Cabrio Cleaning

[Jerrers]

Can anyone recommend either a product, or company for cleaning my cabrio hood, as it's getting a bit scabby! I've tried the AutoGlym kit from Halfords, and it's OK, but my roof needs a really good clean, and reproof.

I live in Sussex, so any companies down this way would be appreciated.

cheers

[GrandTourer]

Sorry Jerrers, mine is a coupe so I am not faced with this problem. But I am sure some of the members with convertibles should be able to help.
You have the right car for weather like today

[mike020150]

Hi Jerrers,
I have a convertible and shortly after buying it I wanted to make sure the top was both clean and suitably proofed. So, I bought the Jaguar branded kit (probably made by Autoglym or somebody similar). The hood wasn't especially dirty to begin with but after re-proofing it looked very smart. I haven't come across any specialist cleaners for soft tops. Perhaps the task is too straightforward to warrant widespread availability of such a service? Mike.

[alanbyrne]

Go to Vertar website. I used their cleaner, recolour and weatherproofer. Came up a treat.
Alan

[ptjs1]

Renovo are big players in hood aftercare products. I have had good results with their cleaner on my XJS hood. They also have hood recolourant products and also reproofer products. Available from lots of places and readily available on the internet.

Paul

[MarkyM]

I second Paul's post as I have used Renova products on all of my previous 'mohair' hooded cars.

Secret is in the preparation:

1) Vaccum the hood with a brush attachment with something like a VAX
2) Use the hood cleaner paint on and then use a nail brush
3) Rinse with plenty of water ensuring you rinse thoroughly from bodywork
4) Allow to dry
5) vacuum again if you want to be picky
5) Use the reproofer carefully ensuring no spill onto bodywork
6) Allow to dry.

After then you should only need to condition once a year and reproof every 2-3...and NEVER EVER use a pressure washer on the hood, take your car through an automated carwash or use carwash products on it...just use a soft nailbrush to loosen any bird droppings and vaccum it.

Mark
PS: But then I clay-bar all of my cars each summer so am a little picky (