till mid march

 

[Anonymous]

I bought 2 products like this from Halfords one was autoglym product the other I can't remember without going out to the shed , at the time of application and after for a while yes they seemed to be protecting , but since Nov-Dec it rained every day and prior to covering car up for the winter I never seen any beeding , so would say they 6mnth of protection the bottles say is rubbish , car has ha thick bit of carpet on the top then the car cover , is in hibernation till mid march

I had seen good reviews of the autoglym stuff but went with the gtechniq as it’s anti-bacterial and claims 3 years of protection, I got two which I’m happy with. I also like the fact that once dry you can’t see or feel that anything has been applied to it - until it rains!

 

[Anonymous]

I also read good reviews about the autoglym product , but we had a month of solid rain day and nite , not sure if it got washed of , but did apply about 4 coats from 2 products

 

[Anonymous]

I also read good reviews about the autoglym product , but we had a month of solid rain day and nite , not sure if it got washed of , but did apply about 4 coats from 2 products

That must be frustrating! The one I used is solvent based and just one coat did the trick. Mine is usually garaged overnight which must help, but it has seen a lot of rain.

 

[Anonymous]

Would love a large garage lol but getting old and trying to get money off you know who , well all I would would get is sell a car , not going to happen lol we did have a huge amount of rain over the last few months

 

[Hammers]

Have a garage but was at the shops the other day and a massive downpour and when I got to my car noticed it looked sodden rather than beading. May have just been the intensity of the rain so will keep an eye on, but is about time to look for something as car is now 9 months old.

 

[AJ13]

Just got car a few months back and previous owner gave me some autoglym stuff for roof.
Applied it and seems to work.

Same issue as others have said, trying to keep it off the paintwork however found that if you do get it on paint or trim, a little WD40 wipes the panel clear leaving no residue.

 

[Anonymous]

Autoglym products are very good , I have used them for years I normally put on a few coats of wax on our cars every year but getting old and might look into this ceramic stuff

 

[cj10jeeper]

I stick with Raggtopp cleaner and then protectant. Purpose made for the job and had great success over a 20 years with soft tops (modern triple layer, not old PVC). 2 part process, sun or shade, no masking.

It's the oem supplier to The Haartz Corporation, original equipment manufacturer of convertible topping for virtually every American and European convertible automobile manufactured throughout the world. That's good enough for me

I haven't researched the actual layered structure of the F Type but most modern are the same consisting of 3 layers an outer decorative layer, a non-permeable membrane and then internal insulation/sound deadening with a decorative lining

Couple of basic rules for the outer fabric as that's really what we are looking at here:
Grit's the enemy of the 'canvas' outer as it grinds the fibres, so washing and vacuuming without scrubbing helps and prolongs life.
It should never be sealed, It's the middle layer that does the waterproofing, not the outer, so tent sealers and anything that tries to seal is not good. Beading on the roof isn't a relevant metric. Most such products bond the fibres and cause them to break (fluff up). Looks great for a while though, especially if it has dye in it
Never open or close when frozen and it tears the fibres. Wet is OK so long as opened and aired within a few hours, else it will mould

I'm not considering restoration here as the damage has been done by then..
Lots more to do on internal, mechanism, etc. but that's another story

 

[Anonymous]

I stick with Raggtopp cleaner and then protectant. Purpose made for the job and had great success over a 20 years with soft tops (modern triple layer, not old PVC). 2 part process, sun or shade, no masking.

It's the oem supplier to The Haartz Corporation, original equipment manufacturer of convertible topping for virtually every American and European convertible automobile manufactured throughout the world. That's good enough for me

I haven't researched the actual layered structure of the F Type but most modern are the same consisting of 3 layers an outer decorative layer, a non-permeable membrane and then internal insulation/sound deadening with a decorative lining

Couple of basic rules for the outer fabric as that's really what we are looking at here:
Grit's the enemy of the 'canvas' outer as it grinds the fibres, so washing and vacuuming without scrubbing helps and prolongs life.
It should never be sealed, It's the middle layer that does the waterproofing, not the outer, so tent sealers and anything that tries to seal is not good. Beading on the roof isn't a relevant metric. Most such products bond the fibres and cause them to break (fluff up). Looks great for a while though, especially if it has dye in it
Never open or close when frozen and it tears the fibres. Wet is OK so long as opened and aired within a few hours, else it will mould

I'm not considering restoration here as the damage has been done by then..
Lots more to do on internal, mechanism, etc. but that's another story

Good info, thanks. The gtechniq stuff doesn’t seal and the fabric remains breathable, it just protects and provides an anti-bacterial protection too. It is a pfaff to apply though so will look at the stuff you recommend when it next needs doing, in 2-3 years time!

 

[Paul J]

I have always used Autoglym for the soft top of my XK. Brings it up like new as long as you follow he instructions. No need to mask up like you are painting you living room! Scrub and go!

 

[cj10jeeper]

I have always used Autoglym for the soft top of my XK. Brings it up like new as long as you follow he instructions. No need to mask up like you are painting you living room! Scrub and go!

You should never ‘scrub’ a modern soft top. All you do is risk piling or fluffing the outer fibres. Vacuum when dry, soft brush to agitate cleaner, or even gentle steam cleaning are better

 

[Ratboiler]

I used the Autoglym hood cleaner on a VXR220 over a 5 year period its very good and never let me down, even had water pooling on it but not coming in, when parked at Le Mans.

 

[AJ13]

Autoglym too.....does what's it's say.

 

[Lowrider]

I use to use Meguiars hood cleaner on my BMW Z4 then used Fabsil tent proofing to seal it with good results.

 

[Tel]

Still using gtechniq’s Smart Fabric V2 on everything fabric on our Jags. Seven years down the line and the rag top is champion.

Used to use all Autoglym products going back along and currently using their Ceramic spray on the PPF and on my bikes, it's brill. Apart from their infamous SRP on everyone's shelf, never tried the rest of the range.


Even hydrophobic shoe sprays work well!

 

[mac_in_scotland]

I have a VW camper along with the F. A lot of folk on the Camper groups recommended Fabisil for protecting the “Pop Top” canvas. I planned to use this on the F Type roof…

 

[SilverDreamMachine]

GTechniq product is excellent - and easily lasts 3 years if your car has some protection from the elements (a garage in my case). For what a new roof would cost, I would pay to get it professionally applied as it does need care. I found the product also improved the depth of colour on my black roof. Was very please with it.

One additional point to note - if you are looking to buy a convertible - pay attention to the roof - fabric condition, colour, whether it has been protected before. I saw so many 1-2 year old ex-Jaguar cars where the roof has not been looked after and in some cases marking that you won't get out! Don't let the dealer convince you otherwise.